Transportation Policy Advisor

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient and equitable services to every resident. To support this work, we are seeking a collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Transportation Policy Advisor.

The Transportation Policy Advisor will be a member of the newly created Policy and Innovation team. This role will serve with nine (9) policy leads, each representing a specific priority of Executive Zahilay. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Policy and Innovation, the Transportation Policy Advisor 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 transportation policy 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. 

• Oversee the development and implementation for the Executive’s transportation policy priorities with a strong focus on transportation policies impacting the county and also including any relevant federal and state transportation policies. 

• Work with the Director of Policy and Innovation, Deputy 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.

• Collaborate with public sector partners, community and subject matter experts to develop policy positions that advance the interests of the Executive.

• Monitor, track, and help advance priority transportation issues, including emerging policy, political, and operational developments. 

• Work closely to monitor and track policy related to King County Metro and advise the Executive and Executive leadership on policies related to regional mobility.

• Advise the Executive and Executive leadership on transportation policy, including serving as a key advisor to Executive Zahilay in his role as a Sound Transit board member.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with transportation stakeholders and key partners. 

• Coordinate with legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental partners on transportation policy issues.

• Represent the Executive in meetings and working groups, related to transportation.

• Support cross-departmental collaboration to advance equitable transportation policy.

Expectations 

• A 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. There may be additional in-person days required. 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. 

• Center Those Most Impacted.

• One Team, One Mission.

• Be in Community.

• Outcomes Over Optics.

• Commit to Excellence. 

• Invest in our People.

• Embed Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in our work.

We are looking for a Transportation Policy Advisor who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience (8 years) working in transportation policy, public policy, or related roles. Preferably working closely with complex transportation systems to implement aspects of a regional transit/transportation system.

• 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.

• Experience engaging transportation leaders and stakeholders.

• Strong relationship-building skills with experience engaging elected officials, senior leaders, and strategic partners. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated record of follow-through, attention to detail, and accountability in managing deadlines and deliverables. 

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 shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Transportation Policy Advisor will help bring Executive Zahilay’s vision to life—turning 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

Ability to make a meaningful impact on how King County delivers for its residents

Application Process

To apply, please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter describing how your experience aligns Executive Zahilay’spriorities and goals.

Salary : $146,331 - $185,483