Professional Standards Manager

King County, WA

$155K — $196K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred or equivalent law enforcement leadership experience.
  • Ten years of relevant experience in law enforcement with independent research and analysis skills.
  • Management experience in diverse environments, ideally with public or law enforcement organizations.
  • Advanced writing and communication skills for diverse audiences.
  • Strong data management and analytical skills.
  • Ability to build relationships across departments and with external partners.
  • Knowledge of multicultural diversity issues within a law enforcement context.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee policy writing and revisions for the Sheriff's Office.
  • Support accreditation efforts and maintain compliance standards.
  • Compile and analyze data, providing insights regarding critical incidents.
  • Use analytics to identify patterns in high-risk activities for policy adjustments.
  • Coordinate strategic reports and recommendations for leadership.
  • Foster relations with OLEO and drive collaborative initiatives.
  • Lead organizational improvement initiatives to enhance department performance.

Benefits

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
  • Life and disability insurance, plus optional additional coverage.
  • Retirement plan participation through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
  • 12 paid holidays plus two personal holidays each year.
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts and wellness programs available.
  • Training and career development programs offered.
Full Job Description
Salary: $155,074.19 - $196,565.41 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025NH25044
Department: KCSO - Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 07/18/2025
Closing Date: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week

Summary
WHO MAY APPLY: This career service position is open to the public.
The Sheriff's Office has an excellent opportunity to have an impact on policy and improve the quality of policing for a large law enforcement agency. The Professional Standards Manager position will provide oversight of the Sheriff's Office accreditation and inspectional services, asset manager, and supervise the writing, review, and maintenance of department policies. This position also works in partnership with and advises the Internal Affairs Commander.

We are seeking a candidate who has experience advising leadership at a senior level, and strong management and technical skills. This role will report to the Undersheriff.
The mission of the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) is to be a trusted partner in fighting crime and improving the quality of life for our residents and guests. The hallmarks of service in the Office are Integrity, Teamwork, Service and Leadership. The KCSO strives to develop trust in our community by demonstrating transparency and accountability.

This role will enable you to support KCSO in this mission by influencing and ensuring updates and consistency both in policy and procedures department wide. You will also build and maintain relations and open communication with the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).
Job Duties
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Oversee and engage in policy writing and revision.
  • Support efforts to receive and maintain accreditation.
  • Compile and analyze data and respond to requests for various data and reports.
  • Use data analytics to identify patterns that require attention on topics such as use of force, internal investigations, vehicular pursuits, and other high risk activities.
  • Coordinate the preparation of reports and recommendations for departmental leadership to inform strategic decisions.
  • Program development and systems creation focusing on professionalism, health and wellness, integrity, accountability, risk management, public trust, performance measurement, career development planning, and other areas of best practices compliance.
  • Identify and manage critical issues that have significant public impact which require the attention of the Sheriff and/or other managers.
  • Foster positive relations with OLEO and drive initiatives on behalf of the department in collaboration with OLEO.
  • Help drive Organizational Development and Continuous Improvement initiatives and support and sustain the department as a high-performing organization.
  • Provide ongoing leadership and contribute to the development and implementation of policy strategies that deliver efficient and effective services to the community served by King County and address changes to law.
  • Drive policy priorities through government and legislative processes and collaborate on problem solving of key issues as they arise.
  • Attend meetings as a representative of the Sheriff's Office Leadership Team.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Competitive candidates will have experience commensurate with the responsibilities of the position OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which demonstrates they are well organized, flexible, reliable and a team player.
  • Management and leadership experience in a large law enforcement or public setting, operating within a complex multicultural and diverse environment, government, communications, public relations and/or related environment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with county departments and external partners that support two-way communication, ensure that policy positions are well-grounded and informed, and help communicate the Sheriff's Office priorities and rationale for decisions.
  • Advanced writing and communication skills, including the ability to write for/speak to political, specialist, media and public audiences.
  • Skill in database management
  • Strong technical skills and ability
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to multi-cultural and diversity issues, including managing and interacting with a multi-cultural staff from varying demographic backgrounds.
  • Skill in analytical and critical thinking and strategic confluence
  • Ability to lead professionals through collaboration and influence
  • Ability to think critically and strategically, foster creativity and encourage problem-solving.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's or higher degree preferred or equivalent experience in law enforcement leadership.
  • Ten years of relevant experience, preferably in a law enforcement environment providing independent research, analysis, and advice on complex issues, including evaluation of options and recommendations.
  • Or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform all the key deliverables and expectations of the position.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Knowledge of county functions, organization, and structure, including legislative and budget processes related to local government.
  • Demonstrated experience advising leadership and management at a senior level.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Application Process: To be considered for this position, the following items must be completed. Your cover letter will be evaluated for grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

  • King County Application (applying online satisfies this requirement)
  • Letter of Interest (Cover letter) detailing how your qualifications and experience meet or exceed the minimum qualifications stated in this job bulletin.
  • Resume

Selection Process: All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates will be invited to an oral board exam/interview.

Work Schedule: This position is exempt and not overtime-eligible. The usual work week for this position is based on 40 hours per week (weekdays, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Hours may vary based on business need, and may include some occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours.
Work Location: This position is based at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.
UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is not represented by a union.

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact:

Nicole Hall, HR Analyst, King County Sheriff's Office

206-477-9729
Supplemental Information
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 , 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
  • 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal 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

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.
01

You must be a current US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or DACA recipient to qualify for positions with the King County Sheriff's Office. Are you now a United States citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or DACA recipient?
  • Yes
  • No

02

The King County Sheriff's Office maintains a list of automatic disqualifiers for employment. This list can be accessed by clicking on this link Automatic Disqualifiers. Please review the disqualifiers and respond to the following question before proceeding. Do you certify that based on your review of the automatic disqualifiers that you are qualified for employment with the King County Sheriff's Office? Note - This information will be verified prior to scheduling an oral board interview.
  • Yes
  • No

03

The background of all King County Sheriff's Office employees and applicants are thoroughly checked.The required background investigation will review and evaluate driving records, criminal records, criminal behavior, employment histories, military records, personal and employment references, and related information. Candidates who pass the initial background investigation will be required to complete a polygraph.Are you willing to undergo a background investigation and polygraph examination as part of the employment process?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to CRIMINAL ACTIVITY:• Any adult felony convictions • Any adult misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving theft, violence, or crimes of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, perjury, forgery, impersonation, bribery, witness intimidation/tampering, or tampering with evidence)• All other misdemeanor convictions as an adult within the last three (3) years• Any conviction for a sex-related crime, including crimes involving a minor or individual with a disability, including pornography• Any instance of required registration as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status• Any conviction for animal cruelty as defined by RCW 16.52.205• Any conviction for a violation of a court No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Order• Any candidate currently named as a Respondent in any No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment DV Order
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have experience researching, analyzing, and providing advice on complex issues to leadership and management at a senior level?
  • Yes
  • No

06

If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain. N/A if you answered "No"
07

Do you have previous experience working in a law enforcement or public agency setting?
  • Yes
  • No

08

If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain. N/A if you answered "No"
09

Did you attach the required documents?-Resumeand-Cover Letter detailing how you meet or exceed the required knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position, and your experience as it relates to the primary job functions and desired qualifications.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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