Special Projects Manager I

JOB The Department of Local Services (DLS) is recruiting an experienced procurement, contracting, and special projects manager. This position will act as lead for special projects in the Director's Office requiring procured and contracted services, including consultant contracts, for varied projects and services, such as removing barriers to affordable housing and battery energy storage system siting analysis and toolkit, and other long range planning policies. This position may complete research projects and write proviso responses, and may provide direct or indirect supervision, mentoring, and coaching for Project Program Managers.

This position will report to the Chief of Staff and will work collaboratively with the Chief Administrative Officer and their planning and code writing teams, as well as the Chief Financial Officer and their fiscal team.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Serve as the lead for special projects within the Director's Office, overseeing initiatives that require contracted services, including consultant contracts, scopes of work, procurement processes, and vendor management.

Manage and coordinate complex, cross departmental projects such as initiatives that remove barriers to affordable housing and development of a battery energy storage system siting analysis and toolkit.

Conduct research on special initiatives and draft budget proviso responses to the Executive's Office and King County Council.

Oversee development, implementation, and compliance for contracts supporting a variety of policy, planning, and operational initiatives, ensuring all deliverables meet project objectives, timelines, and county requirements.

Identify, recommend, and implement continuous quality improvement opportunities for procurement and contracting processes and procedures.

Provide direct or indirect supervision, mentoring, and coaching to at least one Project Program Manager, guiding procurement development, implementation, and contracting activities.

Collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff to align special projects with department priorities and strategic direction.

Work in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer and associated planning and code-writing teams to coordinate analytical, policy, and legislative elements of projects.

Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer and fiscal teams to ensure accurate budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal oversight for all projects and contracts under the role's purview.

Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement activities, including facilitation of meetings, presentations, and consultations with community partners, consultants, and county leadership.

Develop reports, recommendations, and briefing materials for department leadership, elected officials, and external partners to support decision-making and project advancement.

Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain high standards of project quality and accountability throughout project lifecycles.

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for first interviews the week of June 8, 2026 and final interviews will be in-person on the week of June 15, 2026.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.

Who May Apply:

This position is open to all qualified applicants.

Forms and Materials:

A completed King County Application is required. A resume 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. 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 who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritizedUnless 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.

Union Membership:

This position is not represented.

Teleworking Requirement:

We 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) EmployerNo 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.