State and Federal Government Relations Manager

About the Role

Under Executive Zahilays leadership we are making King County a high performing transparent government delivering services that improve residents lives. To advance this vision we are seeking a strategic collaborative and detail oriented State and Federal Government Relations Manager (Manager).

Under the direction of the Director of Government Relations the Manager advances King Countys values and legislative agenda by developing and executing strong relationships with state and federal elected officials and staff agencies and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the state and federal government relations program this capacity the Manager will work with the Director of Government Relations to:
  • Develop and implement the Countys legislative agenda work plan and post session implementation plan.
  • Serve as the lead in-person representative during the state legislative session and interim assembly days in Olympia.
  • Oversee the Countys contract lobbyists in partnership with the Director for the King County Council to ensure execution of the state and federal agenda.
  • Research and assess policy issues and make recommendations for the Executives leadership team.
  • Partner with the Policy & Innovation and Community Engagement and Response teamson legislative strategy and outreach efforts. Work collaboratively with King County agencies the King County Council and subject matter experts on bills analysis reports presentations and stakeholder engagement.
  • Prepare and review briefing materials talking points legislative correspondence and testimony.
  • Testify on behalf of King County in state legislative hearings and workgroups.
  • Track and analyze proposed legislation and budgets affecting King County and advocate for the Countys interests.
  • Coordinate feedback loop and produce timely legislative updates.
• Represent the Executive at meetings with elected officials their staff and stakeholders. Work across jurisdictions on intergovernmental issues. Respond to inquiries from elected officials and agencies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials their staff community partners and internal and external stakeholders.
• Research issues and legislative proposals and recommend strategies based on the impact to the County.

• A focus on being out in the region to connect and build relationships with those we serve and those with whom we partner.
• In the office a minimum of 3 days a week. Meetings may not have a call-in option for required in-person days and the expectation is to be in the office.
• Be on time respectful of others time and responsive when needed.
• Bring an urgency to the work. We will start fast. The work will be intense challenging and incredibly rewarding.
• Meetings will have written expectations including an agenda with the goals and outcomes. Owners and next steps will be clear.
• Processes and work will continuously improve.

Values

• Serve with integrity humility and empathy.
• Show initiative and work hard.
• Prioritize outcomes over optics.
• Center those most impacted and put boots on the ground.
• Resolve challenges with a yes and mindset.
• Work as one adaptable mission-driven team.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a State and Federal Government Relations Manager who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King Countys values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Washington state legislative engagement or a degree in law public policy government public administration or political science OR the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the legislative branch the legislative process and public engagement.
• Model a highly collaborative and relational work style with a focus on building and maintaining positive working relationships.
• Demonstrated success in legislative advocacy.
• Successfully navigate complex political government business and community environments.
• Strong ability to gather synthesize and communicate information to support sound decision making.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to join an adaptable and mission-driven team that shapes how King County delivers for its residents and center those most impacted. The State and Federal Relations Manager will play a pivotal role in creating a more unified efficient and resident-centered government.

The King County Executive Department serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency delivering on commitments with integrity transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles engage directly with communities and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team we uphold high ethical and frugal stewardship standards embrace change stay curious and continuously improve.

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. The team will represent the Executive with professionalismincluding responsible social media conductand respond promptly when contacted. Across all interactions we listen first act quickly and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health retirement and leave benefits
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Ability to make a meaningful impact on how King County delivers for its residents

Application Process

To apply please submit your résumé a brief cover letter and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the Executives vision for unified equitable and high-performing government.

For more information about the application process please contact Christina Jamerson at or .