Council Relations Manager

Under Executive Zahilay’s leadership, we are making King County a high performing, transparent government delivering services that improve residents’ lives. To advance this vision, we are seeking a strategic, collaborative and detail-oriented Council Relations Manager.

The Government Relations team is responsible for supporting relationships, coordinating interactions and navigating complex policy and political landscapes between the Executive's Office, Federal and State agencies, the King County Council, King County cities and elected officials. Under the direction of the Director of Government Relations, the Council Relations Manager advances the Executive’s priorities at the King County Council and develops and maintains strong relationships with Councilmembers and their staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the council relations lead for the Executive. In this capacity, the Council Relations Manager will work with the Director of Government Relations to: 
  • Represent the Executive’s Office at Council hearings and in meetings with Councilmembers and/or their staff.
  • Review proposed legislation, reports, briefing materials, talking points, correspondence, and testimony on behalf of the Executive.
  • Track and ensure follow up regarding ongoing and emerging issues at Council affecting the Executive’s priorities and advocate for the Executive’s interests.
  • Research and assess policy issues and make recommendations for the Executive’s leadership team regarding legislative proposals.
  • Partner with the Budget, Policy & Innovation and Community Engagement and Response teams on legislative strategy and outreach efforts.
  • Partner with King County agencies, and subject matter experts on Council legislation, analysis, reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Coordinate feedback loop and produce timely legislative updates.
  • Work across jurisdictions on intergovernmental issues. Respond to inquiries from elected officials and agencies.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, their staff, community partners, and internal and external stakeholders.

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, humility and empathy.
• 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 seeking a Council Relations Manager who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legislative engagement, or a degree in law, public policy, government, public administration, or political science OR the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the legislative branch, the legislative process, and public engagement.
• 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 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. TheCouncil Relations Manager will play a pivotal role in creating a more unified, efficient, and resident-centered government.

The King County Executive Department 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
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Ability to make a meaningful impact on how King County delivers for its residents

Application Process

To apply, please submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the Executive’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government. 

Salary : $122,325 - $178,776