Chief Human Resources Officer

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.

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About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications beginning the week of October 26. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

Washington County is seeking a strategic and collaborative Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide countywide efforts to attract, develop, retain, and support a high-quality workforce while strengthening HR’s role as a trusted advisor. A strong foundation in public-sector HR is essential to navigate the operational, legal, and organizational complexities of this role.

Washington County is Oregon’s second-largest county, serving over 620,000 residents with more than 2,400 employees dedicated to fostering health, safety, and vibrant communities. As a mission-driven, community-centered organization, the County delivers a wide range of services guided by integrity, stewardship, accessibility, collaboration, and accountability. Through its “One Washington County” vision, the organization works collectively to design the future and ensure access to essential resources and opportunities.

The Human Resources Department includes approximately 50 HR and Risk professionals who provide expertise in talent acquisition, labor and employee relations, classification and compensation, learning and development, benefits and leave administration, HR business systems, and risk management.

Reporting to an Assistant County Administrator and serving as a member of the County Leadership Team, the CHRO leads a broad portfolio. This position strengthens the organization by equipping managers with effective tools, guidance, and training, and ensures employees have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed.

The CHRO will lead key projects, including:

• Leading the development and implementation of a strategic plan that sets clear direction for the Human Resources Department.
• Overseeing the planning and execution of a countywide classification and compensation project to advance fair, consistent, and transparent compensation practices.
• Modernizing the County’s Personnel Rules, Regulations, and standard operating procedures to ensure clarity, alignment, and organizational effectiveness.
• Strengthening internal communication within HR and across departments to build understanding, alignment, and support for process improvements.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive program that enhances supervisors’ ability to lead, support, train, and effectively manage their teams.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• Best practices across all major HR functions.
• Organizational development principles and workforce strategy.
• Organizational and management practices used to assess programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Budget development, fiscal administration, and financial controls.

Skills

• Developing and implementing short- and long-term plans with clear goals, actions, and performance measures.
• Collaborating with leaders and staff to implement organizational policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Preparing and delivering clear, well-organized presentations and written materials tailored to various audiences, including the Board of Commissioners, partner agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitating meetings, guiding decision-making, documenting outcomes, and ensuring follow-through.
• Managing organizational change within the department and across the County.

Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and requirements effectively and consistently.
• Thinking strategically while advancing departmental and countywide priorities.
• Providing strategic guidance to HR leaders through clear direction, coaching, and support.
• Building collaborative relationships with departmental leaders, cross-department partners, and the executive team.
• Deescalating challenging situations through clear, respectful, and timely communication.
• Providing oversight and guidance on labor relations, including bargaining strategy, contract administration, and approaches that foster effective labor-management relationships.
• Analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives, anticipating outcomes, and implementing recommendations aligned with organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Chief HR Officer Class Specification

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in a related field AND 10 years of relevant HR leadership experience, including 2 years in a public sector or government HR setting. OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND 8 years of relevant HR leadership experience, including 2 years in a public sector or government HR setting. OR
• Master’s degree in a related field AND 6 years of relevant HR leadership experience, including 2 years in a public sector or government HR setting.

Additional Requirements

• Must have the ability to arrange for timely transportation to attend required appointments and meetings at off-site locations.
• Completion of a comprehensive background check.

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.

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