Join our team at the Department of Local Services (DLS) as a Principal Subarea Planner (Project/Program Manager IV). Our subarea planning program helps guide community development decisions for both rural and urban areas in unincorporated King County. We focus on what's important to the community using tools developed by the Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice. We are guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan and our elected leaders.

We're looking to fill two vacancies with people who have successfully led and contributed to significant policies and land use codes, particularly in areas where sensitivity to political dynamics is important. As a Principal Subarea Planner, you'll work closely with community members and colleagues to assess community needs, analyze data, brainstorm new ideas, and propose practical solutions. Your role will involve finding ways to optimize land use, preserve the environment, enhance housing options, and bolster local business districts.

The ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience working with community members to develop forward-thinking policies, with an emphasis on engaging with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as other historically under-represented groups. Effective communication skills are essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of how governments deliver services across different urban-rural landscapes.

This role entails occasional commitments during evenings and weekends for meetings, including presentations to the public, elected leaders, and other agencies. You'll also work closely with department staff to coordinate community engagement activities, facilitate code reviews, analyze data, craft plans and reports, write legislation, and strategically plan and monitor legislative actions.

You'll collaborate closely with professionals in the DLS director's office, coordinating with permitting and economic development professionals, and the Office of Regional Planning. Additionally, you'll engage with various departments, the King County Council, the Office of the King County Executive, and other governments.

Job Duties:

• Implement the County's subarea planning program for rural and urban unincorporated areas, continuously refining processes for improved outcomes for community areas.
• Create and execute innovative public engagement and outreach strategies to foster dialogue and collaboration with diverse communities, including those historically not involved in government processes.
• Stay informed about land use activities, trends, legislation, and other critical issues in unincorporated areas.
• Coordinate closely with planners and other professionals in the King County Permitting, Roads, Regional Planning, and other departments.
• Conduct collaborative research and analysis using demographic, financial, and geographic data.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise documents.
• Engage with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color communities, and other historically under-represented groups, to develop inclusive plans that reflect their long-term goals.
• Manage individual workload effectively to meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands.
• Serve as a technical resource on subarea planning and specific plan content.
• Contribute to the development of code and plan amendments to enhance departmental processes.
• Collaborate with department staff to draft and review legislation, policies, and reports.
• Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation in coordination with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and County Council staff.
• Ensure compliance and consistency between Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations; support Comprehensive Plan updates as needed.
• Provide staff support for interdepartmental or interjurisdictional teams and community outreach efforts as directed.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related challenges.
• Demonstrate a commitment to superior customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department.
• Fulfill commitments made to customers and stakeholders with integrity.
• Respond to inquiries from county residents promptly and professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional expertise in long-range planning, including crafting policies and guiding government actions to meet local community development needs.
• Proficiency in developing, writing, amending, interpreting, and recommending land use regulations and supporting documents concerning urban, rural and resource issues.
• Demonstrated experience implementing community outreach and engagement strategies, with an emphasis on engaging with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as other historically under-represented groups.
• Experience scoping and managing complex projects to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes using project management best practices.
• Knowledgeable about the state's legal planning framework, including the Washington State Growth Management Act, the Washington Shorelines Act, and the State Environmental Policy Act.
• Strong understanding of land use legal theory and principles; ability to identify legal issues, impacts, and risks; knowing when to seek advice from legal or other professionals.
• Experience collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships and partnerships across boundaries and with different interests.
• Advanced experience in delivering presentations to legislative bodies, jurisdictional partners, and the public.
• Exceptional technical and non-technical writing skills; advanced ability to adjust written communication for various audiences.
• Clear and effective communication skills: ability to listen, provide feedback, and negotiate outcomes as needed; ability to deliver accurate and concise oral presentations.
• Proficiency in using common desktop tools, including Microsoft Office and SharePoint applications, to perform job duties.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in planning or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading community-based planning projects that includes equitable engagement approaches, land use analyses and recommendations, interdisciplinary policy recommendations, legislative actions, and implementation strategies.
• Track record in drafting legislation, analyzing supporting data, crafting reports and communication materials, and delivering compelling presentations to elected officials.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through the ability to unite individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of economic and social factors that influence decisions and practices around development, construction, design, and use of land.
• Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates, and functions, and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County.
• Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues, regional initiatives, and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.
• Second language proficiency in one of King County's most spoken languages is preferred.
• Proficient in using geographic information systems (GIS) for planning purpose is desirable.