Criminal Legal System Lead Policy Advisor

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Flexible schedules

Job summary

King County is seeking a Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor to Executive Zahilay. The role sits within Policy and Innovation, coordinating with sheriff, detention, public defense, and courts to translate policy into action across the criminal legal system.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in policy, a JD preferred, and a track record of delivering measurable results, equity, and cross-sector collaboration. This role requires in-person presence at least three days a week.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in policy/public policy affecting the criminal legal system, preferably in Washington.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school preferred.
• Proven ability to translate policy into measurable results.
• Commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.
• Experience engaging stakeholders including elected leaders, legal professionals, community organizations.
• Strong relationship-building with elected officials, senior leaders, strategic partners.
• Excellent analytical and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with follow-through and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Executive’s broader policy priorities across public safety and the criminal legal system.
• Coordinate efforts across criminal legal systems in King County; monitor policy.
• Collaborate with Sheriff’s Office, Detention, and Public Defense to implement priorities.
• Engage with King County Superior Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s office on policies.
• Liaise with Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).
• Represent the Executive in meetings and working groups on policy.
• Support cross-department collaboration to advance equitable policies.
• Work with Policy and Innovation leadership to integrate policy into strategy.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctor (preferred)

Job description

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 collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor to Executive Zahilay.

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 collaborative, strategic, and deeply knowledgeable Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor to Executive Zahilay.

The Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor will be a member of the Policy and Innovation team. This role will serve with a team of policy leads, each representing a specific priority of Executive Zahilay. This position will work in partnership with the new Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Innovation, the Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor will help guide policy direction for their portfolio and work closely with County departments and partners to integrate and align policy priorities involving the criminal legal system across the enterprise. The ideal candidate brings not only policy subject matter expertise, but also a strong understanding of how to translate policy to implementation. Success in this role requires subject matter expertise, familiarity with community and government relations, and the ability to lead policy solutions that advance the Executive’s goals.

Job Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with the Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor to develop and implement the Executive’s broader policy priorities across public safety and the criminal legal system.
• Work in partnership with key stakeholders to coordinate efforts across criminal legal systems (law enforcement, courts, and jails) in King County and monitor policy related to the criminal legal system.
• Work closely with the King County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, and Department of Public Defense to implement the Executive’s broader policy priorities across the criminal legal system.
• Act as a liaison to the King County Superior Court and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office to engage on policies.
• Serve as the Executive’s primary liaison to the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).
• Represent the Executive in meetings and working groups related to criminal legal system policy.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration to advance equitable policies related to the criminal legal system.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Innovation, Deputy Director of Policy and Innovation, other policy leads and members of the Executive’s Office on strategies to integrate policy priorities into broader organizational strategy and cross-functional initiatives.

Expectations

• A focus on being out in the county to connect and build relationships with those we serve and those with whom we partner.
• In the office a minimum of 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). There will likely be additional in-person days required. Meetings may not have a call-in option for required in-person days, and the expectation is to be in the office.
• Be on time, respectful of others’ time, and responsive when needed.
• Bring an urgency to the work. We will start fast. The work will be intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
• Meetings will have written expectations, including an agenda with the goals and outcomes. Owners and next steps will be clear.
• Processes and work will continuously improve.

Our Values

• Accountable
• Collaborative
• Timely
• Impactful
• Value Employees
• Accessible
• Trusted
• Equitable

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Ideal Candidate

We Are Looking For A?Criminal Legal System Lead Policy Advisor?who Can Collaborate Across Diverse Organizations And Communicate King County’s Values And Priorities Effectively.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Significant experience (8+ years) working in policy, public policy, or related roles impacting the criminal legal system, preferably in Washington state.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school preferred.
• A proven record of leading and facilitating efforts to translate policy into measurable results.
• A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.
• Experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including elected leaders, legal professionals, and community organizations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with experience engaging elected officials, senior leaders, and strategic partners.
• Excellent analytical and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated record of follow-through, attention to detail, and accountability in managing 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 policy work.
• Collaborative: Works across departments and builds strong partnerships to drive the policy agenda.
• Results-Oriented: Connects policy to action, driving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

Supplemental Information

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor will help bring Executive Zahilay’s 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

Ability to make a meaningful impact on how King County delivers for its residents

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.