COMMISSIONER'S EXECUTIVE AIDE

The salary for this position is: $5,791.00 - $7,722.00 monthly.

Thurston County Board of County Commissioner's is looking for a highly motivated individual to fill the Commissioner's Executive Aide position. This is an exciting opportunity for those with administrative experience seeking to support elected officials, work in a great environment, and receive excellent benefits. If you are looking to work closely with the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, Elected Officials, and department Directors, and provide exceptional customer service, this may be the job for you. The ideal candidate for this position will have solid experience providing executive-level administrative support in a fast-paced office environment

In this position you will be responsible to research and respond to inquiries from constituents, as well as internal and external agencies; coordinate the Commissioner's activities and agendas and ensure Commissioner is briefed and prepared for meetings; research and answer questions and provide information; schedule meetings between constituents, state and federal officials, elected offices, media, and other stakeholders.

This is an at-will position and may be terminated without cause.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops and conducts in-depth research regarding current issues. Collects and analyzes background data on all pending and future issues; prepares reports, charts graphs and spreadsheets as necessary. Prepares statistical and narrative reports on issues as assigned. May be called upon to conduct legislative and/or legal research to include bill research, RCWs, WACs and county codes.
• May be assigned to utilize project management methodology and best practices to manage special events, engagements, citizen issues and programs. Plans, schedules and reports on various projects, programs and initiatives.
• Performs a variety of administrative activities for the Commissioner, prepares meeting minutes, speeches, and information packets for a variety of meetings; arranges meetings, itineraries and calendars, makes travel arrangements, maintains schedules and compiles related cost information. Reviews and discusses mail with Commissioner and may draft appropriate response. Coordinates with public information staff.
• Attends various meetings as the Commissioner's representative and debriefs Commissioner. May assist with related committees by providing information, background information, and may attend or schedule/coordinate committee meetings as assigned.

To view the full job classification, click HERE .

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Primarily performed in an office environment. Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills are essential in handling sensitive issues with constituents.
• Schedule - May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel Requirements - Travel to meetings and site visits around the County is required.
• Customer Interactions - May have tense or emotionally charged interactions with frustrated constituents while working through complex issues.

WHO WE ARE:

The Thurston County Commissioners Office is home to five Commissioner's, their Executive Aides, the County Manager, and two Assistant County Managers. It includes Program, Public Information Team and the Clerk of the Board, Office Receptionist, and an Executive Assistants.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.

HAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Four years of increasingly responsible office experience, preferably in a public organization, or any combination of education and experience in which the Executive Aide can successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to utilize a computer with applicable software to perform the essential job functions of the position, which includes, word processing, spreadsheet design and analysis, creation of presentations, research, database management, social media support, etc.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License may be required.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration or other closely related field.
• Direct experience working with an elected official.
• Knowledge of Open Public Meetings Act, Legislative process, and local government.
• Attentive to details.
• Skill in drafting, editing, and finalizing written documents.
• Ability to keep information confidential.
• Ability to learn quickly, look for solutions, and apply good judgment.
• Ability to organize and document information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and complete tasks effectively.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.).

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Maria Aponte at (360) 786-5498 or apontem@co.thurston.wa.us .