Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer)
Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer)
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Job Description
Summary
Join our team! The Department of Local Services (DLS) is hiring a Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer). Were looking for a proven senior manager to lead and supervise a team of seven experienced code writers and subarea planners (both similar to long-range planners in other jurisdictions) in shaping land use and environmental regulations that direct growth and development and protect public safety clean water and salmon habitat especially in the face of climate change. This is a unique opportunity to shape development regulations in King County Washington. Our work is grounded in equity guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan and shaped by the communities we serve especially historically underrepresented groups. You will apply best practices to decision-making support clear communications and community engagement and navigate potentially conflicting policy priorities.
You will have successfully led a portfolio of projects that lead to the development of legislative proposals including policy initiatives and Comprehensive Plan and code amendments particularly in areas where sensitivity to political dynamics is important. Youll lead staff who are working closely with community members and colleagues to assess community needs analyze data brainstorm new ideas and propose practical solutions.
This position serves in the Department of Local Services Directors Office. You will collaborate closely with DLS leadership and professionals from across King County departments (who bring expertise in areas including economic development permitting housing environmental protection open space public health equity and social justice and more) to support inclusive strategic and future-focused planning. You will also represent the priorities of the long-range planning work program in collaboration with leaders across King County including Executive Office Regional Planning Washington State and King County Council liaisons.
Excellent communication skills are essential along with a comprehensive understanding of how land use and zoning decisions affect urban and rural communities particularly historically marginalized communities. The role will include daytime and occasional evening and weekend commitments for community meetings including presentations to leadership elected leaders community groups and other agencies.
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. We are committed to our True North values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. 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
To be considered for this opportunity you must at a minimum demonstrate the knowledge skill and ability to:
Management
- Lead and supervise a team of seven subarea planners and code writers (long-range planners).
- Direct development and updates of land use zoning and environmental policies and codes in collaboration with regional partners.
- Balance community needs legislative mandates and County initiatives to streamline King Countys development codes and ensure equitable land-use outcomes.
Strategic Planning
- Execute the departments strategic work plan for long-range planning including updates to regulations and policies related to land use development environmental protection subarea planning housing and other initiatives with input from community members department leadership Regional Planning and the Executives Office.
- Balance the long-range planning work plan with code amendments to streamline and simplify King Countys development codes.
- Execute policy initiatives in alignment with the DLS strategic work plan the Comprehensive Plan and the Growth Management Act.
- Collaborate with DLS senior leadership including the Director of Permitting and the Director of Policy and Government Relations to identify and negotiate priorities project scopes and resource allocations (as needed).
- Contribute to the development of the legislative agenda for DLS in collaboration with the Policy and Government Relations Director.
- Review State legislation for impacts to King County Code. Ensure that legislation is responded to in a timely manner and the Countys position is clearly defined.
Policy Development
In addition to leading the day-to-day work of the team
- Collaborate with Director of Permitting and DLS Policy and Government Relations Director to oversee legislative priorities and agendas when related to land-use and environmental code.
- Establish and maintain relationships with DLS partner departments to further the policy priorities.
- Review and contribute to legislation policy and reports developed by the team.
- Work with Permitting managers and Finance leads to assess the financial and operational implications of potential policy initiatives.
- Collaborate with Permitting staff to ensure code amendments are aligned with permitting practices and support their implementation through the development of public information materials and staff training.
Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills
Education & Core Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in planning urban studies or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five years leadership experience managing staff and developing and applying local land use policy and codes in rural or urban environments that meet evolving state and federal requirements.
- Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes requirements and economics as well as best practices for code standards design guidelines and plan policies that support community and government goals.
- Knowledge of Washingtons legal planning framework including the Growth Management Act Shorelines Act and State Environmental Policy Act.
- Knowledge of the planning framework in King County including multi-county and countywide planning policies and comprehensive plans.
Policy Code & Legislative Experience
- Five years experience in drafting and/or editing legislation at a local state or federal government agency.
- Experience with King County Washington State and Federal code promulgation process or similar including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers.
- Demonstrated experience and passion for identifying and resolving policy and code barriers and conflicts to effectively advance growth management objectives and support diverse governmental goals.
- Strong understanding of land use law including legal theory and principles with the ability to identify issues assess risks and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed.
Communication & Facilitation Skills
- Outstanding writing skills both technical and non-technical with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences.
- Skilled in building collaborative relationships communicating policy priorities and advancing initiatives in alignment with key partner interests.
- Exceptional communication skills: ability to listen provide feedback and negotiate outcomes as needed.
- Skill at facilitating diverse groups of participants to express their views and help design solutions in a constructive and non-threatening environment.
Technical & Project Management Proficiency
- Proficient in Microsoft Office SharePoint and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work.
- Strong project management skills with a record of on-time project delivery.
Desired Qualifications
- Masters or professional degree in public administration urban/regional planning architecture and use law or a related field or combination of education and professional experience that provides knowledge skills and abilities to perform job requirements.
- Seven years leadership experience managing staff and a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning code development and legislative projects.
- Knowledge of the King County government its mandates and functions and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to apply both law and science to policy and code development.
- Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues regional initiatives and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.
- Experience developing and implementing complex communications strategies.
- Proven track record of successfully navigating complex political and organizational environments including serving as a liaison to elected officials intergovernmental partners and senior government leadership.
Supplemental Information
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual interview the week of 8/11/25.
WHO MAY APPLY:This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service term-limited temporary short-term temporary and or/special duty positions over the next six months.
APPLICATION PROCESS:A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter summarizing how you meet the experience qualifications knowledge and skills for the position.
Applicants will be screened for clarity completeness and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
For interviewing tips please see the STAR-LA method:
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.EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:This position has been designatedNon-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed suspended or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.
UNION MEMBERSHIP:This position is non-represented.
TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position will include regular and ongoing in-office work.Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. 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 (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.
Together with leadership and our employees were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a differenceCome join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.
Guided by our True North we are making King County a welcoming 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.
For more information regarding this recruitment please contact:
Erika Yanak
Senior HR Analyst
Required Experience:
Manager
Employment Type
Full-Time
