Inspector General
About the role
The Inspector General provides independent oversight to promote integrity, accountability, and stewardship of public resources, with a primary focus on the financial integrity of County business. Serving as co-director with the King County Ombuds under the umbrella of the Office of Public Complaints, the Inspector General leads investigations, inspections, and oversight activities related to fraud, waste, abuse, improper payments, procurement integrity, grants, contracts, and the misuse of County resources.
As the director of a newly created independent agency in the King County legislative branch, this is a high-profile executive role requiring exceptional autonomy, investigative rigor, sound judgment, and political acumen. The successful candidate will navigate complex operational and politically sensitive issues with independence, impartiality, and the highest standards of integrity. The Inspector General is an exempt, executive-level position, appointed by the King County Council to an initial five-year term and subject to successive five-year reappointments. This position reports administratively to the Chair of the King County Council, functionally to the Council as a whole, and has a dotted-line relationship to the Council Chief of Staff.
Responsibilities
- Investigations, Inspections & Complaint Management
- Direct independent, objective investigations into allegations involving fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, theft, procurement misconduct, grant/contract irregularities, and asset misuse.
- Establish and manage a dedicated fraud-reporting hotline and reporting mechanisms for employees, vendors, contractors, and the public; triage complaints and coordinate responses.
- Conduct proactive compliance and risk inspections across County contracts, grants, procurements, and operational programs.
- Exercise subpoena power and authority available through the Office of Public Complaints in accordance with applicable law and best practices.
- Refer matters involving criminal conduct, personnel action, or civil recovery outside the Inspector General’s jurisdiction to appropriate authorities and seek recovery on behalf of the County to recover wrongfully spent funds.
- Fraud Prevention & Financial Accountability
- Identify systemic vulnerabilities, fraud patterns, and emerging risks across procurement, improper payments, and financial stewardship.
- Analyze complaint, investigation, and financial data to inform policy decisions; advise the County Council and officials on fraud-risk management and accountability.
- Promote reporting channels and collaborate across County offices to heighten fraud awareness and institutional integrity.
- Office Administration & Strategic Leadership
- Establish and administer the Office of the Inspector General, developing internal policies, investigative protocols, case management standards, and operational priorities.
- Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional and administrative staff.
- Manage office budgets, contracts, and operations; develop strategic annual work plans; produce annual reports; and brief Councilmembers and legislative leadership.
- Build productive relationships with the Ombuds Director, County Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, executive agencies, law enforcement, and external oversight bodies.
Requirements
- Education: Advanced degree in law, compliance, public administration, public policy, accounting/finance, business, or closely related discipline.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in investigations, fraud examination, government audits, law enforcement investigations, or accountability/compliance.
- Leadership Experience: Must include at least 4 years directly managing professional staff or leading a major investigatory program. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Skills
- Investigative Expertise: Advanced knowledge of fraud examination techniques, evidence preservation, public sector procurement, contracting, and grant oversight.
- Legal & Regulatory: Thorough understanding of public administration, ethics codes, federal/state/local laws, and King County Code provisions.
- Executive Leadership & Emotional Intelligence: Strong leadership and team-building skills, coupled with high emotional intelligence to handle high-stakes conflicts, sensitive investigations, and high-profile public settings.
- Communication & Analysis: Superior written and verbal communication skills to translate complex findings into clear, accessible public reports and Council briefings.
- Independence & Integrity: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-visibility, politically sensitive public environment while maintaining strict impartiality and credibility.
- Technology & Hybrid Capabilities: Proficiency with modern workplace technology, data analysis applications, cloud systems, and hybrid work tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Highly desirable professional certifications include (one or more of the following):
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Inspector General (CIG)
- Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Active Attorney License or comparable credentials in auditing/investigations
Pay
The salary range for the Director, Inspector General position is $181,306 to $243,836, depending upon qualifications.
Benefits
- Retirement provided through the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), offered through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
- Insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays per year, and two personal holidays.
Schedule
A standard work week for most Legislative Branch employees is 35 hours. This position may occasionally require non-traditional work hours and possible travel throughout the King County area. The King County Council is a hybrid work environment, with a combination of telework and in-person work at the King County Courthouse.