Director of Government Relations

Summary

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient, and equitable services to every resident through the King County Delivers plan. To lead this work, we are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and knowledgeable Director of Government Relations (Director).

The Director leads the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government—federal, state, regional, tribal, city, and county—and oversees a team responsible for advancing King County’s legislative and intergovernmental priorities. This position will report to the Chief of Staff. This team includes the:

• State & Federal Government Relations Manager
• Council Relations Manager
• Labor Standards & Relations Manager
• City Relations Manager
• Tribal Relations Manager
• Transmittal and Public Records Specialist
• External & Regional Boards Specialist

• Lead the Executive’s government relations strategy across all levels of government and oversee coordinated execution of intergovernmental priorities.
• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Develop and drive the County’s intergovernmental agenda, ensuring clear priorities, coordinated work plans, and high‑quality briefings and materials.
• Represent the Executive in high‑level meetings and build strong relationships with elected leaders, tribal governments, regional partners, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee engagement on intergovernmental committees and regional boards and anticipate emerging political issues to inform Executive leadership.
• Coordinate with county agencies and the King County Council on legislative strategy, bill analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee council transmittals, public records processes, and the development of briefing materials, talking points, and correspondence for senior leadership.
• Provide strategic guidance on legislation, testimony, and regulatory proposals and ensure timely, consistent communication to prepare leadership for key engagements.

• A focus on being out in the region to connect and build relationships with those we serve and 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.

• 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.

We are looking for a Director of Government Relations who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience (10+ years) of legislative engagement or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience overseeing teams of people.
• Demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the legislative processes at the state, county and city levels.
• 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, business and community environments.
• Strong ability to gather, synthesize, and communicate information to support sound decision making.

This is a rare opportunity to join an adaptable and mission‑driven team that shapes how King County delivers for its residents and centers those most impacted. The Director of Government Relations will prioritize outcomes over optics and turn bold ideas into accountable, transparent, and effective government action.

• Competitive…