King County, WA
Salary: $119,454.40 - $151,424.00 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025RM23715
Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division: SWD -Solid Waste
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: F3A : L117-P&T
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
This posting may be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for Communication Supervisor in the following 6 months.
The Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRCE) Unit within the Director's Office of the Solid Waste Division of King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks is looking for an experienced, innovative leader to supervise a team of internal and external communications professionals.
About This Role:
The successful candidate will supervise a multi-disciplinary staff responsible for internal communications, public involvement, graphics design, external communications, internal and external event development, management, and execution, social media and webpage management. This individual will provide full time communications support for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Solid Waste Division under the direction of the Government Relations and Community Engagement Manager and work closely supporting the communications, meeting and event needs of the Division Director. The Communications Supervisor will work on communications strategy and community engagement plans, communications plans for programs and projects, communication projects and services, and will manage media relations. In addition, this position will manage internal and external meetings and events for the division and work collaboratively with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Public Affairs group on high-profile communications and projects.
This position performs work remotely and onsite.
About The Team: The Solid Waste Division is amid transformational change with the recently launched Re+ initiative which aims to dramatically reduce landfill waste, siting and design of a new, state of the art recycling and transfer station and making a decision for long-term disposal as the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill approaches permanent closure. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape messaging that will lead to behavior change and rebrand the division to best reflect King County's commitment to environmental excellence. Your communications and leadership skills will augment and publicize the divisions efforts on prevention, reuse, recycling and more. The position will also work closely with the Government Relations Team to ensure consistent and timely messaging.
You will be joining a team of committed professionals who strive each day to implement the County's "True North" values and behaviors. The team places significant effort ensuring clear, transparent communications with our customers including community members, elected officials, non-profits, solid waste haulers and others.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Communications Supervisor you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
Competencies You Bring:
It Would Also Be Great if You Also Bring:
Strategic Skills:
Communication Expertise:
Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:
Organizational Skills:
Community Engagement:
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.
To apply, submit a:
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Roxanne Malatesta at 206-477-1653 or rmalatesta@kingcounty.gov.
Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
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.
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:
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?
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
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025RM23715
Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division: SWD -Solid Waste
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: F3A : L117-P&T
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
This posting may be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for Communication Supervisor in the following 6 months.
The Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRCE) Unit within the Director's Office of the Solid Waste Division of King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks is looking for an experienced, innovative leader to supervise a team of internal and external communications professionals.
About This Role:
The successful candidate will supervise a multi-disciplinary staff responsible for internal communications, public involvement, graphics design, external communications, internal and external event development, management, and execution, social media and webpage management. This individual will provide full time communications support for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Solid Waste Division under the direction of the Government Relations and Community Engagement Manager and work closely supporting the communications, meeting and event needs of the Division Director. The Communications Supervisor will work on communications strategy and community engagement plans, communications plans for programs and projects, communication projects and services, and will manage media relations. In addition, this position will manage internal and external meetings and events for the division and work collaboratively with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Public Affairs group on high-profile communications and projects.
This position performs work remotely and onsite.
About The Team: The Solid Waste Division is amid transformational change with the recently launched Re+ initiative which aims to dramatically reduce landfill waste, siting and design of a new, state of the art recycling and transfer station and making a decision for long-term disposal as the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill approaches permanent closure. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape messaging that will lead to behavior change and rebrand the division to best reflect King County's commitment to environmental excellence. Your communications and leadership skills will augment and publicize the divisions efforts on prevention, reuse, recycling and more. The position will also work closely with the Government Relations Team to ensure consistent and timely messaging.
You will be joining a team of committed professionals who strive each day to implement the County's "True North" values and behaviors. The team places significant effort ensuring clear, transparent communications with our customers including community members, elected officials, non-profits, solid waste haulers and others.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Communications Supervisor you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
- Strategic Communication Strategy & Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans and strategies to effectively convey the departments services, programs and community engagement initiatives for internal and external audiences. Update communications procedures and protocols and develop communications metrics in coordination with team members and DNRP Public Affairs.
- Advising: Identify and monitor high-profile issues in collaboration with Government Relations, provide briefings and recommended actions to division and department leadership. Collaborate with SWD leadership and Subject Matter Experts to ensure clear and consistent communications to employees, partners, customers and residents.
- Team Management: Lead and manage the Solid Waste Division 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 including but not limited to 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, annual reports and social media content.
- 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, leadership meetings and more. This includes ensuring all necessary technology is available and working), and staff engagement activities such as lunch-and-learns and surveys.
- Digital & Media Management: Oversee 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 in collaboration with DNRP Public Affairs and serve as the department spokesperson and liaison to news media as needed.
- Graphic Design Oversight: Ensure the divisions graphic design needs are met, including brochures, reports, planning documents, and signage.
- Event Management: Organize and manage events, including leadership meetings, large employee gatherings, media and community events, at times in coordination with DNRP Public Affairs, ensuring successful execution and engagement. This includes supporting the Division Director during Leadership Team and All Hands meetings and may include securing expanded audio and video capabilities internally or externally.
- Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related duties as assigned by GRCE manager or department leadership.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
- 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.
Competencies You Bring:
- Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Balances Stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
- Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet share objectives.
- Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
- Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best
- Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
- Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
It Would Also Be Great if You Also Bring:
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 communications 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.
- Experience or knowledge of the complexities, differences and best practices of emergency communications.
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.
- Politically savvy with the ability to see nuance, historical context and political reality to effectively communicate and build collaborative relationships.
Organizational Skills:
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on key objectives and meeting strict deadlines.
- Experience creating systems and processes.
Community Engagement:
- Skill in connecting with rural and urban communities and understanding the complex diversity of the areas we serve.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
- Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typically 2 to 6 times a month. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104). This work arrangement promotes work-life-balance and reduces carbon footprint.
- Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
- Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
- Union Representative: This position is represented by Teamsters Local II7 P&T union.
Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.
To apply, submit a:
- Complete Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Roxanne Malatesta at 206-477-1653 or rmalatesta@kingcounty.gov.
Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
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.
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
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal 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
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