Summary
King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient, and equitable services to every resident. To support this work, we are seeking a Federal Relations Manager (Manager) who will lead and strengthen King County’s engagement with federal policymakers, agencies, and national partners. Achieving this vision requires strong, trusted relationships in Washington DC, and effective advocacy across the federal legislative and executive branches.
This position will be a member of the Government Relations team and will report to the Director of Government Relations, working closely with colleagues across the team and departments countywide.
The Manager will help develop and implement the County’s federal legislative and executive branch strategy, monitor and advance priority policy and funding opportunities, and support coordinated advocacy efforts across King County departments. The position plays a critical role in ensuring King County’s priorities are clearly communicated, strategically advanced, and effectively integrated into federal decision-making.
Job Duties Key Responsibilities
Support development and execution of King County’s federal government relations strategy in alignment with the Executive priorities and the County’s broader intergovernmental agenda.
Lead King County’s relationships with the congressional delegation and federal agencies, serving as the Executive’s primary liaison on state relations.
Manage the County’s federal contract lobbyists to ensure execution and alignment with the Executive’s vision and agenda.
Monitor, track, and help advance King County’s federal legislative priorities, appropriation requests, grant opportunities, and policy initiatives.
Provide policy analysis, strategic recommendations, and political insight on federal issues affecting King County operations, funding, and residents.
Coordinate with other members of the Government Relations team and county departments to ensure timely, consistent, and effective engagement on policies, programs, and projects.
Support preparation of briefings, testimony, grant narratives, fact sheets, and other advocacy materials for the Executive, Council members, and department leaders.
Coordinate with federal, state, regional, and local partners on special projects, including immigration, national coalitions, intergovernmental initiatives, and related policy efforts.
Expectations
Working with the Federal lobbyist, coordinate the County’s presence in Washington DC and travel as needed, including during key legislative, appropriations, and agency engagement periods.
In the office a minimum of three days per week; some meetings may require in-person attendance without remote options.
Be timely, responsive, and respectful of others’ time.
Bring urgency and momentum to the work; the pace will be fast, complex, and deeply impactful.
Meetings and projects will have clear goals, agendas, ownership, and follow-through.
A commitment to continuous improvement in processes, strategy, and outcomes.
Values
Serve with integrity.
Show initiative and work hard.
Prioritize outcomes over optics.
Center equity and the voices of those most impacted.
Approach challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work collaboratively as one adaptable, mission-driven team.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate The Ideal Candidate Is a Skilled Policy Professional Who Understands Washington State Government And Can Navigate Complex Political Environments With Credibility And Trust. Successful Candidates Will Bring:
Significant experience (5+ years) in federal government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a related governmental role.
Strong understanding of federal legislative, appropriations, and administrative processes.
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency officials, and national stakeholders.
Experience advancing funding requests, grants, or policy priorities within the federal system.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling messaging.
Strong organizational skills with a track record of managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
Key Attributes
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 state policy work.
Collaborative: Works across departments and with external partners to advance shared priorities.
Results-Oriented: Connects advocacy to real-world outcomes and measurable impact for King County residents.
Why Join Us This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Federal Relations Manager will help bring the King County Delivers vision to life—turning 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. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and frugal stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. We 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. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive-level salary, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive health, retirement, and leave benefits
Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
Application Process To apply, please submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the King County Delivers vision of transparent, equitable, and accountable government.
Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page. This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position will be a member of the Government Relations team and will report to the Director of Government Relations, working closely with colleagues across the team and departments countywide.
The Manager will help develop and implement the County’s federal legislative and executive branch strategy, monitor and advance priority policy and funding opportunities, and support coordinated advocacy efforts across King County departments. The position plays a critical role in ensuring King County’s priorities are clearly communicated, strategically advanced, and effectively integrated into federal decision-making.
Job Duties Key Responsibilities
Support development and execution of King County’s federal government relations strategy in alignment with the Executive priorities and the County’s broader intergovernmental agenda.
Lead King County’s relationships with the congressional delegation and federal agencies, serving as the Executive’s primary liaison on state relations.
Manage the County’s federal contract lobbyists to ensure execution and alignment with the Executive’s vision and agenda.
Monitor, track, and help advance King County’s federal legislative priorities, appropriation requests, grant opportunities, and policy initiatives.
Provide policy analysis, strategic recommendations, and political insight on federal issues affecting King County operations, funding, and residents.
Coordinate with other members of the Government Relations team and county departments to ensure timely, consistent, and effective engagement on policies, programs, and projects.
Support preparation of briefings, testimony, grant narratives, fact sheets, and other advocacy materials for the Executive, Council members, and department leaders.
Coordinate with federal, state, regional, and local partners on special projects, including immigration, national coalitions, intergovernmental initiatives, and related policy efforts.
Expectations
Working with the Federal lobbyist, coordinate the County’s presence in Washington DC and travel as needed, including during key legislative, appropriations, and agency engagement periods.
In the office a minimum of three days per week; some meetings may require in-person attendance without remote options.
Be timely, responsive, and respectful of others’ time.
Bring urgency and momentum to the work; the pace will be fast, complex, and deeply impactful.
Meetings and projects will have clear goals, agendas, ownership, and follow-through.
A commitment to continuous improvement in processes, strategy, and outcomes.
Values
Serve with integrity.
Show initiative and work hard.
Prioritize outcomes over optics.
Center equity and the voices of those most impacted.
Approach challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
Work collaboratively as one adaptable, mission-driven team.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Ideal Candidate The Ideal Candidate Is a Skilled Policy Professional Who Understands Washington State Government And Can Navigate Complex Political Environments With Credibility And Trust. Successful Candidates Will Bring:
Significant experience (5+ years) in federal government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a related governmental role.
Strong understanding of federal legislative, appropriations, and administrative processes.
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency officials, and national stakeholders.
Experience advancing funding requests, grants, or policy priorities within the federal system.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling messaging.
Strong organizational skills with a track record of managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
Key Attributes
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 state policy work.
Collaborative: Works across departments and with external partners to advance shared priorities.
Results-Oriented: Connects advocacy to real-world outcomes and measurable impact for King County residents.
Why Join Us This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Federal Relations Manager will help bring the King County Delivers vision to life—turning 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. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and frugal stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. We 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. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive-level salary, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive health, retirement, and leave benefits
Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
Application Process To apply, please submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the King County Delivers vision of transparent, equitable, and accountable government.
Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page. This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr