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.

• 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
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King County is the local service provider for 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.

Applying equity and racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, urban studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in long-range planning, policy development, or related work.
• Three (3) or more years of leadership experience, including managing staff or major programs.

• Deep knowledge of Washington State planning frameworks, including the Growth Management Act, SEPA, and Shoreline Management Act.
• Experience leading or contributing to comprehensive planning efforts or similarly complex policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience developing legislation, policy proposals, or regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of land use law, planning processes, and development dynamics.

• Experience managing teams, programs, or large cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to set direction, make decisions, and ensure accountability.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical information for diverse…