Community Relations Program Manager

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

The Community Relations Manager contributes to the Department of Housing Service's mission of creating pathways out of homelessness, promoting housing stability, and investing in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents by leading a team overseeing a variety of strategic work and relationships with key stakeholders including advisory bodies, community engagement, and strategic and public communications. This position works in collaboration with various departments, public agencies, and community-based organizations to advance strategic policy and project objectives for the Department.

• Works closely with departmental leadership to identify, develop, and implement a variety of strategic initiatives to advance the work of the department.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships and communications with internal and external audiences or stakeholders, including the public, the media, partner agencies and jurisdictional partners across the County and region.
• Oversees the direction of a complex structure of advisory bodies that provide guidance to the Department, coordinating with programmatic leaders to translate technical content into policy considerations for advisory body engagement.
• May represent the Department on various committees or advisory bodies or in public meetings.
• Oversees the preparation of materials and often drafts materials that outline the Department's objectives, policies, and processes.
• Provides supportive supervision to a diverse team, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

• Demonstrates a commitment to public service, and innovation in government.
• Possesses knowledge of public administration and an understanding of programs and services to address homelessness and create housing stability.
• Communicates effectively and with strategic messaging and shows familiarity with diverse communication approaches including media relations, public information, and community involvement.
• Has experience facilitating collaborative processes such as advisory bodies, coalition tables or other groups of stakeholders convened to advance major bodies of work.
• Utilizes problem‑solving skills, proactively identifying and supporting creative and viable business solutions.
• Effectively leads and supervises staff and works with peers and leadership across departments to manage and advance program objectives.

• Master's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research‑related field, or other related field; AND Three (3) years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role.
• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research‑related field, or other related field; AND Five (5) years of relevant professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role.

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. Veterans’ Preference and reasonable accommodation are available to eligible applicants. For more information, contact Gregory Garabedian, Talent Acquisition Business Partner (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).