Communications and Community Relations Specialist

King County (WA)•Seattle, WA

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is only open to current King County employees. King County's Road Services Division is currently seeking a Communications & Community Relations Specialist (Project/Program Manager II) who is skilled in project coordination to join our dynamic and fast-paced Communications Team, handling a high volume of tasks and projects. As a key member of our Communications team, you will be at the forefront of keeping the public well-informed and engaged. This multi-faceted role balances both individual autonomy and collaborative teamwork. The work environment is fast paced with a high project volume, and the team works together to meet the challenges. This position will keep the public informed of traffic interruptions and delays due to emergencies, storms, major capital road projects, and the daily work of our general road maintenance program in unincorporated King County. In this role you will be tracking communication for dozens of different projects, coordinating direct mail campaigns and other project materials, developing creative content for social media, flyers, presentations, and updating content for multiple project websites. This position will also implement and support communications/outreach plans. If you have a passion for organization, enjoy juggling multiple tasks, and find satisfaction in creating order where needed, we encourage you to apply today! 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

Demonstrated proficiency in managing substantial amounts of data and tracking large volumes of information.
Possess exceptional organizational skills including effective time management; ability to work under deadlines and on several tasks simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability in writing and developing clear, engaging, and persuasive content for various mediums such as blogs, flyers, postcards, websites, presentations, and newsletters.
Demonstrated capacity to proactively participate in enhancing processes to achieve ongoing improvements and increased efficiencies.
Demonstrated experience working in fast-paced environments (independently and on a team) while managing multiple competing priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
Possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with a broad variety of partners, from engineers to unincorporated community members.
Demonstrated ability in implementing and facilitating effective communication and outreach strategies.
Demonstrated commitment to championing social and racial justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Ability to tactfully engage diverse groups, customers, and government officials with sensitivity to the political environment.
Experience writing with concise plain language to communicate complex and technical information to a general audience.
Demonstrated ability to contribute both as a collaborative team member and work independently.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Can keep pace with new communications and social media trends.
Have experience with video, film, graphics and/or photography production.
Enjoy working with public and governmental agencies.
Speak a language other than English.

Responsibilities

Provide accurate and timely notifications by email, web, phone, social media, signage, and direct mail to the public and key service agencies, such as emergency responders, regarding current and upcoming road closures and lane restrictions.
Vigilantly monitor, track, and report out changes to construction project work and schedules.
Create engaging content for social media about the work of Road Services that draws people's attention.
Contribute to the writing and development of materials for construction projects and other initiatives (blogs, flyers, postcards, websites, presentations, video, photography, and newsletters).
Coordinate the production and distribution of printed outreach materials including flyers, postcards, and brochures.
Support creation and improvement of processes and templates to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
Work collaboratively and facilitate effective communication with project staff and contractors involved in the construction process.
Support and implement communications/outreach plans.
With a team, participate in in-person outreach activities such as door-to-door, farmers markets, festivals, and fairs to share current and upcoming projects with the community.
Provide assistance with staffing and coordinating internal and external educational and community events.
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