Communications and Community Relations Lead

King County (WA)•Seattle, WA

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is only open to current King County employees. King County Road Services Division is recruiting to hire a talented Communications and Community Relations Lead (Project/Program Manager III) to join our fast-paced Communications Team. This position will work independently, and as part of a team, to plan and implement communications plans and community outreach for our road construction projects. This role also will write, create, and manage engaging website and social media content that sparks interest in major capital road projects and the general road maintenance program in unincorporated King County. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Road Services Communications team and make a difference in our community! Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to "True North" values, which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, 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.

Requirements

At least five years of progressively responsible professional public communications and community relations experience in transportation or construction-related communications; public works, community planning and/or development; or comparable public agency experience.
Expertise in writing, researching and implementing tactful, equitable communications and community outreach plans for small and large projects or programs.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and familiarity with AP style guide.
Demonstrated commitment to championing equity, inclusion, belonging and racial and social justice.
Ability to collaborate and work with a diverse group of project engineers, subject matter experts, leadership, internal staff and a variety of external partners.
Demonstrated skills in performing community outreach (planning, facilitating events, meetings and public engagement) with individuals, communities and groups with diverse backgrounds. Examples of diversity include, but are not limited to ethnicity, socioeconomic, age, culture, race, LGBTQIA+.
Experience working in fast-paced environments (independently and on a team) while managing multiple priorities, overseeing others' work and meeting deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex and technical information into plain language for non-technical audiences and people for whom English is not their primary language.
Expertise in writing informative, engaging, reader-friendly website content, email newsletters, talking points, key messages, blogs, GovDelivery and digital media posts for a public agency; able to keep pace with new communications and social media trends.
Sensitivity to the political environment; ability to act in a tactful and diplomatic matter with diverse groups, customers, and officials.
Has experience leading, coaching and/or mentoring staff.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Has demonstrated success managing multiple to-do lists and working with a team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Is a compassionate person who has several years of substantial experience in the field of communications planning and public community outreach.
Is committed to equity, inclusion, belonging, social and racial justice in public service.
Is fluent in American Sign Language or a second spoken language. The main languages spoken in several communities we serve include Spanish, Vietnamese, Khmer, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Samoan, Arabic, or Cambodian.
Enjoys working with public and governmental agencies.

Responsibilities

Serve as a communications project manager or task lead for a variety of small- and large-scale road improvement projects across Unincorporated King County.
Write, research and implement inclusive communications and community outreach plans and processes that are transparent, informative, and engage people from a variety of backgrounds.
Write, create and lead the production of public digital and print communications products, including website content, email newsletters, social media, postcards, flyers, blogs and presentations that draw peoples' attention and inspire them to get involved.
Lead outreach efforts for capital improvement projects including virtual and in-person project outreach meetings, attending community events (farmers markets, fairs, and festivals) and conducting door-to-door outreach to share upcoming projects with the community.
Grow and maintain public confidence in Road Services by fostering transparency, equity, inclusion, and prioritize accessibility in every aspect of the work.
Oversee assignments (plan, track and quality-check work assignments) for one or two staff communicators on tight deadlines.
Perform research, draft messaging and respond to questions and concerns from community members, media reporters and elected official staff. Work closely with technical professionals (engineers and transportation planners), leadership and staff throughout the process.
With the team, develop and maintain a division-wide monthly social media content calendar; track and report analytics (performance) each month.
Oversee production of printed materials and displays on tight deadlines.
Collaborate with others to plan inclusive events on behalf of Road Services including in person and online meetings and an annual professional development All Hands event for Road Services employees.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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