Policy and Government Relations Director (Government Relations Officer)
Policy and Government Relations Director (Government Relations Officer)
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Job Description
Summary
About King Countys Department of Local ServicesKing Countys Department of Local Services (DLS) serves as the primary point of contact for unincorporated King County residents ensuring equitable access to resources services and representation. DLS works to enhance quality of life prioritize sustainable development and foster collaborative partnerships between residents and King County government.
Position Overview
The Policy and Government Relations Director (Government Relations Officer) will be a key strategic leader within DLS serving as the principal advisor to the Department Director on legislative matters driving the departments legislative agenda cultivating effective relationships and partnerships and advocating for policies that enhance the welfare of unincorporated communities. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer this role involves serving as the principal liaison between the department elected officials community organizations and other government entities.
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 commitment to 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
Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills
A Bachelors Degree in Public Administration or a related field or equivalent combination of experience and education and a minimum of four years experience performing senior-level policy analysis political strategy development and intergovernmental relations for the public sector are required. Additional required qualifications include:
- Demonstrated experience with state federal and local legislative processes including committee oversight and legislation management.
- Established ability to cultivate and sustain collaborative relationships with diverse partners to advance shared priorities and achieve coordinated outcomes.
- Extensive experience consulting on developing and implementing political strategies for governmental agencies.
- Proven track record in developing and analyzing public policy within a governmental or public sector context.
- Successful experience working with government agencies community organizations and private sector businesses to develop and execute projects and strategies.
- Direct experience with government-sponsored committees and task forces including the development of political strategies and project management.
- Strong ability to serve as a liaison for elected officials maintaining productive relationships and facilitating communication.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking with a demonstrated ability to convey complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Strong strategic focus analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges.
- Proven negotiation conflict resolution and decision-making skills with the ability to make independent sound judgments.
- Demonstrated political sensitivity media relations skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Desired Qualifications- An advanced degree in Public Administration or a related field is highly desirable.
- Previous experience as a liaison and/or policy advisor for elected officials.
- Experience building sound working relationships with elected officials and community leaders throughout Seattle and King County.
Supplemental Information
Interview Schedule:If you are selected for an interview you will be invited for a 45-minute panel interview the week of September 22 2025.
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.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: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. For more detailed information please visit HR Policy County OperationsDuring Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
Union Membership:This position is non-represented.
Remote & Onsite Work:The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work. The successful candidate may be expected to report to the office for onsite work typically 3-4 times per week. The frequency of onsite work may vary based on business or operational needs and be adjusted accordingly. The primary onsite location is King Street Center 201 S. Jackson St 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.
King County has a robust collection oftools and resourcesto support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the departments hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection 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:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
