Chief Administrative Officer

This position is only open to current King County employees.

The Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking a collaborative strategic and equity-centered Chief Administrative Officer to lead key policy planning government relations and organizational performance functions. As a core member of the Directors Office this leader will play a critical role in shaping how DLS advances service delivery strengthens partnerships and responds to the priorities of unincorporated King County communities. The Chief Administrative Officer will provide strategic leadership guide high-impact initiatives and support the Director in navigating complex sensitive and high-profile issues. If you are a seasoned public-sector leader who thrives on cross-agency collaboration policy development and improving how government works we encourage you to apply.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of unincorporated King County and influence how county government delivers on its commitments to community members. If you are energized by work that blends strategy policy operations and community impact this is a powerful opportunity to help lead change at a county-wide scale.

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.

Applyingequity racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values behaviors and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Lead and oversee the Departments Policy Government Relations Best Run Government programs Long Range Planning and Code Writing programs.

• Collaborate across departments divisions and external stakeholders to address complex community complaints and ensure the County is responsive to community needs and priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to senior managers and project teams working within the assigned functional areas.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Department Director representing the department in high-profile and politically sensitive matters.
• Facilitate interagency coordination and develop strategic approaches to policy development legislative affairs and long-term planning initiatives.
• Drive initiatives to support a high-performing organization that models best practices in government operations and exemplary customer service.
• Support the departments engagement with County Executive City officials County Council and other governmental bodies.
• Manage communication flow and ensure the Director and leadership team are well-prepared with relevant information and materials for meetings and public events.
• Identify critical issues impacting public trust and departmental effectiveness and lead efforts to resolve them collaboratively.
• Promote an inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department goals.

Minimum qualifications:

• More than 10years of progressive leadership experience in government public administration policy development land use planning legislative affairs or a similarly complex public-sector environment.
• More than 10yearsofexperience leading or advising executive leadership on high-visibility politically sensitive or cross-agency issues.
• Demonstrated ability to apply racial and social justice principles to policy development operations program design and decision-making.
• At least 7 yearsofexperience supervising or leading teams including setting expectations managing performance and supporting staff development.
• Strong skills in strategic thinking problem-solving analysis facilitation and communication.
• Knowledge of King County intergovernmental processes and direct experience applying.
• Experience building relationships and collaborating with elected officials community groups intergovernmental partners and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex workloads navigate competing priorities and exercise sound judgment in fast-paced or ambiguous environments.
• Proficiency with business applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word Outlook Excel PowerPoint Teams).

Desired Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in policy development long-range planning legislative affairs government relations or interagency coordination.
• Experience working in a labor-represented or unionized environment.
• Experience supporting or leading Best Run Government continuous improvement or organizational performance initiatives.
• Knowledge of land use community planning or local government regulatory systems.
• Experience working with elected officials legislative bodies or cross-jurisdictional partnerships.
• Demonstrated success addressing complex community concerns or resolving issues with high public visibility.
• Experience managing change guiding multi-disciplinary project teams or leading organizational development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of King County government local governance structures or regional planning issues.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:The classification of this position is Chief of Staff I. The 2026 pay range for this position will be $172757.31-$218980.11 annually.

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening and are selected to move forward will be invited for a 30-minute in-person interview.

WHO MAY APPLY:
This recruitment is only open to current King County Employees.This posting 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: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. 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.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT