Teleworking Requirement 

The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.  

The Digital Communication Specialist will bring exceptional skills, experience, and creativity to the Director’s Office and the DCHS Communications Team and provide leadership on a wide range of activities and assignments. The specialist will focus on communicating and educating decision makers, community partners, media, and members of the public about the programs and services available to assist children, youth, adults, families and communities across King County.

Essential functions:
*Develop and implement communication strategies and products to reach various audiences. Establish procedures, protocols, methods and metrics for communicating with the public and key stakeholders, in collaboration with subject matter experts throughout the department and in other agencies. Oversee projects with communications vendors as needed, e.g., translation services, videographers, photographers, etc. Knowledge and experience in developing strategies and materials to reach and serve Black, Indigenous, and communities of color and access for limited or non-English speaking residents is an essential role and responsibility.
*Develop and design visually compelling materials, including web content, written presentations, and other products using established design tools and skills.
*Lead digital media activities to build and sustain department and division social media such as Instagram and emerging strategies. Plan, develop, write and edit blog and other social media posts. Manage social media analytics. Develop and edit content from program staff; write original content focused on current issues or department activities; and utilize photos and videos to engage audiences. Promote social media to the public.
*Develop and maintain engaging and informative web content. Work with division and department staff to develop interesting and accessible web content appropriate to key audiences and ensure division pages are kept current
*Support website redesign project: work in a project management capacity across five divisions and coach/edit staff-created content to follow department and County best practices and standards.
*Support internal communications efforts, including newsletters, team updates, department communications, and program highlight presentations.
*Engage in effective story telling. Develop and foster relationships with service providers and community to gather and share compelling stories about programs and services provided by DCHS and King County that are making a difference in people’s lives and improving the livability of our region.
*Perform other related duties as assigned.

•Minimum three to five years of recent experience developing communication plans that inform the public or target audience.
•Deep knowledge of equity and social justice principles and practices, and understanding of the effects of place, race, policy and systems-based inequities on marginalized communities and populations. Professional experience working in and with diverse communities
.•Experience in communications strategy development for social media, particularly Instagram and LinkedIn.
•A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in graphic design, communications, public relations, or a related/applicable field is preferred. Experience is also a consideration.
•Strong verbal and written communication skills.
•Strong computer skills, including use of Adobe, design products, digital presentations, and analytics tools
.•Demonstrated expertise in established communications principles, methods and metrics for success
.•Demonstrated ability to use graphics, illustration, photography and videography to effectively engage and inform audiences (InDesign, Adobe, Photoshop, other).
•Experience and skill in developing content specifically for websites.
•Proven ability to prioritize workload, work under pressure with tight timelines and changing priorities, and simultaneously work on multiple assignments.
•Ability to build and foster collaborative and respectful relationships.
•Passion for human services and improving the health and well-being of our residents and communities.
Desired Qualifications:
• Fluency in languages other than English.
• Knowledge of Sitecore content management system and html web coding.
• Experience working effectively with news media.
• Recent professional experience developing communications materials in a government, nonprofit
or related environment focused on public policy.
• Personal or professional knowledge and experience with issues related to behavioral health, housing and homelessness, health or human services.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.