Job Description

Overview

Chief Administrative Officer at King County, WA. This position is open to current King County employees.

Summary

The Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and equity-centered Chief Administrative Officer to lead key policy, planning, government relations, and organizational performance functions. As a core member of the Directors Office, this leader will shape how DLS advances service delivery, strengthens partnerships, and responds to the priorities of unincorporated King County communities. The CAO will provide strategic leadership, guide high-impact initiatives, and support the Director in navigating complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues. This role blends strategy, policy, operations, and community impact and offers an opportunity to lead change at a county-wide scale. Our equity and social justice commitment underpins all work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Departments Policy, Government Relations, Best Run Government programs, Long Range Planning, and Code Writing programs.
• Collaborate across departments, divisions and external stakeholders to address complex community issues and ensure responsiveness to community needs and priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to senior managers and project teams in assigned functional areas.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Department Director, representing the department in high-profile and politically sensitive matters.
• Facilitate interagency coordination and develop strategic approaches to policy development, legislative affairs, and long-term planning initiatives.
• Drive initiatives to support a high-performing organization that models best practices in government operations and exemplary customer service.
• Support engagement with the County Executive, City officials, County Council, and other governmental bodies.
• Manage communications flow and ensure the Director and leadership team are prepared with relevant information and materials for meetings and public events.
• Identify critical issues impacting public trust and departmental effectiveness and lead collaborative resolution efforts.
• Promote an inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• More than 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government, public administration, policy development, land use planning, legislative affairs, or a similarly complex public-sector environment.
• More than 10 years of experience leading or advising executive leadership on high-visibility, politically sensitive, or cross-agency issues.
• Demonstrated ability to apply racial and social justice principles to policy development, operations, program design, and decision-making.
• At least 7 years of experience supervising or leading teams, including setting expectations, managing performance, and supporting staff development.
• Strong skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, analysis, facilitation, and communication.
• Knowledge of King County intergovernmental processes and direct experience applying.
• Experience building relationships and collaborating with elected officials, community groups, intergovernmental partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex workloads, navigate competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in fast-paced or ambiguous environments.
• Proficiency with business applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Desired Qualifications

• Leadership experience in policy development, long-range planning, legislative affairs, government relations, or interagency coordination.
• Experience working in a labor-represented or unionized environment.
• Experience supporting or leading Best Run Government, continuous improvement, or organizational performance initiatives.
• Knowledge of land use, community planning, or local government regulatory systems.
• Experience working with elected officials, legislative bodies, or cross-jurisdictional partnerships.
• Demonstrated success addressing complex community concerns or resolving issues with high public visibility.
• Experience managing change, guiding multi-disciplinary project teams, or leading organizational development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of King County government, local governance structures, or regional planning issues.

Supplemental Information

• JOB CLASSIFICATION: Chief of Staff I. The 2026 pay range for this position will be $172,757.31-$218,980.11 annually.
• INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Selected applicants will be invited for a 30-minute in-person interview.
• WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is only open to current King County Employees. This posting may be used to fill current and/or future positions over the next six months.
• APPLICATION PROCESS: A full King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter describing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness; the most competitive candidates may be invited to interviews.
• WORK SCHEDULE: Typically MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.; may require work outside normal hours. Exempt from FLSA and not eligible for overtime pay.
• EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS: Mission-Critical; employees may be required to report to work during emergencies.
• UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is non-represented.
• TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT: Combination of remote and onsite work; onsite up to 5 days per week as needed. Primary location: King Street Center, Seattle. Employees must reside in WA and be able to respond to workplace reporting requirements. County provides equipment and remote-work support.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance options.
• Retirement plan options including pension and 457(b).
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass; paid holidays and vacation/sick leave; parental, family, and medical leave; and other programs.
• Flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, onsite facilities, and professional development.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or require accommodations, contact the recruiter listed on this job posting.

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