Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Education
Posted on June 21, 2025
Salary
$27.53 - $34.90 Hourly
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk
Job Number
2025AIV24762
Department
DHR - Dept. of Human Resources
Division
Career and Culture
Opening Date
06/20/2025
Closing Date
7/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
King County is proud to offer an exciting fellowship opportunity for those committed to exploring a career in public service. The Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship is named after the revered community leader Ruth Woo. Not only a mentor to many elected officials, Woo dedicated her life to public service.
To honor her many contributions to our communities and state, King County is offering four, paid, full-time Term Limited Temporary positions. Selected fellows will demonstrate their commitment to building on Ruth Woo's legacy and achievements of empowering and advocating for youth from economically disadvantaged communities that have lacked opportunities to further both educational and career aspirations. To learn more about Ruth Woo, visit: Northwest Asian Weekly.
Objectives of Fellowship Opportunity:
Fellows will be assigned to work in a county agency for a period of twelve months. These agencies include King County Council (KCC); Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB); Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS); and the King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA). All projects will be subject to the specific needs of the host department at the time of the assignment and can include:
Qualifications:
Supporting the objectives and goals of King County's Equity and Social Justic e Strategic Plan ; and support for King County's True North and Values, and Best Run Government.
Working Conditions:
This position is nonexempt (hourly) and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (8-hour days) and may report to various King County locations.
Union affiliation:
This position is not represented.
Application Instructions:
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter outlining why you are the most qualified to be selected as a fellow.
There are four opportunities:
King County Council (KCC)
The Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB)
Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA)
Each applicant must indicate in which department(s) they are most interested in working; you can choose more than one department; however, the final decision will be that of the department managers. Click on the link(s) above to learn more about those departments or go to www.kingcounty.gov.
Selection Process:
Priority will be given to economically disadvantaged college graduates from backgrounds that have lacked access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the fellowship is open only to those who are new to King County.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Materials should speak to your demonstrated commitment to public service and your background. Candidates should complete the online application, attach a resume, and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline the following three areas :
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 related to this recruitment process, please contact Alanna Inzunza Valenzuela by email at ainzunzavalenzuela@kingcounty.gov.
Available Fellowship Opportunities
King County Council ( KCC ) : As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services for county residents. The Council's nine councilmembers are elected on a non-partisan basis and serve four-year terms. As the County's primary policymaking body, the King County Council touches on every aspect of life in King County, from parks to public safety, transportation, public health, housing, and more.
Ruth Woo Fellowships at the Council take a variety of forms depending on the Fellow's interests. Fellows will work on the Council's "central staff" to support all nine councilmembers in a variety of areas. Some examples include:
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
While there is no "typical day" at the King County Council, Ruth Woo Fellows can expect to work on a variety of projects and tasks, including:
The Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB) : PSB advances management systems and programs and conducts planning, analysis, and budgeting, serving as a key implementation arm of the County Executive. We also advise decision makers on becoming an equitable, efficient, and effective government. PSB is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and open organization that models the Executive's values. PSB employees enjoy a supportive work environment and frequent opportunities for collaboration and celebration.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
The Ruth Woo Fellow in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget will support project and program management across the broad range of activities within PSB. From enterprise-wide performance management programs, embedding equity and social justice principles and actions into our work to special projects emerging from executive leadership, the Fellow will need to utilize project management skills, collaboration, teamwork, and analytical skills. The specific bodies of work are identified in partnership with their supervisor to develop their professional career goals.
Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS ) : r eaches nearly 440,000 people through the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Housing and Community Development Division, Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division, Children Youth and Young Adults Division, and Adult Services Division. Key initiatives, including Best Starts for Kids, Health Through Housing, Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Behavioral Health Sales Tax, and the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy lie within DCHS.
The services and programs DCHS invest in consist of behavioral health treatment, affordable housing, childcare resources, education and employment for youth and young adults, veteran services, senior supports, and inclusive resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These direct investments are part of King County's efforts to grow reliable and accessible services and strengthen our communities.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
The Ruth Woo Fellow that joins DCHS will be joining the department's Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Team that lies within the Director's Office. The fellow will gain experience and knowledge around EIB work and support training and other efforts for the department. Duties will include:
The airport is located four miles south of downtown Seattle. The airport serves small commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers, private pilots, corporate jets, helicopters, and military aircraft. It's also home to various Boeing Company operations and the Museum of Flight.
The airport receives no general tax dollars. It's financed by rents, fees, and some Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resources.
This fellowship will provide an opportunity to understand the inner workings of an airport through the business development section. This position will have the opportunity for paid professional growth opportunities, working in a team of experienced airport and community engagement professionals, and networking and collaborating cross-sectionally within the division to better understand the role of business development and community engagement.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
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.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/
King Street Center.
201 S. King Street #801
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-4149
Alanna Inzunza Valenzuela
ainzunzavalenzuela@kingcounty.gov
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:
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.
$27.53 - $34.90 Hourly
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk
Job Number
2025AIV24762
Department
DHR - Dept. of Human Resources
Division
Career and Culture
Opening Date
06/20/2025
Closing Date
7/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
Summary
King County is proud to offer an exciting fellowship opportunity for those committed to exploring a career in public service. The Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship is named after the revered community leader Ruth Woo. Not only a mentor to many elected officials, Woo dedicated her life to public service.
To honor her many contributions to our communities and state, King County is offering four, paid, full-time Term Limited Temporary positions. Selected fellows will demonstrate their commitment to building on Ruth Woo's legacy and achievements of empowering and advocating for youth from economically disadvantaged communities that have lacked opportunities to further both educational and career aspirations. To learn more about Ruth Woo, visit: Northwest Asian Weekly.
Objectives of Fellowship Opportunity:
- Build knowledge and understanding of operations;
- Learn how projects, policies, and/or legislation are created and implemented;
- Develop or deepen an understanding of the impact and importance of civic engagement;
- Develop an appreciation for the importance of public service in its many forms from elected officials and staff to partners, and clients; and
- Deepen and enhance skills for building a career in the public sector.
Job Duties
Fellows will be assigned to work in a county agency for a period of twelve months. These agencies include King County Council (KCC); Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB); Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS); and the King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA). All projects will be subject to the specific needs of the host department at the time of the assignment and can include:
- Providing project support for government initiatives;
- Assisting with strategic planning activities;
- External communications support to include social media and seeking public input;
- Tracking legislation; and
- Supporting internal business operations and goal tracking and measurements
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications:
- College degree (transcripts will be requested upon offer).
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
- Develop and maintain effective relations with diverse people and people from different backgrounds and across different sectors;
- Be flexible and be able to adapt to new situations while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment, and;
- Remain neutral on issues where there are competing political agendas and use tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues and concerned individuals.
- Interpersonal communication ;
- Managing and completing assigned work in a timely manner , and ;
- Analytical and research skills, with the ability to learn new technologies and processes.
Supporting the objectives and goals of King County's Equity and Social Justic e Strategic Plan ; and support for King County's True North and Values, and Best Run Government.
Working Conditions:
This position is nonexempt (hourly) and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (8-hour days) and may report to various King County locations.
Union affiliation:
This position is not represented.
Application Instructions:
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter outlining why you are the most qualified to be selected as a fellow.
There are four opportunities:
King County Council (KCC)
The Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB)
Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA)
Each applicant must indicate in which department(s) they are most interested in working; you can choose more than one department; however, the final decision will be that of the department managers. Click on the link(s) above to learn more about those departments or go to www.kingcounty.gov.
Selection Process:
Priority will be given to economically disadvantaged college graduates from backgrounds that have lacked access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the fellowship is open only to those who are new to King County.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Materials should speak to your demonstrated commitment to public service and your background. Candidates should complete the online application, attach a resume, and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline the following three areas :
- Your background and how it lacked equitable access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities;
- Barriers you've had to overcome and the actions you took to get through them; and
- Why you are passionate and committed to public service.
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 related to this recruitment process, please contact Alanna Inzunza Valenzuela by email at ainzunzavalenzuela@kingcounty.gov.
Supplemental Information
Available Fellowship Opportunities
King County Council ( KCC ) : As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services for county residents. The Council's nine councilmembers are elected on a non-partisan basis and serve four-year terms. As the County's primary policymaking body, the King County Council touches on every aspect of life in King County, from parks to public safety, transportation, public health, housing, and more.
Ruth Woo Fellowships at the Council take a variety of forms depending on the Fellow's interests. Fellows will work on the Council's "central staff" to support all nine councilmembers in a variety of areas. Some examples include:
- Local & Regional Affairs: municipal and special purpose governments, elections oversight, local legislation and issues of interest to King County's 39 cities and unincorporated areas
- Government Relations: state and federal governments, state legislation and issues of statewide interest, advocacy
- Equity and Social Justice: programs and policies that address inequities and increase access to government, community engagement, support for County boards and commissions related to ESJ
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
While there is no "typical day" at the King County Council, Ruth Woo Fellows can expect to work on a variety of projects and tasks, including:
- Attending meetings and reporting back on key issues of interest
- Conducting research, compiling data
- Preparing reports and presentations
- Organizing special events and activities
The Executive's Office of Performance Strategy and Budget (PSB) : PSB advances management systems and programs and conducts planning, analysis, and budgeting, serving as a key implementation arm of the County Executive. We also advise decision makers on becoming an equitable, efficient, and effective government. PSB is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and open organization that models the Executive's values. PSB employees enjoy a supportive work environment and frequent opportunities for collaboration and celebration.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
The Ruth Woo Fellow in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget will support project and program management across the broad range of activities within PSB. From enterprise-wide performance management programs, embedding equity and social justice principles and actions into our work to special projects emerging from executive leadership, the Fellow will need to utilize project management skills, collaboration, teamwork, and analytical skills. The specific bodies of work are identified in partnership with their supervisor to develop their professional career goals.
Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS ) : r eaches nearly 440,000 people through the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Housing and Community Development Division, Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division, Children Youth and Young Adults Division, and Adult Services Division. Key initiatives, including Best Starts for Kids, Health Through Housing, Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Behavioral Health Sales Tax, and the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy lie within DCHS.
The services and programs DCHS invest in consist of behavioral health treatment, affordable housing, childcare resources, education and employment for youth and young adults, veteran services, senior supports, and inclusive resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These direct investments are part of King County's efforts to grow reliable and accessible services and strengthen our communities.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
The Ruth Woo Fellow that joins DCHS will be joining the department's Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Team that lies within the Director's Office. The fellow will gain experience and knowledge around EIB work and support training and other efforts for the department. Duties will include:
- Support department efforts, including but not limited to onboarding and training
- Track engagement and participation of staff in trainings and ERSJ spaces
- Implement recommendations of Personal & Career Development Workgroup
- Support ERSJ workplan priorities and assist with Coordinating Body strategic planning
The airport is located four miles south of downtown Seattle. The airport serves small commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers, private pilots, corporate jets, helicopters, and military aircraft. It's also home to various Boeing Company operations and the Museum of Flight.
The airport receives no general tax dollars. It's financed by rents, fees, and some Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resources.
This fellowship will provide an opportunity to understand the inner workings of an airport through the business development section. This position will have the opportunity for paid professional growth opportunities, working in a team of experienced airport and community engagement professionals, and networking and collaborating cross-sectionally within the division to better understand the role of business development and community engagement.
TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED
- Airport Planning
- Work to help engage the community and tenants about the airport's planning efforts
- Vision 2045
- Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility Plan (Part 150)
- Learn and understand the FAA Airport Design Standards
- Standard Work
- Assist with Standard Work documentation - New and updates to existing standard work
- Review the Airport Project Manual for CPMWG or other best-practice improvements to our Standard Work
- External Relations Tire Boards
- Update Information on the sections tier board
- Upload meeting notes and project documents
- Make recommendations for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for future Tier Boards
- Update the tire board to enhance the user interface for other sections
- Lean Process Improvement
- Make recommendations for Lean process improvements
- Airport Business Development & Leasing
- Help implement the airport's new property management system
- Work alongside airport operations and the facilities management division to review Real Estate agreements.
- Airport Outreach Program
- Coordinate Employee, Tenant, and Community Comments and Concerns
- Attend Outreach Events on behalf of the airport
- Draft newsletter articles
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.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/
King Street Center.
201 S. King Street #801
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-4149
Alanna Inzunza Valenzuela
ainzunzavalenzuela@kingcounty.gov
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
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.
