Chief Performance Officer

About the Role

King County is launching an ambitious effort to make government more transparent, accountable, and effective through the King County Delivers plan. To lead this work, we are seeking a results-driven Chief Performance Officer (CPO).

The CPO will champion data-driven decision-making, performance measurement, continuous improvement and innovation across all County departments. This role will help ensure that King County delivers high-quality, efficient, and equitable services to every resident.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a countywide performance management system that tracks progress toward strategic goals and service outcomes.
• Build and oversee public-facing performance dashboards that promote transparency and accountability.
• Partner with department leaders to identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, and strengthen financial and operational controls.
• Coordinate proactive performance audits and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Integrate an equity lens into all performance metrics to ensure fair and inclusive service delivery.
• Prepare regular reports for the Executive, County Council, and the public on the County's performance results.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and innovation across County government.

Values

• Serve with integrity, humility and empathy.
• Show initiative and work hard.
• Prioritize outcomes over optics.
• Center those most impacted and put "boots on the ground."
• Solve problems with a "yes, and" mindset.
• Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.
• Drive for clarity.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a collaborative leader who can translate data into action, inspire performance improvement, and strengthen public trust in government. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience (10+ years) leading performance management, innovation, operations, or strategy in a large, complex organization—public sector experience preferred.
• Strong skills in data analysis, process improvement, and public reporting.
• Proven ability to drive organizational change and implement measurable improvements.
• A deep commitment to transparency, equity, and service excellence.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to community partners.

Key Attributes

• Strategic and Analytical: Sees the big picture and uses data to drive results.
• Equity-Centered: Embeds fairness and inclusion into every performance goal.
• Collaborative: Works across departments and builds partnerships to deliver shared results.
• Results-Oriented: Keeps focus on measurable outcomes that improve community well-being.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Chief Performance Officer will help bring the King County Delivers vision to life—turning bold ideas into accountable, transparent, and effective government action.

The King County Executive Office serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with integrity, transparency, and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and frugal stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve.

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. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and leave benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and public service impact

Application Process

To apply, please submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and a statement of interest describing how your experience aligns with the King County Delivers vision of transparent, equitable, and accountable government.