Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer) - Full-time
About the Department! The Department of Local Services (DLS) is hiring a Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer). We’re looking for a proven senior manager to lead and supervise a team of seven experienced code writers and subarea planners (both similar to long-range planners in other jurisdictions) in shaping land use and environmental regulations that direct growth and development and protect public safety, clean water, and salmon habitat, especially in the face of climate change.This is a unique opportunity to shape development regulations in King County, Washington. Our work is grounded in equity, guided by the King CountyComprehensive Plan, and shaped by the communities we serve – especially historically underrepresented groups. You will apply best practices to decision-making, support clear communications and community engagement, and navigate potentially conflicting policy priorities. You will have successfully led a portfolio of projects that lead to the development of legislative proposals, including policy initiatives andComprehensive Plan and code amendments, particularly in areas where sensitivity to political dynamics is important.You’ll lead staff who are working closely with community members and colleagues to assess community needs, analyze data, brainstorm new ideas, and propose practical solutions. This position serves in the Department of Local Services Director’s Office. You will collaborate closely with DLS leadership and professionals from across King County departments (who bring expertise in areas including economic development, permitting, housing, environmental protection, open space, public health, equity and social justice, and more) to support inclusive, strategic, and future-focused planning.You will also represent the priorities of the long-range planning work program in collaboration with leaders across King County, including Executive Office, Regional Planning, Washington State, and King County Council liaisons. Excellent communication skills are essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of how land use and zoning decisions affect urban and rural communities, particularly historically marginalized communities. The role will include daytime and occasional evening and weekend commitments for community meetings, including presentations to leadership, elected leaders, community groups, and other agencies.Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. We are committed to our “” values, which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. 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. Position DutiesApplying 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. To be considered, for this opportunity, you must at a minimum demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and ability to:Management• Lead and supervise a team of seven subarea planners and code writers (long-range planners).• Direct development and updates of land use, zoning, and environmental policies and codes in collaboration with regional partners. • Balance community needs, legislative mandates, and County initiatives to streamline King County’s development codes and ensure equitable land-use outcomes. Strategic Planning• Execute the department’s strategic work plan for long-range planning, including updates to regulations and policies related to land use, development, environmental protection, subarea planning, housing, and other initiatives with input from community members, department leadership, Regional Planning, and the Executive’s Office.• Balance the long-range planning work plan with code amendments to streamline and simplify King County’s development codes. • Execute policy initiatives, in alignment with the DLS strategic work plan, theComprehensive Plan, and the Growth Management Act. • Collaborate with DLS senior leadership, including the Director of Permitting and the Director of Policy and Government Relations, to identify and negotiate priorities, project scopes, and resource allocations (as needed). • Contribute to the development of the legislative agenda for DLS in collaboration with the Policy and Government Relations Director.• Review State legislation for impacts to King County Code. Ensure that legislation is responded to in a timely manner and the County’s position is clearly defined. Policy DevelopmentIn addition to leading the day-to-day work of the team,• Collaborate with Director of Permitting and DLS Policy and Government Relations Director to oversee legislative priorities and agendas when related to land-use and environmental code. • Establish and maintain relationships with DLS partner departments to further the policy priorities.• Review and contribute to legislation, policy, and reports developed by the team. • Work with Permitting managers and Finance leads to assess the financial and operational implications of potential policy initiatives. • Collaborate with Permitting staff to ensure code amendments are aligned with permitting practices, and support their implementation through the development of public information materials and staff training. Minimum QualificationsEducation & Core Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.• Five years + leadership experience managing staff and developing and applying local land use policy and codes in rural or urban environments that meet evolving state and federal requirements. • Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes, requirements, and economics, as well as best practices for code standards, design guidelines, and plan policies that support community and government goals. • Knowledge of Washington’s legal planning framework, including the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Act, and State Environmental Policy Act.• Knowledge of the planning framework in King County, including multi-county and countywide planning policies and comprehensive plans. Policy, Code, & Legislative Experience• Five years + experience in drafting and/or editing legislation at a local, state, or federal government agency. • Experience with King County, Washington State, and Federal code promulgation process or similar, including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers. • Demonstrated experience and passion for identifying and resolving policy and code barriers and conflicts to effectively advance growth management objectives and support diverse governmental goals.• Strong understanding of land use law, including legal theory and principles, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks, and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed. Communication & Facilitation Skills• Outstanding writing skills, both technical and non-technical, with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences. • Skilled in building collaborative relationships, communicating policy priorities, and advancing initiatives in alignment with key partner interests. • Exceptional communication skills: ability to listen provide feedback, and negotiate outcomes as needed.• Skill at facilitating diverse groups of participants to express their views and help design solutions in a constructive and non-threatening environment. Technical & Project Management Proficiency• Proficient in bolthires Office, SharePoint, and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work. • Strong project management skills with a record of on-time project delivery. Desired Qualifications• Master’s or professional degree in public administration, urban/regional planning, architecture, and use law or a related field or combination of education and professional experience that provides knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform job requirements.• Seven years + leadership experience managing staff and a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning, code development, and legislative projects. • Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates, and functions, and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County. • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to apply both law and science to policy and code development. • Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues, regional initiatives, and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.• Experience developing and implementing complex communications strategies. • Proven track record of successfully navigating complex political and organizational environments, including serving as a liaison to elected officials, intergovernmental partners, and senior government leadership. Other QualificationsINTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual interview the week of 9/15/25. WHO MAY APPLY:This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months.APPLICATION PROCESS:This position is posted continuously until filled. A first review of applications will take place for applications received by September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm. If you applied for this position previously, you do not need to reapply to be considered. A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness.The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method:WORK SCHEDULE:The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work 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. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.UNION MEMBERSHIP:This position is non-represented. REMOTE & ONSITE WORK:The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work. The successful candidate may be expected to report to the office for onsite work typically 3 times per week. The frequency of onsite work may vary based on business or operational needs and be adjusted accordingly. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.King County has a robust collection of to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus onAbout the Department!The Department of Local Services (DLS) is hiring a Long-Range Planning Manager (Government Relations Officer). We’re looking for a proven senior manager to lead and supervise a team of seven experienced code writers and subarea planners (both similar to long-range planners in other jurisdictions) in shaping land use and environmental regulations that direct growth and development and protect public safety, clean water, and salmon habitat, especially in the face of climate change. This is a unique opportunity to shape development regulations in King County, Washington.Our work is grounded in equity, guided by the King CountyComprehensive Plan, and shaped by the communities we serve – especially historically underrepresented groups. You will apply best practices to decision-making, support clear communications and community engagement, and navigate potentially conflicting policy priorities. You will have successfully led a portfolio of projects that lead to the development of legislative proposals, including policy initiatives andComprehensive Plan and code amendments, particularly in areas where sensitivity to political dynamics is important.You’ll lead staff who are working closely with community members and colleagues to assess community needs, analyze data, brainstorm new ideas, and propose practical solutions. This position serves in the Department of Local Services Director’s Office. You will collaborate closely with DLS leadership and professionals from across King County departments (who bring expertise in areas including economic development, permitting, housing, environmental protection, open space, public health, equity and social justice, and more) to support inclusive, strategic, and future-focused planning.You will also represent the priorities of the long-range planning work program in collaboration with leaders across King County, including Executive Office, Regional Planning, Washington State, and King County Council liaisons. Excellent communication skills are essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of how land use and zoning decisions affect urban and rural communities, particularly historically marginalized communities. The role will include daytime and occasional evening and weekend commitments for community meetings, including presentations to leadership, elected leaders, community groups, and other agencies.Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. We are committed to our “” values, which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. 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. Position DutiesApplying 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. To be considered, for this opportunity, you must at a minimum demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and ability to:Management• Lead and supervise a team of seven subarea planners and code writers (long-range planners).• Direct development and updates of land use, zoning, and environmental policies and codes in collaboration with regional partners. • Balance community needs, legislative mandates, and County initiatives to streamline King County’s development codes and ensure equitable land-use outcomes. Strategic Planning• Execute the department’s strategic work plan for long-range planning, including updates to regulations and policies related to land use, development, environmental protection, subarea planning, housing, and other initiatives with input from community members, department leadership, Regional Planning, and the Executive’s Office.• Balance the long-range planning work plan with code amendments to streamline and simplify King County’s development codes. • Execute policy initiatives, in alignment with the DLS strategic work plan, theComprehensive Plan, and the Growth Management Act. • Collaborate with DLS senior leadership, including the Director of Permitting and the Director of Policy and Government Relations, to identify and negotiate priorities, project scopes, and resource allocations (as needed). • Contribute to the development of the legislative agenda for DLS in collaboration with the Policy and Government Relations Director.• Review State legislation for impacts to King County Code. Ensure that legislation is responded to in a timely manner and the County’s position is clearly defined. Policy DevelopmentIn addition to leading the day-to-day work of the team,• Collaborate with Director of Permitting and DLS Policy and Government Relations Director to oversee legislative priorities and agendas when related to land-use and environmental code. • Establish and maintain relationships with DLS partner departments to further the policy priorities.• Review and contribute to legislation, policy, and reports developed by the team. • Work with Permitting managers and Finance leads to assess the financial and operational implications of potential policy initiatives. • Collaborate with Permitting staff to ensure code amendments are aligned with permitting practices, and support their implementation through the development of public information materials and staff training. Minimum QualificationsEducation & Core Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.• Five years + leadership experience managing staff and developing and applying local land use policy and codes in rural or urban environments that meet evolving state and federal requirements. • Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes, requirements, and economics, as well as best practices for code standards, design guidelines, and plan policies that support community and government goals. • Knowledge of Washington’s legal planning framework, including the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Act, and State Environmental Policy Act.• Knowledge of the planning framework in King County, including multi-county and countywide planning policies and comprehensive plans. Policy, Code, & Legislative Experience• Five years + experience in drafting and/or editing legislation at a local, state, or federal government agency. • Experience with King County, Washington State, and Federal code promulgation process or similar, including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers. • Demonstrated experience and passion for identifying and resolving policy and code barriers and conflicts to effectively advance growth management objectives and support diverse governmental goals.• Strong understanding of land use law, including legal theory and principles, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks, and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed. Communication & Facilitation Skills• Outstanding writing skills, both technical and non-technical, with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences. • Skilled in building collaborative relationships, communicating policy priorities, and advancing initiatives in alignment with key partner interests. • Exceptional communication skills: ability to listen provide feedback, and negotiate outcomes as needed.• Skill at facilitating diverse groups of participants to express their views and help design solutions in a constructive and non-threatening environment. Technical & Project Management Proficiency• Proficient in bolthires Office, SharePoint, and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work. • Strong project management skills with a record of on-time project delivery. Desired Qualifications• Master’s or professional degree in public administration, urban/regional planning, architecture, and use law or a related field or combination of education and professional experience that provides knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform job requirements.• Seven years + leadership experience managing staff and a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning, code development, and legislative projects. • Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates, and functions, and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County. • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to apply both law and science to policy and code development. • Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues, regional initiatives, and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.• Experience developing and implementing complex communications strategies. • Proven track record of successfully navigating complex political and organizational environments, including serving as a liaison to elected officials, intergovernmental partners, and senior government leadership. Other QualificationsINTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual interview the week of 9/15/25. WHO MAY APPLY:This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months.APPLICATION PROCESS:This position is posted continuously until filled. A first review of applications will take place for applications received by September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm. If you applied for this position previously, you do not need to reapply to be considered. A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness.The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method:WORK SCHEDULE:The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work 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. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.UNION MEMBERSHIP:This position is non-represented. REMOTE & ONSITE WORK:The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work. The successful candidate may be expected to report to the office for onsite work typically 3 times per week. The frequency of onsite work may vary based on business or operational needs and be adjusted accordingly. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.King County has a robust collection of to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on Apply tot his job