Comprehensive Plan Manager; Government Relations Officer

Comprehensive Plan Manager (Government Relations Officer)

The Department of Local Services Director's Office is seeking a strategic, senior leader to serve as Comprehensive Plan Manager (Government Relations Officer), responsible for leading King County's Comprehensive Plan work program and advancing countywide and regional planning initiatives.

This role sits at the center of some of the County's most visible and complex policy work. You will provide strategic direction, cross-agency leadership, and senior-level coordination for the Comprehensive Plan, ensuring alignment with state requirements, regional frameworks, and County priorities.

King County is at an inflection point. Growth, housing affordability, climate impacts, and infrastructure demands are reshaping our communities. This role will help guide how we respond partnering across departments, jurisdictions, and communities to shape a future that is equitable, resilient, and inclusive.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a high-profile portfolio of planning and policy initiatives, including updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan and related policy frameworks
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and elected officials on land use, growth management, and regional planning issues
• Oversee complex policy development, research, and analysis to inform legislative and executive decision-making
• Supervise and mentor a professional staff member and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team

This position requires a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, navigating political dynamics, managing people, and delivering results.

King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services, and Permitting. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

• Strategic Leadership & Comprehensive Planning
• Policy Development & Legislative Strategy
• Interdepartmental Leadership
• Program & Team Management
• Community Engagement & Public Communication

• Education & Core Qualifications
• Planning, Policy & Legislative Expertise
• Strong Instincts & Political Acumen
• Leadership & Management
• Communication & Facilitation

• Master's degree in planning, public administration, or related field
• Experience with regional planning bodies (e.g., PSRC, GMPC) or similar
• Experience leading large-scale, high-visibility policy or planning initiatives
• Knowledge of King County government structure and regional policy landscape
• Experience integrating equity and community engagement into planning processes

The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work on the weekends, outside of normal business hours. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.

This position 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. Employees will have access to shared work spaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104).

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.