Special Projects Manager I

The Department of Local Services (DLS) is recruiting an experienced procurement, contracting, and special projects manager. This position will act as lead for special projects in the Director’s Office requiring procured and contracted services, including consultant contracts, for varied projects and services, such as removing barriers to affordable housing and battery energy storage system siting analysis and toolkit, and other long‑range planning policies. This position may complete research projects and write proviso responses, and may provide direct or indirect supervision, mentoring, and coaching for Project Program Managers. This position will report to the Chief of Staff and work collaboratively with the Chief Administrative Officer and their planning and code‑writing teams, as well as the Chief Financial Officer and their fiscal team. Responsibilities Serve as the lead for special projects within the Director’s Office, overseeing initiatives that require contracted services, including consultant contracts, scopes of work, procurement processes, and vendor management. Manage and coordinate complex, cross‑departmental projects such as initiatives that remove barriers to affordable housing and develop a battery energy storage system siting analysis and toolkit. Conduct research on special initiatives and draft budget proviso responses to the Executive’s Office and King County Council. Oversee development, implementation, and compliance for contracts supporting a variety of policy, planning, and operational initiatives, ensuring all deliverables meet project objectives, timelines, and county requirements. Identify, recommend, and implement continuous quality improvement opportunities for procurement and contracting processes and procedures. Provide direct or indirect supervision, mentoring, and coaching to at least one Project Program Manager, guiding procurement development, implementation, and contracting activities. Collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff to align special projects with department priorities and strategic direction. Work in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer and associated planning and code‑writing teams to coordinate analytical, policy, and legislative elements of projects. Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer and fiscal teams to ensure accurate budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal oversight for all projects and contracts under the role’s purview. Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement activities, including facilitation of meetings, presentations, and consultations with community partners, consultants, and county leadership. Develop reports, recommendations, and briefing materials for department leadership, elected officials, and external partners to support decision‑making and project advancement. Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain high standards of project quality and accountability throughout project lifecycles. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, land use planning, project or program management, or a closely related field; or equivalent education and experience. Five or more years of progressively responsible experience managing complex projects, contracts, and cross‑departmental initiatives in a government, nonprofit, or similar organizational setting. Five or more years of experience with public sector procurement, contract development, vendor selection, and contract compliance monitoring. Experience supervising or leading staff, including providing coaching, performance support, and professional development. Experience working on policy, planning, or technical projects, including coordinating with administrative, financial, and code‑writing or planning teams. Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders, facilitate meetings, and build effective relationships with community partners, consultants, and leadership teams. Experience developing reports, recommendations, and briefing materials for executives, elected officials, or other decision‑makers. Experience implementing process improvements or continuous quality improvement initiatives related to procurement, contracting, or project workflows. Knowledge of public sector budgeting, fiscal oversight, and project financial management. Experience identifying project risks, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring high quality project execution. Desired Qualifications Experience with building and land use policy and regulation in an agency or agencies with complex rural and urban issues, sophisticated regional initiatives, and diverse inter‑jurisdictional relationships. Work Schedule The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work on the weekends. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. Emergency Designation Status This position has been designated as Non‑Mission Critical. Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized may be required to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. Union Membership This position is not represented. Teleworking Requirement We will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. Work Location Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104). Equal Employment Opportunity Statement King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County