Criminal Legal System Lead Policy Advisor

King County•Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Significant experience (8+ years) working in policy, public policy, or related roles impacting the criminal legal system, preferably in Washington state.
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.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school preferred.

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.