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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Employment Agreement - Executve Director - Updated 6.02.26S��4PSCADES. TO) pC C 4Qo� Ly � K fTTl T.15 COUNTY SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into between the Board of County Commissioners ("Commissioners") on behalf of Kitdtas County ("County"), a Washington Municipal Corporation, and Cory Wright ("the Director"). I. APPOINTMENT AND SCOPE The County hereby appoints and employs the Executive Director of the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership (KCEPD) to advance and execute strategies to unite public and private partnerships across Kittitas County. Cory Wright accepts such employment subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. II. REPORTING STRUCTURE Kittitas County shall serve as the employer of record. The Director shall be subject to and must fully comply with all Kittitas County policies. The parties acknowledge the following reporting structure for this position: Operational Direction and Performance Management: The Director shall report primarily to the Conference of Governments (COG). COG shall be responsible for the following: a. Providing strategic direction, assigning tasks and projects, and setting operational priorities consistent with the purpose, goals, and objectives of the COG. b. Establishing performance expectations and goals. c. Conducting performance evaluations. Making recommendations to the Commissioners regarding compensation and other employment matters. 2. Administrative and Personnel Authority: Notwithstanding the operational direction provided by COG, ultimate employment authority over this position rests solely with the Commissioners. The Commissioners retain exclusive authority regarding: a. The appointment and termination of the Director. b. Funding, budget allocation, and compensation adjustments for the position. c. The formal processing of disciplinary actions, up to and including termination, which may be initiated upon the recommendation of COG or by the Commissioners' own motion. Page 1 of 11 III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The essential duties and responsibilities of the Director are outlined in the position description for the Executive Director as adopted by the Commissioners. The position description is included in Attachment A of this Special Employment Agreement. The Director will participate in the development and implementation of the COG's goals and objectives. The Director will maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with County staff and officials as well as other local municipalities, nonprofits and agencies. The Director will operate with appreciable latitude for independent actions and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability and recognize that errors in judgement could result in substantial impact upon the County. The Director shall comply with all Washington State laws, local laws, County Code, and County policies. IV. HOURS OF WORK The parties to this Agreement understand and agree that this position is full-time and exempt from the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and from collective bargaining representation. This position may require the Director to work before and beyond scheduled business hours and occasionally on weekends and holidays. V. COMPENSATION For the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the County will provide the Director with a monthly salary of TBD and maintain such increases to salary as provided below. A. Cost -of -Living -Adjustments (COLAs): The Director shall be eligible for any cost -of -living adjustment (COLA) provided to non -represented management employees of the County, provided such adjustment is adopted in the annual budget. Merit Increases: Upon the successful completion of the first 12 consecutive months of active employment with the County, and contingent upon a completed performance evaluation, the Director will be eligible for a merit -based salary increase of up to TBD of their base salary. Following the initial review, the COG may recommend a merit -based salary increase on an annual basis, based on satisfactory performance as outlined in the Director performance evaluation. Any such adjustments must be formally approved by the Commissioners and, if approved, will take effect on January 15t of each year. C. Salary Valuation: Periodically, the County may conduct a market compensation analysis to ensure the County's compensation remains competitive with similarly situated organizations. Any recommended salary adjustments must be formally approved by the Commissioners. The Director may not receive any salary adjustment which would bring their wage above the wage scale maximum of their position. VI. BENEFITS The Director shall be entitled to the standard benefit package provided to other County non -represented employees, including Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Social Security, medical, dental, vision, life, deferred compensation, and unemployment insurance programs. The County will contribute to these programs Page 2 of 11 on behalf of the Director in the same manner and to the same extent as for other non -represented County employees. The Director shall have access to the following leave benefits: 1. Executive Leave: The Director shall receive 160 hours of executive leave annually, credited on January 15Y of each calendar year. Upon commencement of employment, the Director shall receive an initial bank of 100 hours of executive leave for use during the partial first calendar year of employment. Thereafter, the Director shall receive the annual executive leave allotment each January VY pursuant to this Agreement. Unused executive leave may be carried over from year to year, up to a maximum accrued balance of 240 hours. b. Requests for planned absences exceeding three business days shall be communicated to the COG Chair in advance. 2. Bereavement Leave: The Director is eligible for three to five days of bereavement leave in accordance with the Kitbtas County Personnel Policy 7.5 — Bereavement Leave. 3. Military Leave: The Director is eligible for up to 21 days of military leave in accordance with RCW 38.40.060 and the Kittitas County Personnel Policy 7.8 — Military Leave. 4. Jury Duty Leave: The Director is eligible for up to two weeks of jury duty leave in accordance with Kittitas County Personnel Policy 7.6 —Jury Duty Leave. 5. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave: The Director shall be entitled to FMLA leave benefits in accordance with Kittitas County Personnel Policy 7.10 — FMLA. 6. Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): The Director shall remain eligible for benefits under Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave and the Family and Medical Leave Act in accordance with applicable law. Use of Executive Leave during any qualifying PFML or FMLA leave shall be at the Director's election and shall not be required as a condition of receiving such benefits, except as otherwise required by law. 7. Deferred Compensation Contribution: The Director shall be eligible to participate in the Count's deferred compensation program, including any County matching program adopted by the Commissioners for non- union staff in accordance with Kittitas County Personnel Policy 6.8 — Deferred Compensation. At the time of the signing of this Agreement, the County match is equal to up to two percent (2%) of the employee's base monthly wage. VII. EXPENSES The County shall reimburse the Director for reasonable, job -related expenses including travel (with the exceptions addressed below), professional dues and subscriptions, and continuing education courses, subject to budget availability and compliance with County policies. 1. The Director shall receive an annual meal stipend in the amount of $3,000. The meal stipend is paid in one lump -sum payment on their first paycheck of each calendar year. The meal stipend may be used in accordance with the following guidelines: A. Authorized meal expenses include the basic cost of a meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner), non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, juices, etc.), or snacks/appetizers, and any applicable sales tax and reasonable tips. Page 3 of 11 B. Meals maybe purchased for the Director only. The Director may not use the stipend for the purchase of anyone else's meals. C. Alcohol, lavish or extravagant meals (meals that are considered unreasonably expensive for the location), entertainment (tickets to shows, sports events, or other leisure activities), personal care items (toiletries, clothes, souvenirs), and other non-food items may not be purchased with the meal stipend. The meal stipend may be reviewed and adjusted in the future upon recommendation of the COG and approval by the -Commissioners. 2. The County shall provide the Director with a County -issued mobile device. 3. The Director shall have access to the County's Motorpool vehicles for work -related travel. In the event that the Director must use their personal vehicle, the Director shall be reimbursed for authorized mileage incurred in the performance of official duties at the County's adopted rate and in compliance with the County Travel Policy. Vill. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS The Director's performance shall be formally evaluated at least annually on or before the last calendar day of each year. Informal performance reviews may be conducted more frequently at the discretion of the COG. A. COG Role— Functional Evaluation: The COG shall have primary responsibility for assessing the Director's day-to-day performance. The COG shall draft the written evaluation based on the established performance goals, expectations, and core duties of the position. The COG shall meet with the employee to discuss the evaluation, outline goals for the upcoming year, and address any areas needing improvement. The County Commissioner assigned to the COG shall participate in the functional evaluation process. B. Board of County Commissioners —Administrative Review and Approval: Following the completion of the functional evaluation by the COG, the written evaluation shall be forwarded to the Commissioners for administrative review, approval, and records retention. The Commissioners' review shall ensure that any recommended personnel actions resulting from the evaluation conform to County personnel policies and this employment agreement. IX. TERM This Agreement shall be deemed to become effective DATE and will continue in full force and effect through DATE. The Commissioners will meet with the COG Board in MONTH of YEAR to review performance. This Agreement will continue thereafter on an annual basis. This provision will not prevent the parties from amending this Agreement by mutual written consent. X. TERMINATION At -Will Employment. The Director serves at the will and pleasure of the Commissioners and is an at -will employee_ Either the Commissioners or the Director may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause, with or without notice, subject only to applicable law. Role of COG: The COG may, by a majority vote, make recommendations to the Commissioners regarding the Director's termination to the Commissioners. Page 4 of 11 Resignation: The Director may resign at any time by written notice to the Commissioners. The Director is requested to provide 30 days' written notice of resignation when practicable, unless the Commissioners agree to a shorter period. Upon receipt of a resignation notice, the Commissioners may relieve the Director of duties immediately. Effective Date of Termination/Resignation: Any termination or resignation may be effective immediately or on a later date stated in writing. The Commissioners may relieve the Director of duties immediately upon notice of termination or resignation. Any continued salary, benefits, administrative leave, or severance shall be determined in accordance with this Agreement. XI. SEVERANCE In the event the Director's employment is terminated by the County, and the separation does not involve Disqualifying Conduct as defined in this Agreement, the Director shall receive severance pay equal to of the Director's monthly base salary in effect on the effective date of separation. For every year(s) of continuous service completed by the Director, the Director shall be eligible for additional month of severance pay, up to a maximum total of months of severance pay. Severance shall be paid in one lump sum, less required federal, state, and local withholdings. A. Healthcare Benefits during Severance Period: -During the month severance period, the County shall continue its contribution toward the Director's health insurance benefits on the same basis as if the Director were actively employed or provide equivalent compensation in lieu thereof if continuation is not legally permissible. Conditions on Severance: -Severance and any benefits continuation are conditioned upon the Director: I. Signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form approved by the County; and II. Returning all County -owned property no later than seven (7) calendar days after the effective date of separation, or such other date as the County may approve in writing. Severance shall not be payable in the event of the Director's voluntary resignation or if the County determines that the separation involve Disqualifying Conduct. For purposes of severance eligibility only, "Disqualifying Conduct" means: 1. conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony; 2. fraud, embezzlement, or material dishonesty in connection with the performance of official duties; 3. gross misconduct materially affecting the County; or 4. willful malfeasance in office. Preservation of At -Will Status. The definition of Disqualifying Conduct and the severance provisions in this Section affect compensation only and do not limit the Commissioner's authority to terminate the Director's employment at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject only to applicable law. XII. SEVERABILITY AND AMENDMENT If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The terms of this Agreement may not be altered, amended, or otherwise modified except by express written agreement of the parties. Page 5 of 11 XIII. NON -DELEGATION The services to be furnished under the terms of this Agreement shall be performed by the Director personally and shall not be delegated or subcontracted in whole or in part without express consent of the County. XIV. APPLICABLE LAWS Kittitas County policies, including but not limited to the Personnel Policies Manual, Safety Manual, Technology Policies Manual, Records Management Policy, Purchasing, Financial, and Travel Policies, including subsequent amendments shall apply to the Director unless otherwise noted in this Agreement. The Director agrees to abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws. XV. LEGAL RELATIONS, INDEMNIFICATION, AND INSURANCE Pursuant to RCW 4.96, the County shall be liable for damages arising out of the tortuous conduct of the Director while performing or in good faith purporting to perform their official duties to the same extent as if they were a private person or corporation. Whenever a claim, action, or proceeding for damages is brought against the Director, their beneficiary or heirs arising from acts or omissions while performing or in good faith purporting to perform their official duties, they may request the Commissioners to authorize the defense of the action or proceeding at the expense of the County. Any resulting monetary judgement or settlement, including punitive damages, against the Director, their beneficiary or heirs, shall be paid on approval of the Commissioners. The County will maintain continuously for the term of this Agreement, at its own expense, general, automobile, employment liability and professional liability insurance, or self-insurance on an occurrence policy basis, for the services and activities provided by the Director. County -provided automobile liability insurance coverage shall be maintained for County -owned vehicles only. XVI. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT The Director acknowledges that the County, including its boards, commissions, and committees, is a public agency subject to the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), chapter 42.56 RCW. The Director further acknowledges that this Agreement, records relating to the Director's performance of duties, and records created, used, or retained in connection with the work of County boards, commissions, and committees —including, but not limited to, emails, text messages, calendars, and similar records —are public records subject to inspection and copying under the PRA, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. XVI I. DISPUTE RESOLUTION; VENUE; ATTORNEY'S FEES Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Director's employment shall be brought exclusively in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, in and for Kittitas County, and shall be governed by Washington law. The parties agree that mediation, arbitration, or any other form of alternative dispute resolution is not required as a condition precedent to initiating litigation, unless expressly required by applicable law. Each party shall be responsible for its own attorney's fees and costs incurred in connection with any such action or proceeding, regardless of the outcome, except as expressly required by applicable statute. XVIII. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS Page 6 of 11 The Director agrees that all systems, documents, reports, and compilations of any kind or nature developed during the performance of the work undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall belong to or become property of the County to be used and retained without payment of any fee or license of any kind whatsoever by the County. EXECUTED this 1*3:1KIj11T/:10]I::14to] d Cory Wright, Employee ATTEST ❑ Clerk of the Board day of 12026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON NAME, Chair Brett Wachsmith, Vice Chair Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner Page 7 of 11 ATTACHMENT A Kittitas County, Washington Job Description POSITION TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR N Created: 1/15/2026 REPORTSTO: KITTITAS COUNTY CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS (COG) DEPARTMENT: COG JOB SUMMARY The Executive Director is responsible for ensuringthe coordination and accountability of the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership (KCEDP). The Executive Director oversees strategic initiatives, cultivates partnerships, and implements programs to support KCEDP's vision to become a model hub for transformative economic development in coordination with the Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan. Must maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with administrative and other County personnel, public agencies, and the general public, and work under the guidance of Local/State/Federal regulations and County policies/procedures. SUPERVISORY DUTIES: As assigned by COG. CATEGORY: Full -Time OCCUPATION CODE: 1329 UNION AFFILIATION: None HOURS/WEEK: 40 FLSASTATUS: Exempt DRSELIGIBILITY: PERS BACKGROUND CHECK LEVEL: Routine PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 12 Months ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Program Management • Design, advance, and executive comprehensive strategies to unite public and private partners across Kittitas County for the purpose of economic development, attracting new businesses and leveraging existing businesses. • Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with local government, public entities, nonprofits, businesses, associations, alongwith other key stakeholders to align efforts and leverage resources effectively. • Build partnerships across Washington to make Kittitas Countythe "first call"when business is deciding where to grow. • Direct and oversee complex, multi -jurisdictional economic development projects and programs, ensuring effective coordination among diverse stakeholders, adherence to budgets and timelines, and alignment with KCEDP and COG strategic goals and metrics. • Develop communication systems and protocols to serve COG, KCEDP, and external partners. • Provide strategic direction and timely updates to COG, KCEDP, the Board of County Commissioners, city councils, and other groups to explain the various aspects of the County's economic development projects, plans, and other programmatic material beneficialto the County's economic opportunity portfolio. • Stay up to date on emergingtrends, best practices, and innovative approaches in economic development, and incorporate them when advantageous. • Lead and coordinate ad hoc stakeholder groups as deemed necessary by COG. • Represent KCEDP at state, local, and regional meetings and functions related to economic development alongwith external government advocacy efforts as directed. • Identify and coordinate grant opportunities to fund key initiatives of the partnership. • Develop and manage a budget; track metrics and report results to COG. Page 8 of 11 Kittitas County, Washington • Oversee contracts with external entities; recommend modifications and/or additional contractors to COG when necessary. Staff Management • Under the direction of COG, oversee the dailyworkload of assigned staff. • Provide input to COG on employment actions such as performance improvement, discipline, and termination. • Train and coach new staff in the development of goals, objectives, and performance measures. • Assist in the recruitment process of new and vacant positions. OTHER FUNCTIONS: • Complete special projects as assigned by COG. • Participate in meetings and on committees and boards as assigned by COG. This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department -related duties may be assigned as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's Degree in business administration, public administration, economics, or closely related field, OR equivalent leadership experience in economic development, community development or related field. • Five (5) or more years of increasingly responsible management experience related to economic development, business development, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate development, and/or community development. • Experience with public sector processes, funding mechanisms alongwith business finance, real estate development and incentive tools at a federal, state, and county level. • Valid and active driver's license. • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time. • A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, and place and manner in which the position will be performed, and anyverifiable information related to the candidate's rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and trainingwill betaken into consideration. M1:7417R0181TJIq:I1It]:F&I /1,1gNil 1*3 • Entrepreneurial mindset; abilityto find pathways and opportunities. • Deep understanding of economic development and business recruitment strategies and tools. • Demonstrated experience with and understanding of the needs of underrepresented communities in the economic development planning process. • Excellent communication skills, with the abilityto effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, community members, and funding partners. • Strategic thinkerwith the ability to analyze complex issues, identify opportunities, and develop creative solutions to drive economic growth. • Abilityto recognize and manage politically sensitive issues to build consensus and stay focused on solutions. • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs, and abilityto quickly learn other programs specific to the position/department. Page 9 of 11 Kittitas County, Washington • Abilityto develop understanding of local, state, and federal economic development programs, policies, and regulations. • Abilityto become knowledgeable of commercial real estate markets and trends. • Abilityto manage end -to -end grant process, including seekinggrant opportunities, grantwriting, and grant management and reporting. • Financial and budget management skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Demonstrated success workingwithin rural landscapes and economic development, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities these areas present. • Master's Degree in rural development, economics, business/public administration, or closely related field. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is typically performed in a standard office setting but may include other indoor and outdoor Locations/job sites. Sustained posture in a seated position and prolonged periods of computer operation; use of standard office equipment; strength to lift, pull, push and/or carry up to 25 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, crouch, kneel, stoop, and grasp. Outdoor environments may include exposure to inclement weather such as temperature extremes and windy/dusty conditions and rugged terrain; must have the ability to traverse a variety of walking surfaces as needed, including stairs and/or ladders. Safety rules/regulations must be adhered to at alltimes, including appropriate attire and PPE when necessary. Travel throughout the county is required to perform many of the essential functions; occasional travel outside the county may be required to attend meetings, training, or other events. Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and all levels of light. Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required and expected Mondaythrough Fridayfrom 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however, exempt/management positions are expected to workthe number of hours required to complete the duties of the position, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Page 10 of 11 Kittitas County, Washington PREPARATION AND REVIEW Must be completed with all revisions of the job description. Supervisor Name Title Date HR Representative Name Title Date EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I understand the job duties and responsibilities contained in this job description and as described bythe immediate supervisor. Employee Name (print) Employee Signature Date Page 11 of 11