Job Description
The Department of Local Services Director's Office is seeking a strategic, senior leader to serve as Comprehensive Plan Manager (Government Relations Officer), responsible for leading King County's Comprehensive Plan work program and advancing countywide and regional planning initiatives. This role sits at the center of some of the County's most visible and complex policy work. You will provide strategic direction, cross-agency leadership, and senior-level coordination for the Comprehensive Plan, ensuring alignment with state requirements, regional frameworks, and County priorities. King County is at an inflection point. Growth, housing affordability, climate impacts, and infrastructure demands are reshaping our communities. This role will help guide how we respond—partnering across departments, jurisdictions, and communities to shape a future that is equitable, resilient, and inclusive. In this role, you will: Lead and manage a high-profile portfolio of planning and policy initiatives, including updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan and related policy frameworks Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and elected officials on land use, growth management, and regional planning issues Oversee complex policy development, research, and analysis to inform legislative and executive decision-making Supervise and mentor a professional staff member and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team This position requires a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, navigating political dynamics, managing people, and delivering results . About the
Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services, and Permitting. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas. Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. Applying equity and racial and social justice is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. To be considered, for this opportunity, you must at a minimum demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and ability to: Strategic Leadership & Comprehensive Planning Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the King County Comprehensive Plan and associated policy frameworks Establish strategic direction for long-range planning work, aligning County priorities with Growth Management Act requirements, regional policies, and community needs Advise County leadership, including the Executive's Office and potentially Council, on complex planning, policy, and growth management issues Identify emerging issues and develop strategies to address long-term land use, housing, environmental, and infrastructure challenges Policy Development & Legislative Strategy Direct and oversee the development of policy proposals, code amendments, and legislative packages connected with the Comp Plan Evaluate policy tradeoffs and risks, incorporating legal, operational, financial, and political considerations Contribute to and help shape the County's legislative agenda related to land use and growth management Interdepartmental Leadership Build and maintain relationships with staff and leadership in King County Departments, Executive's Office, and County Council Staff. Lead interdepartmental collaboration to advance shared planning goals Collaborate with County departments to align policy direction and implementation Program & Team Management Supervise and support a senior planner / demographer position. Oversee work planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across a complex portfolio of projects Ensure high-quality deliverables, on-time project completion, and alignment with strategic goals Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture Community Engagement & Public Communication Guide inclusive engagement strategies that center historically underrepresented communities Communicate complex policy and planning concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences Present to elected officials, community groups, and regional partners Education & Core Qualifications Bachelor's degree in planning, public policy, urban studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in long-range planning, policy development, or related work Three (3) or more years of leadership experience , including managing staff or major programs Planning, Policy & Legislative Expertise Deep knowledge of Washington State planning frameworks, including the Growth Management Act, SEPA, and Shoreline Management Act Experience leading or contributing to comprehensive planning efforts or similarly complex policy initiatives Demonstrated experience developing legislation, policy proposals, or regulatory frameworks Strong understanding of land use law, planning processes, and development dynamics Strong Instincts & Political Acumen Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and competing priorities Ability to build partnerships and influence outcomes across organizations Experience working with or advising senior leadership Leadership & Management Experience managing teams, programs, or large cross-functional initiatives Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Ability to set direction, make decisions, and ensure accountability Communication & Facilitation Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences Skilled facilitator and collaborator across disciplines and perspectives Desired Qualifications:
Master's degree in planning, public administration, or related field Experience with regional planning bodies (e.g., PSRC, GMPC) or similar Experience leading large-scale, high-visibility policy or planning initiatives Knowledge of King County government structure and regional policy landscape Experience integrating equity and community engagement into planning processes Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a virtual interview in the week of July 13, 2026 . Final interviews will be in-person on the week of July 20, 2026. Who May Apply:
This position is open to all qualified applicants. This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) career service position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional vacancies in the same classification that may occur within the next six months. Forms and Materials:
A completed King County Application is required. A resume, supplemental question responses, and cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your background and describing how you meet or exceed the required qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience listed in this job announcement is also required. Selection Process:
Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: star-la_interview_method.pdf Work Schedule:
The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work on the weekends, outside of normal business hours. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. Emergency Designation Status:
This position has been designated as: Non- Mission Critical in an Emergency Employees:
Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT
This position will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. Work Location :
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at King Street Center ( 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104 ) Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work in a hybrid environment. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Janice Antonio , HR Analyst, by email at jantonio@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at (206)263-2003.
