Deputy Chief of Administration (Deputy Division Director-DAJD Administrative Services)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Administration to serve as a key member of the senior management team. This role provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Administrative Services Division's operations and priorities. The Deputy Chief will lead a team of subject matter experts across finance, information technology, project management, human resources, and records management. This position is instrumental in advancing critical department initiatives, strengthening organizational effectiveness, managing intergovernmental relationships, and ensuring administrative services align with DAJD's operational and strategic goals. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee long-range planning for division and department programs, including detention population forecasting, business plan development, and capital project oversight - Develop cooperative working relationships with elected officials, county administrators, governmental agencies, and the public - Make presentations and participate in negotiations regarding administrative services and department functions - Coordinate and collaborate with project managers and analysts to guide work, establish expectations, and promote effective performance communication - Assess and manage processes to complete projects and planning, organizing activities and simplifying complex processes for efficiency - Coordinate with the Human Resource Manager to guide recruitment, labor relations, performance, and leave management - Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to guide the budget process, payroll, procurement, and accounts payable - Contribute to the development and support of a $450 million biennial department budget, including forecasting and data analysis MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, economics, statistical analysis, finance, business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) - Minimum of five years of additional combined experience as a leader contributing to the performance, strategy, and/or budget for a department or agency of similar size and complexity - Demonstrated advanced technical and analytical skills, including developing and defending enterprise-wide criminal justice projects and analyzing complex data - Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills - Ability to direct the work of direct reports and others while maintaining two-way dialogue - Excellent clear and succinct writing skills, and effective verbal presentation skills for various settings - Experience in the analysis of public policy issues, legislation, or process improvement programs - Strategic orientation with the ability to evaluate trends, data, and changing dynamics to create sound plans SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must successfully pass a thorough background investigation process, including fingerprinting, criminal history check, and reference checks - Must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to the King County worksite - Willing and able to report to work at different secured detention facilities in Seattle and Kent - Hybrid work model requiring onsite work three days per week at the King County Courthouse, with remote work requiring a reliable internet connection and workspace - Desired qualifications include an advanced degree in a related field, advanced knowledge of public sector budgeting, and knowledge of auditing techniques and principles SELECTION PROCESS - This is a non-represented, appointed, career service exempt position, meaning the selected individual will serve at-will at the pleasure of the appointing authority - King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and does not unlawfully exclude any person from employment opportunities based on protected classes HOW TO APPLY - Complete the full King County application and supplemental questionnaire - Attach a copy of your current resume and a letter of interest detailing your qualifications - Note that resumes or letters of interest alone will not substitute for a full application - Applications received by September 17, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. will receive first consideration, though the recruitment remains open continuously until filled - For questions or accommodation requests, contact Jaclyn Smith, DAJD Sr. Human Resources Analyst, at 206-263-3379 or jacsmith@kingcounty.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: King County - Location: King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 - Job Type: Appt/Exempt, Full Time - Job Number: 2026JS27902 - Department: DAJD-Adult/Juvenile Detention - Division: Administrative Services - Hours/Week: 40 hours/week (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with potential evening or weekend work) - FLSA Status: Exempt (not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time) - Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines - Opening Date: 09/04/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous