Digital Communication Specialist

King County • Seattle - Regional area, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

King County's Hazardous Waste Management Program is seeking a Digital Communications Specialist (Communications Specialist III) to shape the Program's digital presence and help residents and businesses access clear, engaging public health and environmental information. The position manages the Program's website and social media channels, creates written and visual content, develops campaigns, and uses audience research and performance analytics to improve engagement and online customer experiences. It also involves community fieldwork to conduct interviews, take photographs, and capture video that highlights Program services and community impact.

The specialist collaborates with subject-matter experts, colleagues, community partners, regional agencies, consultants, and vendors to produce accurate, accessible, inclusive, and consistent communications. The role leads assigned digital communications projects from planning through completion and advises colleagues on effective digital practices. The position is part of the Hazardous Waste Management Program's Communications Team and reports to the Communications Manager.

The position follows a hybrid work model with office, field, and telecommuting days determined by business needs. The primary onsite location is King Street Center in Seattle. Employees must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite. The County provides a laptop; employees must maintain a reliable home workspace and internet connection. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, overtime-eligible position. Regular field visits may involve outdoor work, uneven terrain, operational facilities, vehicle traffic, noise, odors, and transporting equipment weighing approximately 25 pounds. The selected candidate must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 within six months of hire and maintain it throughout employment; the program provides training and covers certification costs.

Requirements

• Experience directly managing, maintaining, and improving public-facing websites and social media channels.
• Ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, accurate, accessible, and engaging communications for public audiences.
• Experience identifying stories, conducting interviews, gathering information, and producing written, photographic, or video content.
• Ability to use audience research, public feedback, analytics, and accessibility practices to improve digital communications and online experiences.
• Experience organizing and delivering multi-step communications projects involving multiple contributors, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with technical experts, colleagues, community partners, and external organizations.
• Ability to incorporate equity principles into audience engagement, content development, accessibility, and communications channel selection.
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork, navigate uneven terrain, and transport photography and video equipment weighing approximately 25 pounds.
• Ability to work near vehicle traffic, operational equipment, noise, and odors while following applicable safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
• Must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 within six months of hire and maintain the certification throughout employment.
• Must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance of the King County worksite.
• Must maintain a home workspace with internet access and be reliably available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Nice To Haves

• Experience increasing digital audience engagement through audience segmentation, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid social media, content testing, social listening, or performance analytics.
• Experience communicating complex public health, environmental, scientific, or government information to diverse public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage and enhance the Program's website and social media channels to increase visibility, engagement, and access to services.
• Develop digital communications approaches and campaigns that respond to audience needs and organizational priorities.
• Use audience research, feedback, and performance data to identify opportunities to reach underserved or underrepresented audiences.
• Develop written and visual content, including website articles, social media posts, news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and outreach materials.
• Identify and develop stories highlighting the Program's services, employees, partners, and community impact.
• Conduct interviews and capture original photography and short-form video at facilities, events, and community locations.
• Produce aerial photography and video using drone technology after obtaining the required certification.
• Coordinate communications with staff, subject-matter experts, community organizations, and regional agency partners.
• Support internal communications by gathering staff feedback, maintaining digital resources, and improving access to information.
• Provide guidance on digital communications practices, tools, and content development.
• Analyze website traffic, search performance, social media engagement, and campaign results, and use findings to improve digital content, audience reach, and online customer experience.
• Ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive, and consistent with King County standards.
• Plan, organize, and lead digital communications projects from concept through completion.
• Establish project goals, audiences, timelines, deliverables, and measures of success.
• Coordinate staff, partners, consultants, and vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Perform fieldwork at service locations, facilities, community events, and other field settings, following applicable safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits
• Training
• Growth opportunities
• Required FAA certification training and costs covered by the Hazardous Waste Management Program
• County-issued laptop
• Resources to support remote work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed