Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.
Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Job Type:
RegularPay Range:
$121,826.76 - $155,524.08 SalaryDepartment:
Sheriff's OfficeFLSA Exemption Status:
ExemptAbout the Opportunity:
The Public Affairs Manager serves as a key member of the Sheriff's Office leadership team and is responsible for directing comprehensive public relations, communications, media engagement, and marketing efforts. This role oversees the Sheriff's Office Public Affairs unit, providing strategic direction, supervising professional staff, and ensuring that communication programs effectively support organizational goals. The Public Affairs Manager develops and implements high-profile communication strategies using written, electronic, social, and web‑based media to inform and engage the public, news organizations, community partners, and internal stakeholders. The position leads the creation and dissemination of timely, accurate, and operationally aligned information, including responses to media inquiries and coordination of communications on breaking news, public campaigns, and sensitive issues.
This role establishes policies and guidelines for communication practices, strengthens the organization’s public image and branding, and fosters cross departmental alignment on messaging. The Public Affairs Manager collaborates closely with leadership to shape public understanding of key programs and initiatives, represents the Sheriff's Office at community and stakeholder events, and leads efforts to support transparency, community engagement, and equitable access to information. The position requires strong leadership, strategic judgment, and the ability to navigate complex communication challenges. It emphasizes relationship building, effective supervision, cross functional coordination, and the development of communication tools and processes that reflect organizational values and enhance public trust.
Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Expertise in public relations, media relations, marketing, and strategic communications within a large or complex organization.
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to supervise professional staff and guide high‑profile communication initiatives.
Advanced ability to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies using written, digital, social, and web‑based media.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, accurate, and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
Skill in navigating sensitive, high‑profile, or politically complex issues and providing sound strategic counsel to executive leadership. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including media, community groups, and internal partners.
Strong analytical and planning abilities, including evaluating communication effectiveness and adapting strategies based on results.
Knowledge of public sector operations, including governmental processes, regulations, and the role of public communication in local government.
To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Public Affairs and Communications Manager.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree AND Five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, community outreach, communications, public information programs, or related work within a complex organization, which includes at least two (2) of the five (5) years in direct service to the operational needs of a law enforcement or large land use/public works organization and supervision/management of staff.
Additional Requirements
Selected candidate must be able to pass a Post-offer Drug Screen.
Must become Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) qualified upon hire.
Background Investigation: The selected finalist(s) for this position must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office. The background Investigation for this position typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete, so you will want to plan accordingly. The information that will be required when you complete the Personal History Statement includes, but is not limited to:
- Employment Information (past 10 years or back to age 17; 3 coworkers will be requested from each past employer)
- Residential Information (past 10 years or back to age 17)
- Financial Information
- References (6 without using the same people as coworkers or supervisor references)
- Family Member Information
- Driving History
- Past/Present Drug Use and/or Controlled Substances
- Criminal History
About the Department/Division:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency located in Hillsboro, Oregon, serving the county's urban and rural residents. WCSO enhances public safety by fostering professionalism, compassion, and trust within its team and the communities it serves. WCSO is the primary first responder for unincorporated residents, offering services from routine patrol and crime investigation to specialized teams. The WCSO also operates the county’s only jail and provides contract services to cities within the county.
Public Affairs serves as the bridge between the Sheriff’s Office and the communities we serve, providing strategic communication, community engagement, and public information services that support the agency’s mission and priorities. The team oversees media relations, crisis and emergency communications, digital and social media, public education campaigns, community outreach, branding, and stakeholder engagement. By delivering timely, accurate, and accessible information, Public Affairs promotes transparency, strengthens public trust, and helps connect community members, elected officials, partner organizations, and employees with the work and services of the Sheriff’s Office.
Selection Process:
You can review our standard selection process here.
Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.
Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [email protected] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.
Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Laura ArandaEmail Address:
[email protected]Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- Five (5) years professional experience in public relations, community outreach, communications, public information programs, or related work within a complex organization
- At least two (2) of the five years in direct service to the operational needs of a law enforcement or large land use/public works organization and supervision/management of staff
- Ability to pass a post-offer drug screen
- Must become Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) qualified upon hire
- Ability to pass a thorough background investigation (includes employment, residential, financial, references, driving, drug use, criminal history)
What We Do
Washington County is a local government entity dedicated to providing excellent and cost-effective services that support healthy, peaceful, safe, and sustainable communities. The organization manages various public services and infrastructure for its residents, ensuring the well-being and security of the local population through comprehensive programs, including community health, safety, and social services such as juvenile counseling.
