Job Description
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Shoreline Fire Department - Shoreline, WA First Review: May 15, 2026
Salary Range: The Shoreline Fire Department anticipates a starting salary of $170,586, plus benefits, with a full salary range of up to $230,880 after three years of service.
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Position Profile Job Description
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The Shoreline Fire Department is seeking its first Chief Administrative Officer to help lead this large and growing regional fire authority headquartered in the city of Shoreline, just north of Seattle, Washington. The Department's jurisdiction stretches from the northern shoreline of Lake Washington to the waters of Puget Sound. This region benefits from close proximity to the Seattle and Bellevue metropolitan areas, and many residents commute to major employers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and the University of Washington.
THE SHORELINE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Shoreline Fire Department is a professional, all-hazards fire and emergency services organization in northern King County, Washington. The Department protects roughly 25 square miles and serves more than 100,000 residents across the cities of Shoreline, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and the Town of Woodway. Governed by an elected ten-member Board of Fire Commissioners, the Department operates as a Regional Fire Authority (RFA), with a 2026 budget of $59.4 million and staffing of 188 FTEs. In 2025, personnel responded to nearly 16,000 calls for service.
THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a strategic executive leader and member of the Executive Team, responsible for oversight and direction of all administrative functions, including human resources, finance, payroll, administrative services, public records, and Secretary to the Board of Commissioners. The CAO serves as a trusted advisor to the Fire Chief, Executive Team, and Board, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Leading by example, the CAO fosters a culture of integrity, accountability, and service-driven collaboration, while driving operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness across all divisions.
WHY APPLY
The new Chief Administrative Officer position is a career-defining opportunity that offers broad organizational scope and executive-level influence at a pivotal moment in the Department's history. Building on a strong foundation shaped over 32 years of dedicated leadership, the CAO will lead a newly restructured Administrative Division, guide the development of expanded capabilities, and help shape organizational strategy during a period of significant growth. Discussions are underway for a potential voter-approved expansion that would increase the service area and organizational size by roughly 50%. As a key member of the Executive Team, the CAO will work alongside experienced leaders and dedicated personnel who are deeply committed to excellence and community service.
For questions on this position, please contact:
Debbie Tarry
GMP Consultants
dtarry@gmphr.com
(425) 308-2957
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