King County
Summary
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 Government Relations (Director) .
The Director leads the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government—federal, state, regional, tribal, city, and county—and oversees a team responsible for advancing King County’s legislative and intergovernmental priorities. This position will report to the Chief of Staff. This team includes the:
State & Federal Government Relations Manager
Council Relations Manager
Labor Standards & Relations Manager
City Relations Manager
Tribal Relations Manager
Transmittal and Public Records Specialist
External & Regional Boards Specialist
Working with the Executive and the Senior Leadership Team, the Director leads the County’s intergovernmental agenda, builds strong relationships with key partners, and ensures King County’s priorities are clearly communicated and advanced.
Additionally, under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director will advance King County’s values and legislative agenda by cultivating effective relationships with elected officials, agencies, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government and oversee coordinated execution of intergovernmental priorities.
Lead and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Develop and drive the County’s intergovernmental agenda, ensuring clear priorities, coordinated work plans, and high-quality briefings and materials.
Represent the Executive in high‑level meetings and build strong relationships with elected leaders, tribal governments, regional partners, and community stakeholders.
Oversee engagement on intergovernmental committees and regional boards and anticipate emerging political issues to inform Executive leadership.
Coordinate with county agencies and the King County Council on legislative strategy, bill analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Oversee council transmittals, public records processes, and the development of briefing materials, talking points, and correspondence for senior leadership.
Provide strategic guidance on legislation, testimony, and regulatory proposals and ensure timely, consistent communication to prepare leadership for key engagements.
Expectations
A focus on being out in the region to connect and build relationships with those we serve and 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.”
Resolve challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work as one, adaptable, mission‑driven team.
Ideal Candidate We are looking for a
Director of Government Relations
who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:
Significant experience (10+ years) of legislative engagement or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
At least 5 years of leadership experience overseeing teams of people.
Demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the legislative processes at the state, county and city levels.
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
Director of Government Relations
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. 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
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Government Relations (Director) .
The Director leads the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government—federal, state, regional, tribal, city, and county—and oversees a team responsible for advancing King County’s legislative and intergovernmental priorities. This position will report to the Chief of Staff. This team includes the:
State & Federal Government Relations Manager
Council Relations Manager
Labor Standards & Relations Manager
City Relations Manager
Tribal Relations Manager
Transmittal and Public Records Specialist
External & Regional Boards Specialist
Working with the Executive and the Senior Leadership Team, the Director leads the County’s intergovernmental agenda, builds strong relationships with key partners, and ensures King County’s priorities are clearly communicated and advanced.
Additionally, under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director will advance King County’s values and legislative agenda by cultivating effective relationships with elected officials, agencies, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government and oversee coordinated execution of intergovernmental priorities.
Lead and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Develop and drive the County’s intergovernmental agenda, ensuring clear priorities, coordinated work plans, and high-quality briefings and materials.
Represent the Executive in high‑level meetings and build strong relationships with elected leaders, tribal governments, regional partners, and community stakeholders.
Oversee engagement on intergovernmental committees and regional boards and anticipate emerging political issues to inform Executive leadership.
Coordinate with county agencies and the King County Council on legislative strategy, bill analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Oversee council transmittals, public records processes, and the development of briefing materials, talking points, and correspondence for senior leadership.
Provide strategic guidance on legislation, testimony, and regulatory proposals and ensure timely, consistent communication to prepare leadership for key engagements.
Expectations
A focus on being out in the region to connect and build relationships with those we serve and 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.”
Resolve challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work as one, adaptable, mission‑driven team.
Ideal Candidate We are looking for a
Director of Government Relations
who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:
Significant experience (10+ years) of legislative engagement or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
At least 5 years of leadership experience overseeing teams of people.
Demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the legislative processes at the state, county and city levels.
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
Director of Government Relations
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. 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
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr