Small Business Navigator Specialist

Small Business Navigator Specialist

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 Small Business Navigator Specialist (Specialist) who will be a member of the Office of Economic Opportunity & Activation team. The Specialist plays a critical frontline role to support small businesses – particularly in unincorporated communities and historically underserved areas through direct assistance, coordination, and problem‑solving across King County government.

The Specialist will serve as a trusted guide for small business owners, helping them navigate King County services such as permitting and licensing, technical assistance, and connections to other County initiatives. Additionally, the Specialist will work closely with County departments to remove barriers, improve the small business experience, and ensure businesses have the tools and resources they need.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for small businesses, providing hands‑on navigation and problem‑solving support related to County services.
• Conduct outreach and engagement to small businesses in unincorporated and historically underserved communities, building trusted relationships and elevating business concerns.
• Coordinate across County departments to resolve issues, streamline processes, and improve the small business experience with King County.
• Elevate systemic issues and service gaps to the Director of Economic Opportunity & Activation to support the development of solutions and policy recommendations.
• Apply an equity‑centered approach to all work, ensuring services are accessible, responsive, and aligned with the needs of the community.

• 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. 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. The work will be fast, 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.

• 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.

• 3–6 years of experience in small‑business support, economic development, community development, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.
• Strong ability to build trust, listen actively, and translate complex government processes into clear guidance.
• Experience coordinating across multiple organizations or government departments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and follow‑through skills.
• Understand the dynamics of King County service delivery.

• Competitive executive‑level salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and leave benefits.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; retirement plan; transportation program and ORCA transit pass; paid holidays; generous vacation and paid sick leave; parental, family and medical leave; flexible spending account; wellness programs; onsite activity centers; employee giving program; employee assistance programs; flexible schedules and telecommuting options; training and career development programs.

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.