King County
This position is only open to current King County employees.
The Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and equity-driven leader to serve as our next
Chief of Staff . This key role supports the Department Director by providing organizational leadership, shaping strategic priorities, and ensuring the effective operation of the Director’s Office. The Chief of Staff is a trusted advisor and collaborator who leads cross-departmental initiatives, supports executive decision-making, and advances our commitment to equity, racial, and social justice in every aspect of our work. If you are an effective relationship-builder, a strong communicator, and a leader who thrives in a dynamic, community-focused government environment, we invite you to join us in serving the residents of unincorporated King County.
As the Chief of Staff for the Department of Local Services, you will play a vital role in shaping how King County serves residents in unincorporated communities. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and people-centered leader who wants to make a meaningful difference in how government works.
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.
Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Executive Leadership & Representation
Provide leadership to functions undertaken in the Director’s Office and represent the Director and the department on matters of significance.
Serve as a member of the Director’s Office Core Team (DO CORE) and Department Leadership Team.
Partner with the Department Director, Deputy Directors, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executives to provide overall strategic leadership for all DLS employees, systems, operations, and community impact.
Ensure the Director is well prepared with materials, data, and briefing support for meetings, conferences, and public events.
Operational Oversight & Strategic Support
Oversee and manage the flow and exchange of information, streamline operations, and track the performance of internal systems to ensure high functionality.
Identify and manage critical issues that have significant public or organizational impact requiring the attention of the Director and/or other senior leaders.
Contribute to the vision, mission, and values of the department through responsible and effective leadership, decision-making, and work performance.
Implement continuous improvement practices to strengthen service quality, customer service, and use of data.
Collaborate with leaders to inform key initiatives and improve functionality and accessibility of programming.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Lead, coach, and supervise a high-performing team within the Director’s Office, including Administrative Support, Communications, Equity/Belonging (EIB), and Emergency Operations.
Supervise and mentor staff, including assigning work, monitoring quality and timeliness, and conducting employee development and performance management.
Provide candid, caring feedback and coaching to help staff improve and thrive.
Inspire excellence and cultivate a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging where all members of the team can contribute.
Equity, Organizational Health & Workforce Development
Serve as a champion of equity by embedding racial and social justice principles into departmental practices, operations, and decision-making.
Work in partnership with the Human Resources Manager and the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager to assess workforce needs and implement effective strategies for hiring, training, team building, and conflict resolution.
Identify process gaps and areas for improvement related to ERSJ efforts, recruitment, analytics, leave management, and employee/labor relations; recommend and implement solutions.
Develop and implement approaches to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and organizational health.
Interdepartmental & External Coordination
Serve as liaison to Facilities Management Division (FMD), King County Information Technology (KCIT), and the Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Partner with the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice to align with county-wide equity initiatives and best practices.
Represent DLS in cross-agency initiatives and ensure DLS priorities and needs are effectively advanced.
Advisory Role & Special Projects
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Director and senior leadership on key policy, operational, and workforce matters.
Lead or participate in high-visibility projects that require discretion, strategic thinking, and strong change management.
Perform other duties and assignments as needed to sustain DLS as a high-performing organization.
Minimum qualifications
10 years or more of progressive leadership experience in a large public sector, government, or similarly complex organization.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and supporting organizational strategy, operations, policy development, or program management.
Experience leading and developing teams, including supervising staff, managing performance, and cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Demonstrated ability to apply racial, social, and economic equity principles to organizational practices, decision-making, and service delivery.Experience managing sensitive, high visibility, or politically complex issues involving diverse stakeholders.
8 years or more of progressive contract management and procurement experience.
Strong skills in contracting, strategic thinking, analysis, communication, relationship-building, and decision-making.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels, elected officials, community partners, and cross-agency teams.
Experience working in fast-paced environments with competing priorities, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change.
Proficiency with business applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Desired Qualifications
Leadership experience in a Chief of Staff, Deputy Director, Senior Advisor, or similar executive support role.
Experience working in a unionized, labor-intensive environment.
Experience developing or leading equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives or programs.
Strong understanding of county or local government structures, processes, and legislative or policy development.
Experience leading organizational change, continuous improvement, or business process redesign.
Demonstrated skill in building and sustaining effective community, public, and intergovernmental relationships.
Experience supporting emergency operations, crisis communications, or high-risk/high-impact issues.
Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, administrative systems, or operational planning.
Experience managing communications, media relations, or public affairs.
JOB CLASSIFICATION:
The classification of this position is Chief of Staff I. The 2026 pay range for this position will be $172,757.31-$218,980.11 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 open to current King County Employees only.
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 Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
UNION MEMBERSHIP This position is non-represented.
TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT 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 up to 5 days 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 of tools and resources to 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 department's 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 State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?
Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's 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
(206) 477-0320
Erika.yanak@kingcounty.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and equity-driven leader to serve as our next
Chief of Staff . This key role supports the Department Director by providing organizational leadership, shaping strategic priorities, and ensuring the effective operation of the Director’s Office. The Chief of Staff is a trusted advisor and collaborator who leads cross-departmental initiatives, supports executive decision-making, and advances our commitment to equity, racial, and social justice in every aspect of our work. If you are an effective relationship-builder, a strong communicator, and a leader who thrives in a dynamic, community-focused government environment, we invite you to join us in serving the residents of unincorporated King County.
As the Chief of Staff for the Department of Local Services, you will play a vital role in shaping how King County serves residents in unincorporated communities. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and people-centered leader who wants to make a meaningful difference in how government works.
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.
Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Executive Leadership & Representation
Provide leadership to functions undertaken in the Director’s Office and represent the Director and the department on matters of significance.
Serve as a member of the Director’s Office Core Team (DO CORE) and Department Leadership Team.
Partner with the Department Director, Deputy Directors, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executives to provide overall strategic leadership for all DLS employees, systems, operations, and community impact.
Ensure the Director is well prepared with materials, data, and briefing support for meetings, conferences, and public events.
Operational Oversight & Strategic Support
Oversee and manage the flow and exchange of information, streamline operations, and track the performance of internal systems to ensure high functionality.
Identify and manage critical issues that have significant public or organizational impact requiring the attention of the Director and/or other senior leaders.
Contribute to the vision, mission, and values of the department through responsible and effective leadership, decision-making, and work performance.
Implement continuous improvement practices to strengthen service quality, customer service, and use of data.
Collaborate with leaders to inform key initiatives and improve functionality and accessibility of programming.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Lead, coach, and supervise a high-performing team within the Director’s Office, including Administrative Support, Communications, Equity/Belonging (EIB), and Emergency Operations.
Supervise and mentor staff, including assigning work, monitoring quality and timeliness, and conducting employee development and performance management.
Provide candid, caring feedback and coaching to help staff improve and thrive.
Inspire excellence and cultivate a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging where all members of the team can contribute.
Equity, Organizational Health & Workforce Development
Serve as a champion of equity by embedding racial and social justice principles into departmental practices, operations, and decision-making.
Work in partnership with the Human Resources Manager and the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager to assess workforce needs and implement effective strategies for hiring, training, team building, and conflict resolution.
Identify process gaps and areas for improvement related to ERSJ efforts, recruitment, analytics, leave management, and employee/labor relations; recommend and implement solutions.
Develop and implement approaches to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and organizational health.
Interdepartmental & External Coordination
Serve as liaison to Facilities Management Division (FMD), King County Information Technology (KCIT), and the Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Partner with the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice to align with county-wide equity initiatives and best practices.
Represent DLS in cross-agency initiatives and ensure DLS priorities and needs are effectively advanced.
Advisory Role & Special Projects
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Director and senior leadership on key policy, operational, and workforce matters.
Lead or participate in high-visibility projects that require discretion, strategic thinking, and strong change management.
Perform other duties and assignments as needed to sustain DLS as a high-performing organization.
Minimum qualifications
10 years or more of progressive leadership experience in a large public sector, government, or similarly complex organization.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and supporting organizational strategy, operations, policy development, or program management.
Experience leading and developing teams, including supervising staff, managing performance, and cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Demonstrated ability to apply racial, social, and economic equity principles to organizational practices, decision-making, and service delivery.Experience managing sensitive, high visibility, or politically complex issues involving diverse stakeholders.
8 years or more of progressive contract management and procurement experience.
Strong skills in contracting, strategic thinking, analysis, communication, relationship-building, and decision-making.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels, elected officials, community partners, and cross-agency teams.
Experience working in fast-paced environments with competing priorities, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change.
Proficiency with business applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Desired Qualifications
Leadership experience in a Chief of Staff, Deputy Director, Senior Advisor, or similar executive support role.
Experience working in a unionized, labor-intensive environment.
Experience developing or leading equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives or programs.
Strong understanding of county or local government structures, processes, and legislative or policy development.
Experience leading organizational change, continuous improvement, or business process redesign.
Demonstrated skill in building and sustaining effective community, public, and intergovernmental relationships.
Experience supporting emergency operations, crisis communications, or high-risk/high-impact issues.
Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, administrative systems, or operational planning.
Experience managing communications, media relations, or public affairs.
JOB CLASSIFICATION:
The classification of this position is Chief of Staff I. The 2026 pay range for this position will be $172,757.31-$218,980.11 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 open to current King County Employees only.
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 Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
UNION MEMBERSHIP This position is non-represented.
TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT 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 up to 5 days 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 of tools and resources to 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 department's 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 State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?
Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's 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
(206) 477-0320
Erika.yanak@kingcounty.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr