Assistant Chief of Staff (Strategic Planning Manager II)

The Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking anAssistant Chief of Staff(Strategic Planning Manager II)to serve in the Directors Office supporting department-wide leadership strategic integration and operational excellence. This position plays a critical role in advancing the Directors priorities strengthening coordination across divisions and ensuring that Road Services priorities are consistently elevated in decision-making planning and execution.

Reporting directly to the DLS Chief of Staff this role operates at the intersection of strategy operations and policy. The Strategic Planning Manager II provides executive-level support on complex high-impact initiatives including the departments transition to a future-of-work model emergency management and response inter-jurisdictional coordination and the integration of transportation and road services priorities across DLS. The position also represents the Department in Countywide and regional forums and provides leadership across inter-departmental and inter-divisional teams.

Equity Racial and Social Justice are foundational to this role. The successful candidate will apply equity principles dailyshaping policies processes and outcomes that promote fairness accountability and meaningful community impact. This position requires a strategic thinker and trusted advisor who can navigate complex systems lead through collaboration and deliver results in a dynamic public-sector environment.

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 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.

Applying equity 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 all aspects of DLSs transition to a future-of-work model including repositioning the departments physical footprint and implementing a sustainable balance of remote and on-site work reporting to the DLS Director and Chief of Staff.
• Ensure Road Services Division priorities and strategic initiatives are fully integrated into Directors Office decision-making planning communications and departmental leadership processes; advise the Director on road infrastructure safety and critical issues.
• Represent the DLS Director in County-level inter-departmental and inter-jurisdictional planning groups particularly those impacting transportation mobility and roads.
• Lead manage and supervise an intermediate manager responsible for logistical and operational support to major DLS initiatives including emergency response administrative functions and customer care.
• Lead DLS emergency management and response efforts coordinating with other jurisdictional partners (e.g. Seattle Public Utilities) and serve as the DLS liaison to the Emergency Management Coordinating Committee.
• Serve as the Directors Office liaison with Roads and Permitting Division public records request leads.
• Provide oversight of core administrative functions including team meetings gatherings and events ensuring alignment with Directors Office priorities and Road Services integration.
• Develop update and ensure department-wide understanding and implementation of standard operating policies and procedures that support equitable ethical efficient and effective service delivery across DLS with emphasis on Road Services.
• Integrate key strategic guidance into all areas of responsibility including the King County Values and Priorities the King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan the DLS Business Plan and Road Services strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership and matrix management of inter-jurisdictional inter-departmental and inter-divisional teams to accomplish Executive- and Department-directed goals; serve on the DLS Leadership Team; contribute to departmental planning and business plan development including performance indicators outcome measures road system performance and capital investment priorities.
• Assume Chief of Staff duties in the Chief of Staffs absence and perform other duties as assigned.

Values

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

Minimum qualifications:

• Ten years of experience in roads operations and maintenance transportation safety planning and/or critical issues.
• Bachelors degree in Transportation Engineering Business or Public Administration Project Management Public Policy or similar fields and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of experience in project management managing complex projects and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience working in a project environment.
• Experience leading and facilitating leadership teams/meetings including participation in inter-departmental and inter-jurisdictional planning groups.
• Demonstrated experience in Emergency Management planning and response.
• Demonstrated experience developing policies processes or standard operating procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with outstanding attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks effectively.
• Skill in working effectively with diverse individuals and populations from diverse backgrounds.

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a 45-minute in-person interview the week of 3/9/2026.

WHO MAY APPLY:
This recruitment is open to current King County employees only 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.
Applications will be screened for clarity completeness and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials.

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.

We work in the office at leastfour days per weekto foster connection and responsiveness arrive prepared and on time and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps.

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.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:This position is non-represented.

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