Communications Manager-SDA

King County•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

King County Metro Transit’s General Manager’s Office is seeking a strategic and collaborative Communications Manager to lead the Internal Communications and Employee Engagement team. In this role, you will shape and execute communication strategies that inform, engage, and connect a large, diverse, and predominantly deskless workforce. Leveraging the power of communications and storytelling, you will help strengthen employee engagement, foster organizational alignment, and reinforce Metro’s culture, values, and priorities. As the Internal Communications Manager, you will lead and oversee a team responsible for coordinating and implementing internal communications strategies across Metro’s divisions, ensuring employees receive timely, relevant, and consistent information. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, helping communicate Metro’s vision, key initiatives, and long-term goals in ways that inspire understanding, connection, and action. You will also oversee the development and implementation of communication plans that support organizational objectives and enhance the employee experience. This position also plays a critical role in creating meaningful employee engagement opportunities that advance Metro’s values and commitment to equity. Working collaboratively with communications professionals across King County, you will build strong partnerships, align messaging, and contribute to a cohesive employee experience that supports organizational success. This recruitment will fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment expected to last until 11/6/26 and may be used to generate a pool for future Career Service, Term Limited Temporary (TLT), and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification in MTD. The pool would be retained for twelve months from date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Requirements

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications and employee engagement OR a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties effectively.
Experience supervising direct reports, including coaching and delegation of tasks OR a combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to supervise others
Experience leading projects and/or work groups that include members from diverse audiences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including employees, consultants, and leadership.
Ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
Experience creating and utilizing style guides and branding standards in written and graphic communications.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive projects.
Proven ability to manage complex projects involving diverse teams and colleagues while ensuring effective communication across multiple audiences.
Strong project management skills, including time management, organization, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
Ability to take initiative, multitask, and work effectively in high-pressure situations with shifting priorities.
Deep understanding of equity and social justice principles, including the impact of race, gender, policy, and systemic inequities on marginalized communities.
Commitment to applying an equity lens to communication strategies.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities.
Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in public transit, including familiarity with industry standards, policies, and operational challenges.
Knowledge of transportation issues and Metro’s operational practices, values, and culture.
Knowledge and experience with photography, video production, and graphic design.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute internal communications strategies
Design and implement strategic communication plans that include leadership messaging, employee communications, presentations, talking points for people leaders, listening/feedback opportunities, and supporting materials to foster transparency, trust, and meaningful employee engagement.
Work with internal customers or key stakeholders to assess communications and employee engagement needs, target audience, and objectives; design special activities to meet those needs and improve employee morale.
Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to senior management, people leaders, and other internal customers; advise on communications implications, risks, and outcomes.
Identify opportunities to adopt new technology and/or innovative approaches to internal communications.
Create and manage employee communication
Research, write, edit, and coordinate the production of internal communication materials, ensuring they are clear, consistent, and aligned with agency goals.
Coordinate content review and approvals from key collaborators.
Plan and facilitate engagement activities for individual contributors and people leaders, such as town halls and annual meetings.
Utilize journalism principles to research, write, edit, and publish clear, accurate, and engaging content for various communication channels.
Foster collaboration
Build strong partnerships with teams and divisions across Metro.
Act as a connector between teams to promote collaboration and alignment across the agency.
Apply a holistic lens to internal communications, seeking opportunities to tell a “big picture” story that employees can see themselves within.
Partner with other communications managers and subject matter experts across King County departments to support organizational alignment.
Participate in consultant and vendor-selection process; oversee the work of consultants and vendors for branding, editorial content, and style to align with Metro’s values and initiatives.
Supervise direct reports, delegate tasks, and manage deliverables
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of communication projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and meet organizational objectives.
Mentor and coach direct reports, support the creation of work plans, and delegate tasks.