Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor

Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor – King County, WA

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure government delivers high‑quality, efficient, and equitable services through the King County Delivers plan. The Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor will be the subject matter expert in Public Safety, reporting to the Director of Policy and Innovation. This role works with nine other Policy Leads across the executive’s portfolio to guide policy direction and integrate priorities across the county.

• 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.

• Be out in the region to connect and build relationships with those we serve and those with whom we partner.
• Work in the office a minimum of three 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.

• 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:
  Connects policy to action, driving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

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 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.

• Competitive executive‑level salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and leave benefits.
• Ability to make a meaningful impact on how King…