Economic Development Program Manager (Project/Program Manager IV)

King County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

King County's Department of Local Services seeks an Economic Development Program Manager (Project/Program Manager IV) to lead the creation and implementation of programs that grow jobs and the tax base in unincorporated areas. Based in the Director's Office, you will collaborate with the External Relations Manager and county partners to advance economic development countywide.

You will build strong public-private partnerships, support new ventures, strengthen existing businesses, and ensure

Qualifications

• Experience leading economic development programs and partnerships.
• Strong collaboration with public/private stakeholders in unincorporated areas.
• Commitment to equity and social justice in planning and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead countywide economic development strategy.
• Strengthen business districts and support small businesses.
• Build partnerships and engage communities.
• Coordinate cross-departmental policy efforts.
• Secure funding and manage resources.
• Manage programs and lead staff.

Job description

The Economic Development Program Manager(Project/Program Manager IV) supports strategic economic development in King County’s unincorporated areas. Working from the Director’s Office in the Department of Local Services and reporting to the External Relations Manager, this role leads the creation and implementation of programs that grow jobs and the tax base, including developing area business plans, supporting new business ventures, and strengthening existing businesses.

The manager builds strong public-private partnerships, collaborates with economic development organizations, and serves as a subject matter expert and liaison between unincorporated communities, including ethnic business groups—and developers pursuing housing and commercial projects. The role also coordinates rural economic efforts with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and the Executives Office and provides technical assistance for urban and subarea planning.

This position works closely with subarea planners, outreach staff, and department leadership to advance economic development countywide. Candidates must be committed to racial, social, and economic equity. The Department of Local Services values equity, respect, and partnership and is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive, thriving communities.

About the Department of Local Services

King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services, and Permitting divisions, as well as long-range planning, code writing, subarea planning, community service area liaison and comprehensive planning teams. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas of King County.

Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. 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.

Applying the principles of equity and racial and social justice is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply these principles to all aspects of your work. Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead Countywide Economic Development Strategy
  Develop and implement long-term economic development plans for unincorporated King County, integrating equity, racial, and social justice principles into all strategies and initiatives.
• Strengthen Business Districts and Support Small Businesses
  Design, manage, and deliver programs that promote business district vitality, support small and minority-owned businesses, and foster business retention, expansion, and new ventures.
• Build Partnerships and Engage Communities
  Cultivate strong relationships with community organizations, chambers of commerce, business groups, and development partners. Serve as a liaison between unincorporated communities and private developers.
• Coordinate Cross-Departmental and Policy Efforts
  Collaborate with County departments to address economic challenges, support land-use and subarea planning, and provide economic development insights for policy and budget decisions.
• Secure Funding and Manage Resources
  Identify, pursue, and manage diverse funding sources—including grants, REET, and public-private partnerships to support economic development programs and business district improvements.
• Manage Programs and Lead Staff
  Oversee program operations, supervise a small team