Ombuds Deputy Director
King County, Seattle, WA, United States
Salary
$159,357.20 - $214,317.56 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Appt/Exempt
Job Number
2026AW26664
Department
KCC - King County Council
Division
Ombuds
Opening Date
03/30/2026
Closing Date
4/15/2026 11:59 AM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z2 : Council Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
35 hours/week
Summary
About the King County Office of the Ombuds
The King County Office of the Ombuds is an independent office within the legislative branch of government that reports to the King County Council. We are committed to equity, social justice, and ensuring that King County is an accountable, inclusive, and anti-racist government. Our work improves the quality of life for all King County residents in a number of areas, including public health and safety, the environment, transportation and infrastructure, and equity and social justice. The Office of the King County Ombuds is located in the Dexter Horton Building.
About the Ombuds Deputy Director Position
The Deputy Director position is responsible for supporting the Director with oversight of the ombuds office, managing staff, building strategic networks, and engaging with key partners internally and externally of the County Council.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
General responsibilities include: Providing leadership to functions undertaken in the department director's office and represent the director and the department on matters of institutional significance. Overseeing and managing the flow and exchange of information, streamline operations, Tracking and ensuring that director accountabilities for assigned responsibilities are achieved. Facilitating the application of co-created collective principles of interpersonal engagement when conflict or disagreements arise between internal staff. Orienting, coaching, and training staff on standards, policies, techniques, analytics, writing, equity, quality assurance, and communications. Supporting the development and monitoring of the office budget in conjunction with the County Ombuds. As assigned, provide training, support, and supervision for administrative staff working on the budget. Working with County Ombuds in identifying systemic gaps and challenges in King County services and/or King County Code related to the Office of the Ombuds/Tax Advisor, and stakeholders to draft legislation. Helping develop and ensuring compliance with the office's system of quality control. Overseeing one or more complex portfolios of work within the office, such as Tax Advisor, Metro Transit, DAJD, and Rural and Land Use programs. Directly supervise the work within assigned portfolios or other portfolios as assigned. Establishing personnel performance standards in conjunction with County Ombuds. Supervise project personnel to achieve the standards. Identify and manage critical issues that have significant public impact which require the attention of the director and/or other managers. Stepping in for the Director of the Office in their absence or as assigned. A full description of the job duties and responsibilities may be found here: Job classifications - King County, Washington
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Amaster's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, government, dispute resolution, or related discipline and any relevant experience including lived, volunteer, professional
OR
a combination of experience and education that demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered.
We are looking for candidates who have a minimum of ten years of successful work experience in performing professional level supervision and management. Ideal candidates will possess:
A high level of emotional intelligence along with interpersonal resolution skills. Extensive professional knowledge of principles and practices associated with supervision, leadership, team building, and performance management. Well-developed quantitative and qualitative skills to verse complex investigations and analyses. Extensive professional knowledge of the principles and practices of ombuds work. Ability to interpret, apply, and coach others on King County Code; and local, regional, state, and federal mandates. Ability to organize, setup, and provide support to large, highly visible, public outreach programs and events. Understand, apply, and coach others int he principles of objectivity, independence, professional skepticism, and professional ethics, including appropriate applications of confidentiality. Desired Experience and Knowledge:
Working knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures. Develop and maintain positive professional working relationships with staff, agencies, communities, and outside stakeholder groups. Well-developed quantitative and qualitative skills to oversee complex investigations and analyses. Experience working in a unionized atmosphere. Coaching, mentoring, and professional development skills. Familiarity writing communications for government structures. Supplemental Information
Application and Selection Process If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Applications will be screened for completeness, writing accuracy, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a skills assessment test and one or more panel interviews. Candidates invited to participate in a final interview must agree to complete a reference check before the final interview.
To apply for this position, you must submit:
A completed job application. A cover letter detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements (Supplemental question #1, no more than 500 words). A resume. A writing sample demonstrating complex detailed analytical findings. This can be a writing product produced in a previous professional role. Response to supplemental questions NOTE: Online applications are preferred; however, if you are unable to apply online, visit
www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. Failure to submit all required forms and materials may prohibit further consideration. Who May Apply This position is open to all qualified applicants. Acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States are required by federal immigration law. The successful candidate must be able to pass a Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and CJIS background check. Work Schedule This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position that is not eligible for the county Career Service system. The standard work week is 35 hours. Non-traditional workhours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required. Telework The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment, working in the office and at home. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. If selected for this position, you must be available for periodic in-person work. This position will also meet with employees, stakeholders, and the public in-person.
You must have a secure and reliable internet connection for remote work-a minimum of 30megabits per second download speed to accommodate video meetings.
All
staff must commit to standards related to independence, ethics, code of conduct, team engagement, and telework.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to a hybrid environment. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy}, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
Please contact Arlecier West, Sr. HR Business Partner at arlecier.west2@kingcounty.gov if you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process.
Job Code 008177 Ombuds Deputy Director This position is not represented.
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. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
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 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal 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. recblid chsx5z5yujsg7eyo25oje8kmy94fvi
$159,357.20 - $214,317.56 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Appt/Exempt
Job Number
2026AW26664
Department
KCC - King County Council
Division
Ombuds
Opening Date
03/30/2026
Closing Date
4/15/2026 11:59 AM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z2 : Council Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
35 hours/week
Summary
About the King County Office of the Ombuds
The King County Office of the Ombuds is an independent office within the legislative branch of government that reports to the King County Council. We are committed to equity, social justice, and ensuring that King County is an accountable, inclusive, and anti-racist government. Our work improves the quality of life for all King County residents in a number of areas, including public health and safety, the environment, transportation and infrastructure, and equity and social justice. The Office of the King County Ombuds is located in the Dexter Horton Building.
About the Ombuds Deputy Director Position
The Deputy Director position is responsible for supporting the Director with oversight of the ombuds office, managing staff, building strategic networks, and engaging with key partners internally and externally of the County Council.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
General responsibilities include: Providing leadership to functions undertaken in the department director's office and represent the director and the department on matters of institutional significance. Overseeing and managing the flow and exchange of information, streamline operations, Tracking and ensuring that director accountabilities for assigned responsibilities are achieved. Facilitating the application of co-created collective principles of interpersonal engagement when conflict or disagreements arise between internal staff. Orienting, coaching, and training staff on standards, policies, techniques, analytics, writing, equity, quality assurance, and communications. Supporting the development and monitoring of the office budget in conjunction with the County Ombuds. As assigned, provide training, support, and supervision for administrative staff working on the budget. Working with County Ombuds in identifying systemic gaps and challenges in King County services and/or King County Code related to the Office of the Ombuds/Tax Advisor, and stakeholders to draft legislation. Helping develop and ensuring compliance with the office's system of quality control. Overseeing one or more complex portfolios of work within the office, such as Tax Advisor, Metro Transit, DAJD, and Rural and Land Use programs. Directly supervise the work within assigned portfolios or other portfolios as assigned. Establishing personnel performance standards in conjunction with County Ombuds. Supervise project personnel to achieve the standards. Identify and manage critical issues that have significant public impact which require the attention of the director and/or other managers. Stepping in for the Director of the Office in their absence or as assigned. A full description of the job duties and responsibilities may be found here: Job classifications - King County, Washington
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Amaster's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, government, dispute resolution, or related discipline and any relevant experience including lived, volunteer, professional
OR
a combination of experience and education that demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered.
We are looking for candidates who have a minimum of ten years of successful work experience in performing professional level supervision and management. Ideal candidates will possess:
A high level of emotional intelligence along with interpersonal resolution skills. Extensive professional knowledge of principles and practices associated with supervision, leadership, team building, and performance management. Well-developed quantitative and qualitative skills to verse complex investigations and analyses. Extensive professional knowledge of the principles and practices of ombuds work. Ability to interpret, apply, and coach others on King County Code; and local, regional, state, and federal mandates. Ability to organize, setup, and provide support to large, highly visible, public outreach programs and events. Understand, apply, and coach others int he principles of objectivity, independence, professional skepticism, and professional ethics, including appropriate applications of confidentiality. Desired Experience and Knowledge:
Working knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures. Develop and maintain positive professional working relationships with staff, agencies, communities, and outside stakeholder groups. Well-developed quantitative and qualitative skills to oversee complex investigations and analyses. Experience working in a unionized atmosphere. Coaching, mentoring, and professional development skills. Familiarity writing communications for government structures. Supplemental Information
Application and Selection Process If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Applications will be screened for completeness, writing accuracy, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a skills assessment test and one or more panel interviews. Candidates invited to participate in a final interview must agree to complete a reference check before the final interview.
To apply for this position, you must submit:
A completed job application. A cover letter detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements (Supplemental question #1, no more than 500 words). A resume. A writing sample demonstrating complex detailed analytical findings. This can be a writing product produced in a previous professional role. Response to supplemental questions NOTE: Online applications are preferred; however, if you are unable to apply online, visit
www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. Failure to submit all required forms and materials may prohibit further consideration. Who May Apply This position is open to all qualified applicants. Acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States are required by federal immigration law. The successful candidate must be able to pass a Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and CJIS background check. Work Schedule This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position that is not eligible for the county Career Service system. The standard work week is 35 hours. Non-traditional workhours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required. Telework The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment, working in the office and at home. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. If selected for this position, you must be available for periodic in-person work. This position will also meet with employees, stakeholders, and the public in-person.
You must have a secure and reliable internet connection for remote work-a minimum of 30megabits per second download speed to accommodate video meetings.
All
staff must commit to standards related to independence, ethics, code of conduct, team engagement, and telework.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to a hybrid environment. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy}, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
Please contact Arlecier West, Sr. HR Business Partner at arlecier.west2@kingcounty.gov if you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process.
Job Code 008177 Ombuds Deputy Director This position is not represented.
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. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
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 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal 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. recblid chsx5z5yujsg7eyo25oje8kmy94fvi