Sheriffs Office Administrative Services Manager

The King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) is seeking an experienced professional to lead the legal, public disclosure, records management and the firearms licensing & compliance units within the Records and Licensing Services Section. This position oversees the administrative, operational and financial functions of the section, including management of a multi-million-dollar budget and associated grants. Key responsibilities include supervising civilian staff and subordinance supervisors; managing high-liability public records, subpoena responses, litigation holds; providing legal testimony and testifying in court; and serving as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders. The positions also leads policy development and implementation, and responds to major operational and legal issues as they arise. This role requires extensive, sustained subject matter expertise across evolving legal, legislative, and compliance landscapes. Continuity is essential for preserving institutional knowledge, informing sound decision-making, and mitigating legal risk for the agency.

WHO MAY APPLY

This job is only open internally to King County employees. The King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency for all unincorporated areas of King County and delivers law enforcement services to the Muckleshoot Tribe, 13 cities, two transit agencies, and the King County International Airport through contracts using contracting rate models. KCSO also provides regional-level support services to other local law enforcement agencies such as air support and search and rescue. The department has over 1,200 full-time positions, a biennial budget of nearly $700 million and serves 2.1 million people. To learn more about us, please visit: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/sheriff To be considered qualified, applicants must demonstrate a background that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability to: Provide supervisory oversight and direction for assigned personnel, including technical assistance, resource allocation, and monitoring of policy compliance, work performance and quality. Guide, motivate, and evaluate subordinate personnel. Conduct formal and informal counseling to address work deficiencies and develop skills. Review and act on disciplinary recommendations from subordinate supervisors and managers. Champion a culture of wellness and belonging by developing initiatives that support employee mental health, promote work-life balance, and foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected and connected. Provide agency-wide oversight and training related to the Public Records Act (PRA), records management principles, firearms laws, and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Investigate allegations of personnel misconduct and internal or public complaints; document findings and make solution-oriented recommendations. Complete documentation necessary to support commendations or disciplinary actions Analyze human resource needs, develop and monitor staffing models and formulate plans to address workforce needs, including initiating re-organization as warranted. Develop, manage, and monitor training and compliance with state records management regulations and section services. Participate in policy development at state and regional levels. Serve as subject matter expert for evaluating and recommending technology solutions. Provide depositions related to records management systems, processes and policies. Evaluate the effectiveness of assigned programs and adjust as necessary to ensure attainment of goals, overall quality control, and adherence to legal and policy requirements. Review, interpret and explain case law, orders, policies, procedures, records, reports and other operational information. Manage Complex complaints, appeals, and investigations; evaluate evidence, exemptions, documentation, and policy compliance, and review written findings. Conduct studies and analysis related to technology, staffing, trends, and program effectiveness. Make decisions regarding data collection and analytical methodology. Prepare detailed analytical, statistical, budget and narrative reports. Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with employees, community members, and public leaders. Serve as a liaison to other law enforcement agencies and provide leadership on committees. Make formal presentations to civic groups, contract agency governing bodies, local media and law enforcement organizations regarding transparency, policies, procedures, and best practices related to the KCSO's PRA compliance. Serve as primary contact for media PRA. Develop long-range plans addressing budgetary, personnel, and equipment needs. Develop and manage the section budget, including revenue forecasts, budget analysis and defense, resource allocation, and oversight of grants, studies, projects and programs. Recommend and approve purchases. Serve as the agency's Public Records Officer (PRO) and Agency Records Officer (ARO). Perform other duties as assigned. A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing public records functions in a law enforcement or government setting, including hands-on experience with Public Records Act (PRA) requests, records retention schedules, and the management of complex or sensitive records. A minimum of five ( 5) years of progressively responsible experience managing public records, with expertise in records management principles, archival best practices, and applicable legal and operational requirements. Proficiency in electronic records management systems (ERMS), SharePoint, and digital preservation tools Knowledge of management, human resources and labor relations principles and practices, including administration of collective bargaining agreements Knowledge of state and federal firearms laws, NIBRS requirements, Public Records Act (PRA), Model Rules and related case law. Knowledge of succession planning, budget and fiscal management principles and techniques Skills in: Supervising and evaluating staff, including identifying performance issues, implementing corrective action, and providing constructive feedback Drafting clear, concise procedural directives, correspondence, reports, and policies Facilitating meetings and interviews, including directing individuals and groups toward productive outcomes Operating effectively in politically sensitive environments Strategic planning, project management, and prioritization across competing demands Managing large or complex programs, units, or sections Developing recommendations and making sound decisions under both routine and emergency conditions Using Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, eDiscovery tools, and other relevant proprietary software Communicating and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the ability to build consensus and influence others Researching, analyzing, and evaluating information to inform decisions and establish priorities

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

A minimum of five (5) years of experience leading or managing a team, including direct responsibility for hiring recommendations, onboarding, performance evaluations, corrective action, and staff mentoring and development. Candidates should also demonstrate advanced proficiency in the following areas: Conflict resolution, facilitation, negotiation, and mediation Written and verbal communication across diverse audiences Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, forecasting, and data or statistical analysis

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Working knowledge of KCSO policies and procedures related to operations, critical incident response, and applicable local, regional, state, federal agency resources and notification requirements Working knowledge of KCSO contract agency administrative policies, resources, and non-commissioned staffing for both emergency and non-emergency situations

TO APPLY

Applications submitted without the following required application materials will be deemed incomplete and be removed from consideration: 1. King County application 2. Completed supplemental questions 3. Cover letters and/or resumes are encouraged but not required

SELECTION PROCESS

Application materials will be screened for writing accuracy, clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. Answers to supplemental questions will assist in determining your qualifications for further consideration.

TIMELINE

Late June 2026: Oral Board Exam (scored interview), in-person, either in Seattle or Renton. Candidates who pass the Oral Board Exam will be placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List in rank order of the total score. A final interview for the top ranked candidates may be scheduled by the King County Sheriff's Office.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

UNION

MEMBERSHIP

This position is not represented by a union.

WORK SCHEDULE

Typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with some evening, night, and weekend work as necessary. This position is exempt from the provisions of the FLSA and is not overtime eligible. The position's primary work location will be at the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave. Seattle. County employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact: Michelle Kobuki, Human Resource Analyst, Civil Service michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov 206-477-4740 This is a civil service position. You can access information regarding the Civil Service at King County Civil Service Rules.