King County, WA
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 support this work, we are seeking a collaborative, strategic, and knowledgeable North King County Relations Manager.
This role serves as the Executive’s primary point of contact for communities in cities such as North Seattle, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and nearby unincorporated areas. These areas include rapidly growing cities, diverse and evolving communities, and unique rural‑urban interface challenges. The Manager will build strong relationships to elevate community needs, and ensure that County services are responsive, accessible, and aligned with local priorities.
Reporting to the Director of Community Service and Response, this position is on the frontlines – engaging with residents, organizations, local leaders, and partners; responding quickly to emerging needs; and helping deliver clear, reliable, and equitable connections between the community and King County government.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the Executive’s Office representative to North King County, building strong, trusting, and sustained relationships with community-based organizations, local governments, cultural organizations, small businesses, local chambers, advocacy groups, and residents.
Develop a deep and ongoing understanding of community priorities – especially around public safety, transportation, behavioral health, housing, immigrant and refugee services, economic opportunity, and youth engagement.
Identify emerging issues and help coordinate rapid, effective responses in partnership with County departments and the Community Service and Response team.
Attend community meetings, listening sessions, neighborhood convenings, and local government briefings to strengthen relationships and ensure the Executive’s Office remains accessible.
Support the implementation of resident first and rapid response engagement strategies.
Provide timely updates to the Director and Executive leadership team on trends, issues, opportunities, and community feedback from specific region represented.
Coordinate with regional partners, including cities, schools, human service providers, and coalitions, to support shared goals and ensure residents can navigate County services effectively.
Expectations
Focus on being out in the county 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.”
Resolve challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate
Extensive experience (5+ years) of external relations in King County communities OR the equivalent combination of training and experience.
Demonstrate strong relationship-building, listening, and communications across diverse communities.
Bring experience in community relations, external affairs, public engagement, or similar work.
Understand the unique dynamics and assets of North King County and have the ability to navigate complex, rapidly changing environments.
Be comfortable representing the Executive’s Office, and sometimes the Executive, in public settings and building trust with community leaders and partners.
Be highly responsive, organized, and able to distill information quickly for leadership decision-making.
Why Join Us This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The North King County Relations Manager will help bring the King County Delivers vision to life—turning bold ideas into accountable, transparent, and effective government action through Boots on the Ground.
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. 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.
Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs
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This role serves as the Executive’s primary point of contact for communities in cities such as North Seattle, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and nearby unincorporated areas. These areas include rapidly growing cities, diverse and evolving communities, and unique rural‑urban interface challenges. The Manager will build strong relationships to elevate community needs, and ensure that County services are responsive, accessible, and aligned with local priorities.
Reporting to the Director of Community Service and Response, this position is on the frontlines – engaging with residents, organizations, local leaders, and partners; responding quickly to emerging needs; and helping deliver clear, reliable, and equitable connections between the community and King County government.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the Executive’s Office representative to North King County, building strong, trusting, and sustained relationships with community-based organizations, local governments, cultural organizations, small businesses, local chambers, advocacy groups, and residents.
Develop a deep and ongoing understanding of community priorities – especially around public safety, transportation, behavioral health, housing, immigrant and refugee services, economic opportunity, and youth engagement.
Identify emerging issues and help coordinate rapid, effective responses in partnership with County departments and the Community Service and Response team.
Attend community meetings, listening sessions, neighborhood convenings, and local government briefings to strengthen relationships and ensure the Executive’s Office remains accessible.
Support the implementation of resident first and rapid response engagement strategies.
Provide timely updates to the Director and Executive leadership team on trends, issues, opportunities, and community feedback from specific region represented.
Coordinate with regional partners, including cities, schools, human service providers, and coalitions, to support shared goals and ensure residents can navigate County services effectively.
Expectations
Focus on being out in the county 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.”
Resolve challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate
Extensive experience (5+ years) of external relations in King County communities OR the equivalent combination of training and experience.
Demonstrate strong relationship-building, listening, and communications across diverse communities.
Bring experience in community relations, external affairs, public engagement, or similar work.
Understand the unique dynamics and assets of North King County and have the ability to navigate complex, rapidly changing environments.
Be comfortable representing the Executive’s Office, and sometimes the Executive, in public settings and building trust with community leaders and partners.
Be highly responsive, organized, and able to distill information quickly for leadership decision-making.
Why Join Us This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The North King County Relations Manager will help bring the King County Delivers vision to life—turning bold ideas into accountable, transparent, and effective government action through Boots on the Ground.
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. 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.
Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs
#J-18808-Ljbffr