King County
Communications Director
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Salary:
$118,726.40 - $150,488.00 Annually
Location :
Seattle, WA
Job Type:
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number:
2024EY22659
Department:
DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Opening Date:
08/30/2024
Closing Date:
9/15/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA:
Exempt
Bargaining Unit:
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time
Summary
Are you looking for a career with excellent benefits in a position that makes a difference in your community? Yes, this is government, but we'll surprise you in how we break from the stereotypical mold. King County is driving to become the best run government. For King County Department of Local Services (DLS) that means pushing the County forward through innovation and a real focus on those who directly use our technologies or indirectly benefit from their use. Join us as we transform and raise the bar on what technology looks like in the public sector!
We are seeking a
Communications Director
who will provide full time communication support for the Department of Local Services and the Office of the Director. The Communications Director will work on communications strategy and community engagement plans, communication plans for programs and projects, communications products and services, and will manage the media relations.
As the department Communications Director you will meet the challenges of managing high profile communications by inspiring and capturing creative ideas, translating terms to public, and continually improving resident communication and enhancing community engagement. The person in this position must also be capable of working collaboratively and maneuvering through complex situations effectively, relating well to customers at all levels both internal and external to the organization as well as delivering key communications products while balancing competing priorities.
King County Department of Local ServicesKing County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes the Road Services and Permitting Divisions, in addition to the Director's Office. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to the unincorporated areas. DLS is providing the building blocks for many of the region's most critical services. As the business solutions partner, we collaborate with the 18 County departments and agencies to develop products and services that better serve the needs of our customers and our communities. To learn more about DLS, please visit:
Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to "" values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
We take pride that King County is the only county in the United States named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. True to his name, King County is committed to advancing equity and racial and social justice within county government and in partnership with communities. Applying equity and racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all employees.
King County has adopted a pro-equity, anti-racist agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.Job Duties
Applying is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Strategic Communication Strategy & Planning:
Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans and strategies to effectively convey the department's services, programs, and community engagement initiatives for internal and external audiences. Establish communications procedures, protocols, and metrics in collaboration with subject matter experts.Advising:
Identify and monitor high-profile issues, provide briefings and recommended actions to the Department Director, Deputy and department leadership. Collaborate with DLS leadership to ensure clear and consistent communications to employees, partners, customers, and residents.Team Management:
Lead and manage the Local Services communications team to ensure deliverables and services are provided. Guide and support team members.Content Creation:
Write, design, and produce or supervise the creation of key documents such as speeches, op-eds, reports, commentaries, talking points, fact sheets, news releases and briefing materials for executive leadership and department spokespersons. Oversee the creation and review of public presentations and marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and annual reports.Public Information & Reporting:
Manage public-facing communications and media relations. Oversee responses to inquiries from the general public and other stakeholders.Internal Communications:
Facilitate internal communication efforts, including staff alerts, newsletters, events (e.g., all-hands and leadership meetings), and staff engagement activities such as lunch-and-learns and surveys.Digital & Media Management:
Manage updates for the department's website, intranet and SharePoint sites. Disseminate information through various media channels, including websites, blogs, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Oversee media relations and serve department spokesperson and liaison to news media as needed.Graphic Design Oversight:
Ensure the department's graphic design needs are met, including brochures, reports, planning documents, and signage.Event Management:
Organize and manage media events, including community events, ensuring successful execution and engagement.Additional Responsibilities : Perform other related duties as assigned by department leadership.Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Previous Communications Experience & Education:
Significant experience in a strategic communications role within a government agency, public relations firm, news or non-profit organization.Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, a related field or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.Experience with communications principles, tools and strategies.Experience working with print and broadcast news media.
Strategic Skills:
Experience developing and executing strategic communications, marketing and branding strategies.Work collaboratively to leverage and execute priority work programs and projects.Skill in thinking strategically.Ability to research and analyze.
Communication Expertise:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including:
Writing compelling narratives in a conversational tone.Translating complex issues for diverse audiences.Public speaking and presentation skills.
Experience in executive briefings, news releases, social media content, and speechwriting.Experience with tools used in digital media and graphic design.Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:
Ability to coach and mentor team members effectively.Strong relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders.Proven leadership, fostering innovation and strategic risk-taking, for a team.Skills in resolving conflict, making decisions, solving problems, collaborating and negotiating.
Organizational Skills:
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on key objectives while meeting strict deadlines.Experience creating systems and processes.
Community Engagement:
Skill in connecting with rural and urban communities including those with diverse populations.
A Washington State Driver's license is required for this position.
Desired Qualifications:
8+ years in strategic communications role within a government agency, public relations firm, news or non-profit organization.Knowledge of and experience with local government operations and political processes.Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in the field.Proficiency in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, regulations, programs, and guidelines.
Supplemental Information
Job Classification:
The job classification for this position is Communications Manager.
Interview Schedule:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of 9/23/24. If you are selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a 45-minute interview the week of 9/30/24.
Who May Apply:
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants.
Application Process:
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Work Schedule:
The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evening and/or weekend work as required. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.Emergency Designation Status:
Mission-Critical - Those employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
Union Membership:
This position is non-represented.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
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 , 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.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. 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 please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:Erika YanakSenior HR Analyst206-477-0320
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:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family membersLife and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependentsRetirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation planTransportation program and ORCA transit pass12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidaysGenerous vacation and paid sick leavePaid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leavesFlexible Spending AccountWellness programsOnsite activity centersEmployee Giving ProgramEmployee assistance programsFlexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on positionTraining and career development programsFor additional information about employee benefits, visit our
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.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question
$118,726.40 - $150,488.00 Annually
Location :
Seattle, WA
Job Type:
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number:
2024EY22659
Department:
DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Opening Date:
08/30/2024
Closing Date:
9/15/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA:
Exempt
Bargaining Unit:
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time
Summary
Are you looking for a career with excellent benefits in a position that makes a difference in your community? Yes, this is government, but we'll surprise you in how we break from the stereotypical mold. King County is driving to become the best run government. For King County Department of Local Services (DLS) that means pushing the County forward through innovation and a real focus on those who directly use our technologies or indirectly benefit from their use. Join us as we transform and raise the bar on what technology looks like in the public sector!
We are seeking a
Communications Director
who will provide full time communication support for the Department of Local Services and the Office of the Director. The Communications Director will work on communications strategy and community engagement plans, communication plans for programs and projects, communications products and services, and will manage the media relations.
As the department Communications Director you will meet the challenges of managing high profile communications by inspiring and capturing creative ideas, translating terms to public, and continually improving resident communication and enhancing community engagement. The person in this position must also be capable of working collaboratively and maneuvering through complex situations effectively, relating well to customers at all levels both internal and external to the organization as well as delivering key communications products while balancing competing priorities.
King County Department of Local ServicesKing County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes the Road Services and Permitting Divisions, in addition to the Director's Office. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to the unincorporated areas. DLS is providing the building blocks for many of the region's most critical services. As the business solutions partner, we collaborate with the 18 County departments and agencies to develop products and services that better serve the needs of our customers and our communities. To learn more about DLS, please visit:
Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to "" values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
We take pride that King County is the only county in the United States named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. True to his name, King County is committed to advancing equity and racial and social justice within county government and in partnership with communities. Applying equity and racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all employees.
King County has adopted a pro-equity, anti-racist agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.Job Duties
Applying is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
Strategic Communication Strategy & Planning:
Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans and strategies to effectively convey the department's services, programs, and community engagement initiatives for internal and external audiences. Establish communications procedures, protocols, and metrics in collaboration with subject matter experts.Advising:
Identify and monitor high-profile issues, provide briefings and recommended actions to the Department Director, Deputy and department leadership. Collaborate with DLS leadership to ensure clear and consistent communications to employees, partners, customers, and residents.Team Management:
Lead and manage the Local Services communications team to ensure deliverables and services are provided. Guide and support team members.Content Creation:
Write, design, and produce or supervise the creation of key documents such as speeches, op-eds, reports, commentaries, talking points, fact sheets, news releases and briefing materials for executive leadership and department spokespersons. Oversee the creation and review of public presentations and marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and annual reports.Public Information & Reporting:
Manage public-facing communications and media relations. Oversee responses to inquiries from the general public and other stakeholders.Internal Communications:
Facilitate internal communication efforts, including staff alerts, newsletters, events (e.g., all-hands and leadership meetings), and staff engagement activities such as lunch-and-learns and surveys.Digital & Media Management:
Manage updates for the department's website, intranet and SharePoint sites. Disseminate information through various media channels, including websites, blogs, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Oversee media relations and serve department spokesperson and liaison to news media as needed.Graphic Design Oversight:
Ensure the department's graphic design needs are met, including brochures, reports, planning documents, and signage.Event Management:
Organize and manage media events, including community events, ensuring successful execution and engagement.Additional Responsibilities : Perform other related duties as assigned by department leadership.Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Previous Communications Experience & Education:
Significant experience in a strategic communications role within a government agency, public relations firm, news or non-profit organization.Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, a related field or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.Experience with communications principles, tools and strategies.Experience working with print and broadcast news media.
Strategic Skills:
Experience developing and executing strategic communications, marketing and branding strategies.Work collaboratively to leverage and execute priority work programs and projects.Skill in thinking strategically.Ability to research and analyze.
Communication Expertise:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including:
Writing compelling narratives in a conversational tone.Translating complex issues for diverse audiences.Public speaking and presentation skills.
Experience in executive briefings, news releases, social media content, and speechwriting.Experience with tools used in digital media and graphic design.Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:
Ability to coach and mentor team members effectively.Strong relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders.Proven leadership, fostering innovation and strategic risk-taking, for a team.Skills in resolving conflict, making decisions, solving problems, collaborating and negotiating.
Organizational Skills:
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on key objectives while meeting strict deadlines.Experience creating systems and processes.
Community Engagement:
Skill in connecting with rural and urban communities including those with diverse populations.
A Washington State Driver's license is required for this position.
Desired Qualifications:
8+ years in strategic communications role within a government agency, public relations firm, news or non-profit organization.Knowledge of and experience with local government operations and political processes.Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in the field.Proficiency in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, regulations, programs, and guidelines.
Supplemental Information
Job Classification:
The job classification for this position is Communications Manager.
Interview Schedule:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of 9/23/24. If you are selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a 45-minute interview the week of 9/30/24.
Who May Apply:
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants.
Application Process:
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Work Schedule:
The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evening and/or weekend work as required. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.Emergency Designation Status:
Mission-Critical - Those employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
Union Membership:
This position is non-represented.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
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 , 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.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. 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 please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:Erika YanakSenior HR Analyst206-477-0320
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:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family membersLife and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependentsRetirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation planTransportation program and ORCA transit pass12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidaysGenerous vacation and paid sick leavePaid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leavesFlexible Spending AccountWellness programsOnsite activity centersEmployee Giving ProgramEmployee assistance programsFlexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on positionTraining and career development programsFor additional information about employee benefits, visit our
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.
01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question