AI & Technology Policy Lead Advisor

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 a collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Policy Lead to be the subject matter expert in AI and technology. This individual will be external facing; and a liaison to departments. This role will serve alongside other Policy Lead Advisors who bring expertise in:

• Homelessness and Housing
• Behavioral & Public Health
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Public Safety
• Transportation
• Climate and Sustainability
• Immigrants and Refugees
• Regional Planning & Land Use
• Child Care and Early Learning

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.

• Oversee the development and implementation of 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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
  :
  …