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

This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Applications received by September 17, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. will have first consideration. 

The Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Administration (Deputy Division Director – DAJD Administrative Services) to serve as a key member of the Department’s senior management team. Working closely with the Chief of Administration, this position will provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Division’s operations and priorities. The Deputy Chief of Administration will lead and support a team of subject matter experts across areas such as finance, information technology, project management, human resources, and records management. This role will be instrumental in advancing critical Department initiatives, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and ensuring administrative services align with DAJD’s operational and strategic goals.

As a senior leader, the Deputy Chief of Administration will also play a critical role in coordinating and collaborating with Division leadership, managing intergovernmental relationships, and serving as a liaison on legislative and policy matters. The position will be responsible for building and maintaining effective, collaborative relationships with elected officials, criminal justice partners, labor representatives, courts, and other King County agencies.

This position requires a strategic and collaborative leader who can navigate complex organizational issues, build strong partnerships, and effectively translate administrative expertise into solutions that support DAJD’s mission and operations.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is an Executive branch department with five divisions and approximately 940 budgeted employees supporting two adult detention facilities, a juvenile detention facility, various community supervision programs, and administrative services. The two adult secure detention divisions are the Seattle Division, which operates the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF), and the Kent Division, which operates secure detention at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC). The Juvenile Division operates secure detention facility at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) in Seattle. As of July 2026, the adult jails combined housed more than 1,350 adult residents, the CCFJC housed more than 30 juvenile residents and supervised 37 juvenile clients in the community, and the Community Corrections Division had approximately 640 individuals supervised under electronic home monitoring and day reporting programs.

DAJD MISSION: We provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

DAJD VISION: We lead the Nation in providing exemplary services that transform lives.

DAJD PRIORITIES

• Ensure safety and security of staff and residents.
• Recruit, develop, support, and retain staff.
• Promote opportunities to humanize the people in our facilities and programs.
• Strengthen community connections.
• Manage operational risks.

To learn more about DAJD, please visit our website at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dajd;

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of this position.

• In support of the Division Director of DAJD Administrative Services, oversee long range planning for division and department programs and services including critical planning efforts such as detention population forecasting, business/annual plan development, quality improvement efforts, legislative proposals and monitoring, and capital project oversight. 

• Develop cooperative working relationships with elected officials, County administrators, and representatives of other governmental agencies, co-workers and the public. 
• Make presentations and participate in negotiations regarding the administrative services division and functions performed by the department. 
• Coordinate and collaborate with a team of project managers and analyst to support and guide their work, establish direction and expectations, advocate for their needs and promote regular and effective performance communication.
• Assess and manage processes necessary to get projects and planning completed; organize people and activities; sets performance measures, and simplify complex processes to find efficiencies. 
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Department's Human Resource Manager and help guide their team of human resources staff in operationally critical areas such as recruitment, employee and labor relations, performance, and leave management. 
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Department's Chief Financial Officer to help guide the budget process, payroll, procurement, and accounts payable. 
• Contribute to the development and support for a $450 million biennial department budget, including forecasting, data analysis, strategic planning efforts, and continuous improvement processes. 
• Collaborate with the Division Director and other members of the Senior Management team to formulate policies and procedures for the department. Participate with other management staff in strategic planning and implementing overall departmental objectives. 
• Apply functional and technical knowledge and skills to perform at a high level of accomplishment in oversight of the Administrative Services Division, which includes project management, data analysis, finance, payroll, accounting, budget, information technology, facilities and asset management, records management, program planning and data analysis, capital planning, public disclosure, and support to the Division Director for policy development and analysis. 
• Conduct research, analyze complex data, and communicate results in a manner that can be understood and acted upon by County leadership. Translates results into work plans and deliverables. 
• May negotiate and administer contracts including with vendors, special service providers, other governmental entities as well as supporting the administration of contracts for jail services with 39 cities, the Port of Seattle, the University of Washington and the Federal Government. 
• When assigned, serves as the acting Division Director in the absence of the Division Director. 
• Perform other related tasks as assigned 

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy ,economics, statistical analysis, finance, business, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of additional combined experience as a leader in contributing to the performance, strategy, and/or budget for a department or agency of similar size and complexity.
• Demonstrated advanced technical and analytical skills include developing and defending enterprise-wide criminal justice projects and initiatives and analyzing and interpreting complex data to help inform decisions at the highest levels of County leadership.
• Strong leadership skills, including strong interpersonal skills, grasp of group dynamics, and team building.
• Ability to direct the work of both direct reports and others to ensure organized and well-planned efforts that maintain two-way dialogue while keeping process on target.
• Excellent writing that is clear and succinct but able to be done in a variety of settings and styles; verbal presentation skills that can vary from formal to informal and are effective in large or small groups and command attention.
• Experience in analysis of public policy issues, legislation, or process improvement programs.
• Knowledge in being strategically oriented by evaluating trends, data, economics, changing dynamics to create sound plans that lead the Department forward.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in criminal justice, public administration, public policy, economics, statistical analysis, finance, business, or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector budgeting including principles, planning, analysis, implementation and management principles.
• Advanced knowledge of financial and audit principles including planning and management.
• Knowledge of auditing techniques and principles.

HOW TO APPLY: Completion of the full King County application and supplemental questionnaire is required. Resumes or letter of interest alone WILL NOT substitute for a full application. A copy of your current resume and a letter of interest detailing your qualifications is required. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

APPLICATION PROCESS: If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This is a non-represented, appointed, career service exempt position, meaning that the person selected for this position will be at-will and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position will work a 40-hour workweek. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and/or weekend work may be required.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning that it is not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time accrual, and the incumbent will be required to work the hours necessary to meet position responsibilities.

WORK LOCATION: The work associated with this position will be performed through a hybrid work model that will require both onsite and remote work. At this time, employees working under a hybrid schedule are required to work onsite three days per week. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change.

The primary onsite work location for this position is the King County Courthouse at 516 3rd Avenue, E245, Seattle, WA, 98104. However, candidates must be willing and able to report to work at different secured detention facilities in Seattle and Kent.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and, when working remotely, must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is a hiring requirement that all staff employed by DAJD successfully pass a thorough background investigations process, which includes fingerprinting, criminal history check, reference checks, and other tests as deemed necessary.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Questions regarding this announcement or position may be directed to: Jaclyn Smith, DAJD Sr. Human Resources Analyst; at Phone Number: 206-263-3379 or via email [email protected]

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

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King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with 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 stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

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