King County
Communications Specialist IV
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Salary
$108,659.20 - $137,716.80 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2024SB23437
Department
MTD - Metro Transit
Division
General Manager
Opening Date
01/07/2025
Closing Date
1/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
Summary
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
**This position is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.**
Metro seeks a
Communications Specialist IV for the Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Team in the General Manager's Office. This role provides strategic internal communications, change management, employee engagement, and facilitation to ensure Metro's initiatives and programs are effectively implemented to improve business processes and transform workplace culture.
Candidates will bring experience in written communications, designing and executing communications and change management plans, as well as planning and facilitating employee engagement (such as change readiness assessments, focus groups, and tabling activities). They will have a solid knowledge base around creating effective conversations to engage teams and bring proven/demonstrated ability to implement equity and social justice principles into all aspects of their work. Candidates for this role will have the ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities, be action-oriented, build strong relationships and partnerships, and work under pressure. They will be looked to as problem-solvers.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment/Term Limited Temporary vacancy that is expected to last until 12/31/2025 with the possibility of extension. This recruitment may be used to generate a list for future Term Limited Temporary (TLT) , and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification (Communications Specialist IV) . The eligibility pool list is valid for up to 12 months upon creation for use at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and 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 this work. As a
Communications Specialist IV
,
you will: Design, produce, and implement communications and change management plans, programs, strategies and products (i.e. talking points, key messages, change readiness assessments). Facilitate individual contributors and people leaders in one-on-one conversations, small and large group settings, and through various participatory methods (i.e. surveys, focus groups, tabling at events) to provide meaningful feedback to decision-makers and ensure the diverse voices of King County and Metro's marginalized populations are heard. Provide strategic communications counsel and change management recommendations to people leaders and teams on work processes and employee engagement that support desired changes, policies, and/or workplace culture. Use listening, facilitation, and conflict management skills to both receive and deliver the creative ideas of others to the forefront. Prepare reports, slideshows, and other communications products summarizing findings and recommendations; present to stakeholders. Work with leaders, internal customers and/or key stakeholders to assess communications and employee engagement needs, target audience, and objectives; design special activities to meet those needs. Research, design, write, edit, and coordinate the production of employee communications products, such as Metro wide communications from senior leaders, division directors, or enterprise initiative sponsors. Collaborate and follow all Metro communication protocols and review processes for development and distribution of communications materials to all stakeholders. Use multiple communication methods to ensure all stakeholders receive project information in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. Use Prosci change management methodology, Bridges Transition Model, and/or King County's Organizational Change Management framework, or similar methods for change and transformation that will honor both the business mechanics and human dynamics of change and transition. Evaluate the effectiveness of project communications and adjust as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
We are looking for candidates who have:
A minimum of five (5) years experience in positions dedicated to communications and employee engagement OR any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work. Have knowledge and demonstrated experience with change management methodology, facilitation, and conflict resolution. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including the effective use of visuals in communications. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals with varying opinions and backgrounds. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in modern office software to perform tasks including word processing, spreadsheet management, database operations, presentation creation, basic graphic design, and email communication. Highly competitive candidates will have (desired, but not required):
Knowledge of transit operations and optimization. Experience with SharePoint and SharePoint site administration. Proficient in a non-English language. Supplemental Information
To Apply
The following application materials are required: An online King County application. Updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly. Completed supplemental questions. A Resume. A cover letter d escribing how your education and/or experiences make you a good fit for this position. 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: Sabrina Brazzle sbrazzle@kingcounty.gov.
Other Position Information
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime-eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday, comprising a 40-hour workweek, normally 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Union membership : This role is not represented by a union.
The work associated with this position will be performed or conducted through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. 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 "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.
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 For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .
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. recblid nnz9itzxbll9lqom068c27troybcmn
$108,659.20 - $137,716.80 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2024SB23437
Department
MTD - Metro Transit
Division
General Manager
Opening Date
01/07/2025
Closing Date
1/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
Summary
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
**This position is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.**
Metro seeks a
Communications Specialist IV for the Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Team in the General Manager's Office. This role provides strategic internal communications, change management, employee engagement, and facilitation to ensure Metro's initiatives and programs are effectively implemented to improve business processes and transform workplace culture.
Candidates will bring experience in written communications, designing and executing communications and change management plans, as well as planning and facilitating employee engagement (such as change readiness assessments, focus groups, and tabling activities). They will have a solid knowledge base around creating effective conversations to engage teams and bring proven/demonstrated ability to implement equity and social justice principles into all aspects of their work. Candidates for this role will have the ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities, be action-oriented, build strong relationships and partnerships, and work under pressure. They will be looked to as problem-solvers.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment/Term Limited Temporary vacancy that is expected to last until 12/31/2025 with the possibility of extension. This recruitment may be used to generate a list for future Term Limited Temporary (TLT) , and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification (Communications Specialist IV) . The eligibility pool list is valid for up to 12 months upon creation for use at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and 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 this work. As a
Communications Specialist IV
,
you will: Design, produce, and implement communications and change management plans, programs, strategies and products (i.e. talking points, key messages, change readiness assessments). Facilitate individual contributors and people leaders in one-on-one conversations, small and large group settings, and through various participatory methods (i.e. surveys, focus groups, tabling at events) to provide meaningful feedback to decision-makers and ensure the diverse voices of King County and Metro's marginalized populations are heard. Provide strategic communications counsel and change management recommendations to people leaders and teams on work processes and employee engagement that support desired changes, policies, and/or workplace culture. Use listening, facilitation, and conflict management skills to both receive and deliver the creative ideas of others to the forefront. Prepare reports, slideshows, and other communications products summarizing findings and recommendations; present to stakeholders. Work with leaders, internal customers and/or key stakeholders to assess communications and employee engagement needs, target audience, and objectives; design special activities to meet those needs. Research, design, write, edit, and coordinate the production of employee communications products, such as Metro wide communications from senior leaders, division directors, or enterprise initiative sponsors. Collaborate and follow all Metro communication protocols and review processes for development and distribution of communications materials to all stakeholders. Use multiple communication methods to ensure all stakeholders receive project information in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. Use Prosci change management methodology, Bridges Transition Model, and/or King County's Organizational Change Management framework, or similar methods for change and transformation that will honor both the business mechanics and human dynamics of change and transition. Evaluate the effectiveness of project communications and adjust as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
We are looking for candidates who have:
A minimum of five (5) years experience in positions dedicated to communications and employee engagement OR any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work. Have knowledge and demonstrated experience with change management methodology, facilitation, and conflict resolution. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including the effective use of visuals in communications. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals with varying opinions and backgrounds. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in modern office software to perform tasks including word processing, spreadsheet management, database operations, presentation creation, basic graphic design, and email communication. Highly competitive candidates will have (desired, but not required):
Knowledge of transit operations and optimization. Experience with SharePoint and SharePoint site administration. Proficient in a non-English language. Supplemental Information
To Apply
The following application materials are required: An online King County application. Updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly. Completed supplemental questions. A Resume. A cover letter d escribing how your education and/or experiences make you a good fit for this position. 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: Sabrina Brazzle sbrazzle@kingcounty.gov.
Other Position Information
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime-eligible. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Thursday, comprising a 40-hour workweek, normally 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Union membership : This role is not represented by a union.
The work associated with this position will be performed or conducted through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. 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 "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.
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 For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .
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. recblid nnz9itzxbll9lqom068c27troybcmn