SummaryThis position will remain open until filled but the screening process will move quickly.

The King County Council is looking for a skilled and motivated individual, with a passion for community engagement to advance equity and social justice in King County. The Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Director works with communities across the county to ensure the Council understands the broad spectrum of issues facing the County, as well as the people we serve. The ESJ Director also shares the Council’s positions and policies with communities across King County.

The successful candidate is a leader with a proven track record of carrying out equity and social justice efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to join the King County Council staff and play a role in ensuring residents receive quality regional services and foster effective partnerships with communities within King County.

This position requires a self-starter with a keen political acumen, cultural competence and experience working and building trusted relationships with underserved communities. The Equity and Social Justice Director is a salaried, at-will, overtime exempt classification. This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff, but is responsive to all members of the council.

King County Council is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Council encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the County we serve. We believe a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

MEET THE METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL:
Named after one of our nation’s greatest civil rights leader, King County remains one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and play. Take a look at the King County Council’s message to county residents and outline for the legislative branch:
King County Council

Job DutiesJOB DUTIES: 
In order to be considered for this opportunity, an applicant must be able to do the following:

• Serve as a primary point of contact, communication and facilitation between the Council and communities, with particular focus on residents who have historically lacked a strong voice and influence in local government, including communities of color, limited-English speaking populations and low-income residents.
• Lead the development of inclusive government practices, programs and policies to address inequities and solicits community input throughout the policy development process.
• Advocate for the Council’s ESJ goals; improves inter-branch coordination on ESJ issues.
• Provide leadership and support for internal legislative branch ESJ efforts.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, legislation or other analytical work as directed; works closely with the Council’s central staff on legislation as necessary.
• Attend relevant local community meetings on behalf of the Council.
• Lead outreach and networking for the Council to ensure a wide array of diverse community partners and organizations.
• Acts as a resource for all Council members and legislative branch staff on ESJ and community engagement practices.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsOUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:
Our ideal candidate will understand and have a passion to serve communities who have historically lacked a strong voice and influence in local government. The preferred candidate will also demonstrate skill developing policy, programs and inclusion engagement practices, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills, initiative, and judgment.

Competitive candidates will possess a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working directly with elected officials in local or regional government; or any combination of education and/or experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the scope of the job duties as described in the job description may also be considered. We know that historically marginalized people often do not have the opportunity for advanced education so we value “lived experience” when the candidate can demonstrate the following abilities:

• Advanced expertise in negotiation and mediation and knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
• Prepare and present professional and influential written materials on a variety of complex and sensitive public policy matters.
• Conduct research and analysis.
• Develop and maintain positive and influential relationships with community partners and organizations, policy staff, County executive and departments, and all relevant external customers and stakeholders within King County.
• Prepare and represent the Council and County at hearing, meetings, and other events.
• Flexible and agile thinker in sometimes chaotic political situations. Have a strong grounding with local and state elected officials, divisions of government, and community groups.
• Understand the County’s Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) goals in order to advise on policies to advance them as well as describe County ESJ goals to diverse audiences.

Supplemental InformationCOMPENSATION & HOW TO APPLY:
This position is open to all qualified candidates. The annual salary range for this position is $117,539 – $158,078, dental and vision insurance as well as a generous vacation and leave program. To see all of King County’s benefits, please visit our website at: King County Benefits

Application Materials Required:
The following items are required to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Application

A complete job description can be downloaded by going to: Equity and Social Justice Director

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity to join County government, please contact Tracy Calderon at 206-477-0979 or tracy.calderon@kingcounty.gov.