Director - Permitting Divison

The Department of Local Services is seeking a Division Director for our Permitting Division to lead a high-impact team at the intersection of land use, development, and public service. This role shapes how communities grow—balancing efficiency, equity, and environmental stewardship while delivering clear, customer-focused permitting services. As Division Director, you'll set strategic direction, lead talented multidisciplinary product lines, and partner across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities to modernize permitting systems and improve outcomes for residents and businesses alike. If you're a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who thrives in complexity and believes public service can be both effective and human-centered, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional impact. Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, 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.

JOB DUTIES

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles 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. Provide strategic leadership and executive direction for the Permitting Division, ensuring alignment with Department of Local Services goals, County priorities, and the needs of unincorporated King County communities. Oversee all permitting programs and services for unincorporated King County, ensuring effective, consistent, and lawful administration across urban, rural, and resource land contexts. Lead and develop division leadership and management staff , including the Deputy Division Director, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. Establish division-wide performance goals and service standards , and ensure systems are in place to monitor outcomes related to timeliness, quality, customer service, equity, and transparency. Guide and sponsor organizational, process, and technology modernization efforts to improve permitting efficiency, customer experience, and long-term system sustainability. Serve as the primary executive representative for the Permitting Division , engaging with County leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, jurisdictions, tribes, community organizations, and the development community. Ensure consistent interpretation and application of County codes and policies , while supporting flexible, solution-oriented approaches to complex or high-profile permitting issues. Advance King County's Equity, Racial, and Social Justice principles by embedding equity, accessibility, and inclusion into permitting policies, practices, workforce development, and community engagement. Provide executive oversight of division budgeting and resource allocation , ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment of staffing and investments with service delivery priorities. Ensure legal compliance, risk management, and public accountability , including public records oversight, transparency obligations, and clear, accessible public communication. Values Serve with integrity. Show initiative and work hard. Prioritize outcomes over optics. Center those most impacted and put "boots on the ground." Solve problems with a "yes, and" mindset Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

Minimum qualifications: Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in permitting, land use regulation, development services, community development, or a closely related public-sector environment. At least five years of senior leadership experience overseeing managers and multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrated expertise in land use codes, zoning regulations, environmental review, building codes, and/or development permitting processes. Experience ensuring consistent, lawful interpretation and application of regulatory frameworks. Proven ability to lead large, complex operational programs with measurable performance goals and accountability systems. Experience managing significant operating budgets and aligning financial and staffing resources with strategic priorities. Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process improvement, or technology modernization initiatives.

Experience with:

SEPA Shoreline Management Act GMA building/code administration permitting technology systems Budget and organizational leadership Experience engaging effectively with elected officials, executive leadership, partner agencies, community stakeholders, and the development community. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, racial and social justice principles in policy development, operational practices, and community engagement.

Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in public administration, urban planning, law, engineering, or a related discipline. Experience leading enterprise-level permitting system modernization or digital transformation initiatives. Experience working in a large, complex county or metropolitan government organization. Familiarity with Washington State land use and growth management regulations. Professional certification relevant to permitting or planning (e.g., AICP, PE, ICC). Demonstrated track record of improving customer experience while maintaining regulatory integrity. Experience working collaboratively with tribal governments and historically underrepresented communities. Strong public-facing communication skills, including experience presenting to governing bodies or community groups. Supplemental Information

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a 45-minute virtual interview the week of June 8th. Candidates who advance past the first round of interviews will be asked to do meet & greets with a combination of community members, employees, and business partners from external departments, in addition to an in-person final interview the week of June 15th.

WHO MAY APPLY

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants . A King County application is required. Please include a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position with your submission For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Robert James at 206-263-9414 or robert.james@kingcounty.gov

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 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. We work in the office four days per week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS

This position has been designated Mission Critical - Those employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans. 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. Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. We are making King County a welco ming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. 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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.