About the Role
King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient and equitable services to every resident through the King County Delivers plan. To lead this work, we are seeking a strategic, collaborative and knowledgeable Director of Policy and Innovation.
The Director of Policy and Innovation will serve as a key member of the Executive’s Senior Staff and set and drive the Executive’s policy vision and lead the development, coordination, and advancement of major policy and advocacy initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and in partnership with all members of the Executive’s Senior Staff, the Director of Policy and Innovation will ensure this policy priorities are aligned, integrated, and implemented across the enterprise. They will lead a team of Policy Leads in the disciplines of:
- Climate and Sustainability
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Public Safety
- Homelessness
- Behavioral and Public Health
- Labor Policy
- Technology & AI
- Transportation
- Regional Planning
- Child Care & Early Learning
- Emergency Management
This role requires strong management capabilities, a deep understanding of public policy across many different disciplines, government relations, and strong advocacy skills. This position must be an authentic collaborator who can navigate complex political and intergovernmental environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the development, coordination, implementation, and advocacy of the Executive’s policy agenda at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Partner with the Executive’s Senior Staff and Department Directors to integrate policy and advocacy priorities into organizational strategy and cross-functional initiatives
- Ensure policy and advocacy work is aligned with enterprise-wide priorities and supports other Executive initiatives and programs.
- Lead team of Policy Leads in the Executive Department, including providing direction and overseeing performance management.
- In coordination with the Chief of Staff, the Director of Policy and Innovation will lead the development of the Executive’s local, state and federal legislative agendasand partner with Government Relations professionals in the Executive Department to advance advocacy efforts before legislative bodies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key policymakers, government officials, and regulatory bodies to influence legislation and policies that benefit King County.
- Lead efforts to mobilize other public sector agencies in support of or opposition to critical legislation. This includes developing advocacy campaigns, coordinating member participation, providing testimony and legislative updates.
- Partner with the Director of Communications to strategically frame and amplify King County’s policy positions through messaging, storytelling and media outreach.
- Collaborate with public sector partners, community leaders and other partnersto co-create effective and equitable policy solutions that advance the interests of the Executive. Serve as a key spokesperson for the Executive on policy issues, representing King County in Council meetings, legislative sessions and public forums. Oversee the work of external consultants.
Expectations
- 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.
- Show initiative and work hard.
- Prioritize outcomes over optics.
- Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.”
- Solve problems with a “yes, and” mindset.
- Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.
- Drive for clarity.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can connect King County’s policy efforts to the Executive’s vision. The ideal candidate will have:
- Significant experience (10+ years) of policy, advocacy or government affairs experience.
- At least 5 years of senior leadership experience overseeing teams of people, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven ability to implement policy leading to tangible results.
- A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence.
- Exceptional analytic and communication skills and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to elected officials, community partners, and stakeholders.
Key Attributes
- People-Centered Leader: Builds high performing teams through clear direction, trust, accountability, and support for professional growth.
- Strategic and Analytical: Sees the big picture and can develop and deploy strategy.
- Equity-Centered: Embeds fairness and inclusion into policy work.
- Collaborative: Works across and builds partnerships to drive strategy for policy agenda.
- Results-Oriented: Keeps focus on connecting policy to action with measurable outcomes.
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 Director of Policy and Innovation will prioritize outcomes over optics and turn bold ideas into accountable, transparent, and effective government action.
The King County Executive Office 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 professionalism—including responsible social media conduct—and 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
- Opportunities for professional development and public service impact
Application Process
To apply, please submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the King County Delivers vision of transparent, equitable, and accountable government.
