Small Business Navigator Specialist

Full Job Description

King County is launching an ambitious effort to ensure that government delivers high-quality, efficient and equitable services to every resident.

To support this work, we are seeking a Small Business Navigator Specialist (Specialist) who will be a member of the Office of Economic Opportunity & Activation team.

The Specialist plays a critical frontline role to support small businesses – particularly in unincorporated communities and historically underserved areas through direct assistance, coordination, and problem-solving across King County government.

The Specialist will serve as a trusted guide for small business owners, helping them navigate King County services such as permitting and licensing, technical assistance, and connections to other County initiatives.

Additionally, the Specialist will work closely with County departments to remove barriers, improve the small business experience, and ensure businesses have the tools and resources they need.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for small businesses, providing hands on navigation and problem-solving support related to County services.
• Conduct outreach and engagement to small businesses in unincorporated and historically underserved communities, building trusted relationships and elevating business concerns.
• Coordinate across County departments to resolve issues, streamline processes, and improve the small business experience with King County.
• Elevate systemic issues and service gaps to the Director of Economic Opportunity & Activation to support the development of solutions and policy recommendations.
• Apply an equity-centered approach to all work, ensuring services are accessible, responsive, and aligned with the needs of community.

Expectations

• A focus on being out in the county to connect and build relationships with those we serve and those with whom we partner.
• In the office a minimum of 3 days a week. Meetings may not have a call-in option for required in-person days, and the expectation is to be in the office.
• Be on time, respectful of others’ time, and responsive when needed.
• Bring an urgency to the work. We will start fast. The work will be intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
• Meetings will have written expectations, including an agenda with the goals and outcomes. Owners and next steps will be clear.
• Processes and work will continuously improve.

Values

• Serve with integrity.
• Show initiative and work hard.
• Prioritize outcomes over optics.
• Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.”
• Resolve challenges with a “yes, and” mindset.
• Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a Small Business Navigator Specialist who can collaborate across diverse organizations and communicate King County’s values and priorities effectively. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience (3-6 years) in small business support, economic development, community development, public administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.
• Strong ability to build trust, listen actively, and translate complex government processes into clear guidance.
• Experience coordinating across multiple organizations or government departments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Understand the dynamics of King County service delivery.

Additional Information

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape how King County delivers for its residents. The Small Business Navigator Specialist 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
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

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.