Policy Lead

About the Role

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure government delivers high-quality, efficient and equitable services through the King County Delivers plan. To support this work, we are seeking collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Policy Leads to be subject matter experts, external facing and liaisons to departments across several disciplines, including:

• Climate and Sustainability 
• Criminal Justice Reform; 
• Public Safety
• Homelessness
• Behavioral and Public Health
• Labor Policy
• Technology & AI
• Transportation
• Regional Planning; 
• Child Care & Early Learning
• Emergency Management

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Innovation, the Policy Lead will help guide policy direction for their portfolio and work closely with County departments to integrate and align policy priorities across the enterprise. The ideal candidate brings not only subject matter expertise, but also a strong understanding of how to translate policy to implementation. Success in this role requires subject matter expertise, familiarity with community and government relations, and the ability to lead policy solutions that advance the Executive’s goals.  

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and implementation for the Executive’s policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Innovation, other policy leads and members of the Executive’s Office on strategies to integrate policy priorities into broader organizational strategy and cross-functional initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, policymakers, government officials, and regulatory bodies to support the government relations team with legislation and policies that benefit King County.
• Inform public sector agencies and partners about critical legislation, including developing strategies, coordinating participation, preparing or providing testimony, and providing legislative updates.
• Work closely with the Director of Policy and Innovation to ensure that advocacy efforts are aligned with other strategic initiatives and programs across the enterprise.
• Collaborate with public sector partners, community and subject matter experts to develop policy positions that advance the interests of the Executive.

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 in-person days, and the expectation is to be in the office.
• Be on time, respectful of others’ time, and responsive when needed.
• Solve problems with a “Yes, And” mindset.
• 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.”
• Solve problems with a “yes, and” mindset.
• Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative subject matter expert who can connect King County’s policy efforts to the Executive’s vision. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience (5 years) of policy, advocacy or government affairs experience.
• A proven record of translating policy into measurable results. 
• A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, writing, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to community partners.

Key Attributes

• Strategic and Analytical: Sees the big picture, uses data to inform decisions, and can develop and deploy effective strategy.
• Equity-Centered: Embeds fairness, inclusion, and community impact into policy work.
• Collaborative: Works across departments and builds strong partnerships to drive the policy agenda.
• Results-Oriented: Connects policy to action, driving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

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 Policy Lead 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. 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
• 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 King County Delivers vision of transparent, equitable, and accountable government.

Salary : $111,259 - $178,776