Senior Criminal Justice Policy Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible schedules

Public service impact

Job summary

King County seeks a Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor to work with Executive Zahilay and partner agencies to advance policy priorities across public safety and the criminal legal system. The role emphasizes collaboration, equity, transparency, and measurable results in a high-impact government environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in policy work, a JD preferred, and a proven ability to translate policy into actionable programs.

Qualifications

• Significant experience (8+ years) in policy work impacting the criminal legal system, preferably in Washington state.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school preferred.
• Proven ability to translate policy into measurable results.
• Commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Public Safety Policy Lead Advisor to develop and implement Executive's policy priorities across public safety and the criminal legal system.
• Coordinate cross-agency efforts across criminal legal systems (law enforcement, courts, jails) in King County.
• Collaborate with Sheriff’s Office, Detention, and Public Defense to implement policy priorities.
• Engage with the Superior Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on policies.
• Serve as 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-department collaboration to advance equitable policies.
• Work with policy leadership to integrate priorities into broader organizational strategy.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical writing

Verbal communication

Relationship building

Public policy

Project management

Equity & transparency

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

King County seeks a Criminal Legal System Policy Lead Advisor to work with Executive Zahilay and partner agencies to advance policy priorities across public safety and the criminal legal system. The role emphasizes collaboration, equity, transparency, and measurable results in a high-impact government environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in policy work, a JD preferred, and a proven ability to translate policy into actionable programs.