Associate Deputy for Strategy

Title: Associate Deputy for Strategy

Classification: Full-time; Exempt; Non-Represented

Location: Seattle, WA; In person & eligible for telework

Organizational Overview

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is a public administrative agency created by an interlocal agreement between the City of Seattle and King County. KCRHA is responsible for unifying, coordinating, and administering the funding of emergency services for people experiencing homelessness — to provide oversight and accountability. Our mission is to administer effective, performance-based homeless services to support a high-functioning homelessness crisis response system to significantly decrease the incidence of unsheltered homelessness across King County using equity and social justice principles. Crisis response includes services that support those who are not yet in permanent housing such as: Emergency shelter, Transitional Housing, Tiny Home Villages, Rapid Re-Housing, Day Centers, and Severe Weather shelter.

Team Overview

The Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has direct lines of interaction with all divisions across the agency, working closely to ensure alignment with KCRHA's overall strategy and goals.

Role Description

The Associate Deputy for Strategy (ADS) is a newly designed role for the agency. It will serve as the primary counsel and second-in-command to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). This strategic leader will be responsible for driving organizational alignment across operations, policy, and executive initiatives, ensuring they adhere to and advance the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) guiding the KCRHA. In collaboration with the CEO and executive team, the ADS will develop and implement strategies that support the Authority's mission to significantly reduce homelessness in King County through social justice and equity principles. This will include other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities

• Act as the CEO's principal counsel, aligning organizational initiatives with the strategic priorities set forth by the executive team and the ILA.
• Support the CEO in decision-making by providing thorough analyses and insights on key policy and operational issues.
• At the direction of the CEO and in collaboration with the executive team, oversee the operational strategy of the Authority to ensure efficient and effective execution of programs and services that are essential to achieving KCRHA's mission.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, fostering innovation and a data-driven approach to optimize service delivery and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with the executive team to enhance accountability and streamline operations across divisions to achieve unified organizational outcomes.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with all ILA requirements, fostering accountability and transparency in policy-making processes.
• Serve as a liaison to key stakeholders, including local government, nonprofit partners, and community organizations, representing KCRHA's policy interests and strategic goals.
• Coordinate closely with KCRHA's CEO and executive team, leading cross-functional initiatives that require alignment across policy, operations, and strategic planning.
• Establish and manage key partnerships with external stakeholders to ensure KCRHA's policies and operations align with regional goals and priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• Fluency in equity and racial justice concepts and language, understanding their privilege and power, and can bring equity impact analysis to life in the context of their tasks.
• 9+ of related work experience in the government, non-profit or related field.
• 6+ experience in a senior management role, ideally within a government or public sector organization focused on homelessness or related human services including people management experience.
• Strong understanding of operations management, policy development, and strategic planning, with demonstrated success aligning large teams toward shared goals.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead complex projects and foster collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of the King County Interlocal Agreement or similar governance frameworks is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community members.
• Ability to develop ideas and perform the implementation steps to achieve results.
• Ability to remain solution-focused and respectful in all interactions with staff, coworkers, vendors, and clients.
• Ability to set a clear vision that aligns with the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Additional Requirements

• Experience with government and community stakeholders in King County
• Valid Washington State Driver's License
• Ability to travel up to 10%, in state and out-of-state
• Knowledgeable in policy development, particularly as it relates to housing, homelessness, and regional governance, King County Interlocal Agreement or similar governance frameworks is highly desirable
• BA in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Social Work, related field or advanced degree preferred
• Ability to provide and accept feedback
• Ability to work in and across several communication platforms, including social networks and cloud-based systems
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Benefits

The KCRHA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Insurance: Group Term Life, Additional Employee + Dependent Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.

Retirement: Pension and Deferred Compensations Plan for eligible employees.

Paid Time Off: Unlimited vacation, 96 hours of paid sick and safe leave, 12 official holidays, and 2 personal holidays.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for eligible medical and dependent care expenses.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Commuter Benefit: Subsidized ORCA card.

EEO Statement

The KCRHA is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, nationality, national origin, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The KCRHA will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.