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.

About the Department of Local Services:
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.

Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice 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.

Job duties include:

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

Experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills required include:

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

Desired qualifications include:

• 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

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a virtual interview in the week of July 13, 2026. Final interviews will be in-person on the week of July 20, 2026.

This position is open to all qualified applicants. This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) career service position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional vacancies in the same classification that may occur within the next six months.

A completed King County Application is required. A resume, supplemental question responses, and cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your background and describing how…