Performance, Data Analytics, and Process Improvement Lead

Job Description:

Performance, Data Analytics, and Process Improvement Lead

Description

Summary

Make a measurable impact on environmental and public health across King County!

Join the Water and Land Resources Division as a Performance, Data Analytics, and Process Improvement Lead and help shape the future of natural resource programs that affect millions of residents. This is a dynamic opportunity to lead performance management, facilitate process improvements, and deliver meaningful insights that influence strategic decision-making. You’ll collaborate with leaders and subject matter experts across disciplines-from science to finance-to build a more data-informed, efficient, and equitable organization.

If you're a systems thinker who thrives at the intersection of data, operations, and change leadership, this role offers the chance to drive measurable outcomes, support a regional mission, and grow professionally alongside a values-driven team About the Role

This role serves as a strategic partner across the Water and Land Resources Division, with responsibilities that blend technical and relational skills. You’ll guide division-wide performance measurement efforts, coach teams on data literacy, and lead initiatives that improve how we work-from internal operations to community-facing programs.

You’ll:

• Design and maintain systems that track and report on operational and environmental performance
  
  
• Facilitate conversations that help teams understand what’s working, what needs improvement, and where to invest their efforts
  
  
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
  
  
• Lead cross-functional special projects, collaborating with teams without formal supervisory authority
  
  
• Align process improvements with the County’s Clean Water and Healthy Habitat goals
  

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate organizational complexity with tact and authenticity. It’s ideal for someone who’s energized by cross-team collaboration, long-term strategy, and service-driven outcomes.
About the Team

The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) protects, restores, and manages King County’s water and land resources through science, innovation, and partnership. Our seven sections-ranging from stormwater and floodplain management to environmental lab and hazardous waste-work together to deliver equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions.

This position sits within the Finance & Administration section, which supports the division’s mission through budgeting, capital planning, strategic analysis, and performance oversight. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to environmental and racial equity.

WLRD is a forward-thinking division with a people-first culture, where professionals from diverse backgrounds come together to protect natural resources for today and for future generations.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Performance, Data Analytics, and Process Improvement Lead (Project/Program Manager IV) , you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) . Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Oversee and maintain division-wide performance system to support data-informed decision-making and enhance organizational performance management.
  
  
• Serve as a technical expert in managing and training others on use of dashboards to communicate key operational metrics that are reported up to Department and County leadership.
  
  
• Lead strategic special projects and system improvements requiring influence without direct authority, drawing on emotional intelligence, trust-building, and exceptional facilitation skills.
  
  
• Provide coaching and process improvement expertise to support standardization with Clean Water and Healthy Habitat (CWHH) goals, strengthening operational alignment.
  
  
• Provide data analytics and support for division-wide efforts related to key budget and/or policy issues.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Minimum 5 years of experience developing and implementing process improvements, performance metrics, and management systems
  
  
• Minimum 3 years of experience successfully leading programs and/or projects through collaboration with staff without having direct authority over them.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, to diverse audiences
  
  
• Demonstrated success building consensus among partners with competing interests and priorities
  
  Ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and politically sensitive situations with tact and effectiveness
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to translate data and technical concepts into digestible reports and visuals for decision-makers
  
  
• Demonstrated experience presenting to and working directly with senior leadership at the Department and Division level
  

Competencies You B ring:

• Tech Savvy - Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
  
• Manages Complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
  
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
  
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
  
• Organizational Savvy - Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
  
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
  

As part of our interview and professional development processes, we align with a competency-based framework. Korn Ferry offers a publicly available resource that describes many of the competencies we consider during hiring and performance discussions.

You’re welcome to review these materials to get a general understanding of the types of competencies we may be looking for:

https://www.kornferry.com/fyi-resources

Please note that while we draw on this model to inform our practices, we use it in a way that is tailored to our organization’s needs.

It Would Be Nice if You Also Bring:

• Advanced degree in a related field such as public administration, business administration, or data analytics
  
  
• Knowledge of equity, race, and social justice principles
  
  
• Experience with the use of ERP financial systems, operational databases, and business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI or GIS
  
  

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Remote and Onsite Work Details:
  Remote with occasional on-site meetings at King Street Center. This position reports onsite on the first day of employment for orientation onsite at King Street Center, potentially more as directed by supervisor. Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to meet workplace reporting requirements.
• Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters, Local 117.

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply , submit a:

• Complete Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Resume ( Your resume should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process )
• Answers to supplemental questions ( We’re looking for original answers that showcase your relevant job experience(s). The answers to the supplemental questions will be used in the screening process)
• Cover Letter (Your cover letter should highlight the functional skills you bring to the role, along with the key strengths and competencies others commonly associate with you that align with the position. This letter will be part of the screening process, so we're seeking original content that effectively demonstrates your relevant job experience.)

Initially, your application materials will be reviewed to see how they align with the below minimum qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience developing and implementing process improvements, performance metrics, and management systems.
  
  
• Minimum 3 years of experience successfully leading programs and/or projects through collaboration with staff without having direct authority over them.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, to diverse audiences.
  
  
• Ability to translate data and technical concepts into digestible reports and visuals for decision-makers.
  

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jamie Jensen-Young at 206-263-8779 or jjensenyoung@kingcounty.gov .

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 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.

To Apply

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.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 8/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$119,465.01 - $151,428.99 Annually