Island County is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking individual who enjoys working with County leadership to help implement the Board’s vision for Island County. The successful applicant will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work within a County structure where one is answerable to three Commissioners acting as the Board.

Under the direction of the Board of Island County Commissioners (BOICC or Board), the Chief of Staff plans, organizes and coordinates the management of executive and administrative functions assigned by the Board of Island County Commissioners. Provides organizational leadership and direction to Department Heads of Island County, as assigned by the Board. Accountable for the efficient and effective performance of those departments, including ensuring the achievement of Board-directed outcomes and results.

Advises and makes recommendations to the Board of Island County Commissioners regarding issues involving and affecting the County as directed by the Board. Develops, recommends, and implements County policy and directives. Makes recommendations on financial and budgetary matters.

Leads with exceptional personal character. Values and builds productive relationships. Demonstrates individual respect and personal commitment in all interactions with staff, other departments, and individuals within and served by County government. Cultivates high-functioning teams and creates organizational effectiveness.

• Serves as senior adviser and support to the Board of Island County Commissioners by keeping them informed on key matters. Ensures Board prioritized projects are moving forward, facilitates interdepartmental and Board discussion on critical issues and supports the Board’s deliberations with information on future trends and appropriate alternatives.
• Communicates and collaborates regularly with Board members on the status of projects, research, emergency issues and discussions that the Board has assigned to Department Heads and the Chief of Staff.
• Collaborates with the Chair of the Board and the Clerk of the Board in setting agendas for Board discussion.
• Administers and ensures employee understanding of the policies and procedures, values and directives adopted by the Board and ensures they are followed. 
• Implements projects and plans developed by the BOICC on their behalf. 
• Acts as liaison and intermediary between the Board and County departments and offices as it relates to the County’s administrative operations (internal policy development, budget strategy, risk management, legal compliance, etc.).
• Works with the BOICC on department and program organization structure, staffing, training and technology needs to most efficiently and effectively deliver County services.
• Based on the goals of the Board of Island County Commissioners, develops a Master Work Plan to guide both Department Heads and Elected Officials in developing department work plans.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with all Elected Officials and Department Heads to support accomplishment of County goals and objectives.
• Coordinates with other Island County Elected Officials to ensure their operations are supported as required and develops consensus with these offices in creating and implementing Countywide policies and procedures that may impact their  operations.
• Works with Department Heads, Elected Officials and the Budget Director to present prioritized County investments based on ongoing, long-term needs and constituent interest.
• Guides the interaction of cross-department/cross-functional work groups or task teams and recommends the identification and development of different or alternate funding sources in accordance with State and Federal law.
• At the direction of and in conjunction with the Board of Island County Commissioners, appoints, evaluates and, when necessary, removes Department Heads.
• Ensures Board values and outcomes are funded. Leads Board through spending prioritization process in conjunction with the Budget Director.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal laws, ordinances, service contracts, and all orders, policies, rules, procedures, work plans, budgets and regulations adopted by the Board of Island County Commissioners. This includes working closely with the Clerk of the Board.
• Creates and sustains a culture of continuous improvement.
• Conducts research and special studies as requested by the Board; prepares reports with recommendations for appropriate action.
• Prepares or delegates the preparation of a variety of documents, including resolutions, ordinances, contracts, correspondence, memoranda, reports, official documents, and similar materials as directed by the Board of Island County Commissioners.
• Attends Commissioner meetings, work sessions and other meetings as directed by  the Board.
• Represents the BOICC on committees, as directed by the Board.
• Maintains membership and contacts in appropriate professional associations to stay current on government issues and to represent the County, as directed by BOICC.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Communicate effectively, establish and maintain working relationships with a wide variety of people, including the Board, other County Elected Officials and Department Heads.
• Understand organizational dynamics and potential optics and assist leadership in considering those in all of their communications and advice to the Board.
• Knowledge of Washington State and local government policies and procedures; personnel management; management analysis and planning techniques.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate complex operations which affect management and budget; conduct management surveys and studies where directed by the Board.
• Effective leadership and decision-making skills, capable of having difficult conversations, including with Commissioners and other leadership, and ability to build and lead high functioning teams.
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Analytical ability and comfort asking the right questions that allow one to assimilate and evaluate technical data obtained from presentations, reports, studies, correspondence and surveys and report findings to the Board.
• Knowledge of County governmental operations and structure, including understanding the laws, rules, practices and procedures that govern Washington Counties.
• Strategic, astute and able to advise on the ramifications and consequences of decisions, both internally and to the community.
• Ability to effectively guide organizational leaders to process, evaluate and communicate data to the Board, along with recommendations so that the Board and leadership is fully informed when making decisions.
• Ability to address multiple audiences and advise on issues related to differing constituencies.
• Demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness in all interactions.
• Familiar with modern management practices, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and how best to utilize such practices to achieve organizational excellence.
• Familiarity and understanding of the subject matter areas that fall under the oversight responsibilities of this position, including higher level technology issues, human resources policy, labor negotiations process, etc.
• Ability to engage in and lead strategic conversations, take the Board’s direction and carry out those directives.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Possesses strong cultural competencies and skills and the ability to build coalitions and collaborative relationships.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, Master’s Degree or higher preferred.
• 7 or more years of demonstrated progressively responsible managerial and supervisory experience with executive level decision making in government. Equivalent private sector experience may be substituted.
• Experience in oversight of administrative programs and budgeting and ability to manage in a complex, rapidly changing environment. 
• Familiarity with Washington State and Island County Planning and Community Development codes, statutes and requirements a plus.
• Any equivalent combination which provides the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *