Graphic Designer (Communications Specialist III)

King County•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

King County Metro Transit’s Mobility Division is hiring a Graphic Designer (Communications Specialist III) for Customer Communications and Services. The position plans and supports the creative development and production of Metro service information materials, including transit signage, maps connecting Metro services with other public transit services, fleet signage, brochures, posters, and related public information materials. The role serves internal and external customers and works with Service Information leadership to manage communications needs and design and production operations. The Graphic Designer strategically leads and executes the design, development, and production of print, digital, and other communications materials. The work includes coordinating Metro’s bus stop sign program using XML, scripting, and templates, with extensive coordination among Transit Route Facility planners and the Metro paint shop to meet deadlines. The role promotes Metro brand and graphic design standards, including reviewing coaches during procurement for signing and decal needs and collaborating on branding for new services and sub-brands. The position works with diverse Metro teams, community partners, vendors, consultants, and internal Marketing staff. It also supports shared projects with agencies such as Sound Transit and Community Transit. This is a hybrid position, currently requiring two in-office days each week, with the primary onsite location at King Street Center in Seattle. Employees must reside in Washington state within reasonable distance of their King County worksite and maintain a reliable home workspace and internet connection. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday within 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position is exempt from overtime pay and is represented by PROTEC17.

Requirements

At least four years in the last ten of recent professional experience in design, visualization, and production of materials across print, digital, multimedia, and exhibit formats.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro, including XML and scripting capabilities in InDesign.
Ability to develop graphic, illustration, publication, and mapping/wayfinding files and ensure accurate production across varying media.
Strong knowledge of print and sign production processes, including four-color and large-format printing, pre-press/pre-flight, press checks, vendor coordination, quality control, delivery, and installation.
Excellent writing, documentation, and proofreading skills, including the ability to assess communication needs and determine effective tools and methods for target audiences.
Knowledge of and skills in applying marketing and graphic communication principles.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and MS Teams.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment, with leadership, negotiation, and troubleshooting skills across projects, workflows, and technical systems.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects, schedule work, coordinate with internal and external vendors, and efficiently develop draft visuals.
Demonstrated experience incorporating cultural and racial equity, universal design principles, and inclusive practices into communication tools and visual materials.
Washington State driver’s license or ability to travel to multiple King County Metro locations in a timely manner.
Submit a completed job application, supplemental questions, a cover letter, and a portfolio of graphic design and production work in PDF format, limited to six projects or samples.

Nice To Haves

Experience with government bid processes, working within defined budgets, and following government protocol.
Digital animation, motion graphics, and/or video editing skills.
Ability to use GIS or similar database application software.
Proficiency in a language in addition to English.
Public transportation work experience.
Signage regulation experience.

Responsibilities

Work with Service Information leadership to ensure communications needs are sustainably met for internal and external customers.
Evaluate project requests, inclusively triage assignments to team members, and oversee continuous improvement of design and production processes and practices.
Oversee project oversight, workflow coordination, and operational execution of the work.
Strategically lead and execute the design, development, and production of Metro communications materials, including brochures, posters, timetables, regional maps, displays, custom signage, digital signage, vinyl applications, presentations, and promotional materials.
Use developed XML and scripting tools and templates, and create files for Metro’s bus stop sign program.
Coordinate with Transit Route Facility planners and the Metro paint shop to facilitate, troubleshoot, follow up on, and deliver information signage by critical deadlines.
Enforce and promote King County Metro brand and graphic design standards for publications, signage, and vehicles.
Visually and physically review coaches during procurement to assess signing and decal requirements.
Collaborate on branding for new lines of service and Metro sub-brand identities, including KC Sheriff, Dart, Access, Contracted Services, and RapidRide.
Collaborate in a diverse work environment and provide assistance and guidance to Metro work groups as needed.
Work with community partners such as Sound Transit and Community Transit on shared projects.
Manage vendors, vendor contracts, and consultants.
Assist Marketing and other internal staff with promotional materials, including brochures, posters, displays, banners, presentations, and advertising incentives.
Perform other related job duties as assigned.
Understand Metro Transit Safety Policy and the employee’s role in safety; report safety concerns and follow applicable safety practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and training.