Transportation Policy Advisor

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

7d • 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 Transportation Policy Advisor. The Transportation Policy Advisor will be a member of the newly created Policy and Innovation team. This role will serve with nine (9) policy leads, each representing a specific priority of Executive Zahilay. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Policy and Innovation, the Transportation Policy Advisor will help guide policy direction for their portfolio and work closely with County departments to integrate and align policy priorities across the enterprise. The ideal candidate brings not only transportation 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 transportation policy, public policy, or related roles.
• Preferably working closely with complex transportation systems to implement aspects of a regional transit/transportation system.
• A proven record of translating policy into measurable results.
• A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence in government.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, writing, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to community partners.
• Experience engaging transportation leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building skills with experience engaging elected officials, senior leaders, and strategic partners.
• Excellent 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

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and implementation for the Executive’s transportation policy priorities with a strong focus on transportation policies impacting the county and also including any relevant federal and state transportation policies.
• 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.
• Collaborate with public sector partners, community and subject matter experts to develop policy positions that advance the interests of the Executive.
• Monitor, track, and help advance priority transportation issues, including emerging policy, political, and operational developments.
• Work closely to monitor and track policy related to King County Metro and advise the Executive and Executive leadership on policies related to regional mobility.
• Advise the Executive and Executive leadership on transportation policy, including serving as a key advisor to Executive Zahilay in his role as a Sound Transit board member.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with transportation stakeholders and key partners.
• Coordinate with legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental partners on transportation policy issues.
• Represent the Executive in meetings and working groups, related to transportation.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration to advance equitable transportation policy.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed