Communication Specialist

Grays Harbor Transit (WA); East Hoquiam (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Grays Harbor Transit seeks a Communications Specialist to develop and implement marketing and community strategies, manage agency communications, and support outreach programs. The role includes creating content for newsletters, websites, and social media, coordinating events, and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will oversee branding consistency, produce visual and written materials, and help share the agency’s story through multiple channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, communications, public outreach, or similar roles.
• Experience in public sector or transportation-related organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop original written content for internal and external audiences including newsletters, flyers, ad copy, promotional materials, and website updates.
• Produce presentations, data visualizations, and training materials to support agency goals.
• Lead multi-channel marketing efforts and support internal communications and staff recognition programs.

Skills

Communication

Public speaking

Writing

Editing

Branding

Project management

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Content management systems

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

This is a great opportunity for an energetic, creative, and motivated self-starter who brings fresh ideas, takes initiative, and has a passion for community engagement, creative communication, and public service. The ideal candidate is outgoing, resourceful, and organized, with strong communication skills and an eye for creativity and detail. We're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, thrives on a variety of projects, and can turn ideas into action.

This position plays a vital role in strengthening Grays Harbor Transit's connection with the community, building awareness of the services we provide, and creating meaningful opportunities for public engagement. As a key voice for the agency, the Communications Specialist will help share our story, foster community partnerships, and ensure the people we serve feel informed, connected, and valued.

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Program Manager, this position is responsible for the development and implementation of marketing and community strategies, including activities related to marketing agency services, assisting in the development and maintenance of transit programs, coordinating ridership and community outreach projects, and administering agency website and social media platforms. Performs activities related to creating marketing, customer and public information materials, conducting ridership surveys and other program promotions; branding; supporting community partnerships and assisting with organizational participation in community events

Public engagement:

• Represent GHT at public meetings, community functions, and other outreach activities. May require infrequent attendance in evenings or on weekends.
• Support GHT’s Travel Training program by giving presentations and one-on-one guidance to small groups and riders with special needs.
• Develop relationships with community members and partners and advise GHT leadership on emerging trends, attitudes, and needs affecting transit services.

Social media:

• Support the development and execution of GHT’s social media strategy by planning, creating, and publishing engaging content, including text, images, videos, and infographics, across all GHT social media channels.
• Monitor platforms for audience engagement, respond to comments and direct messages, and analyze performance metrics to inform continuous improvement.

Writing:

• Develop original written content for internal and external audiences including for regular newsletters, flyers, ad copy, promotional materials, and website updates.
• Produce presentations, data visualizations, and training products supporting agency goals in cooperation with other team members.
• Design templates and provide document reviews to ensure brand consistency and accessibility.

Communications:

• Support and contribute to a multi-channel marketing strategy, identifying and prioritizing leads.
• Carry out elements of the staff recognition program and internal communications, including developing award certificates, organizing meetings, and related communications.
• Create original graphics, take photos, design route maps, build website enhancements, design swag, or other creative work as able.

Marketing:

• Support the agency’s visual brand, ensuring a consistent aesthetic is maintained across all materials; internal documents, signage, website, social media, and transit-related facilities and assets.
• Produce professional-grade content for both internal and external audiences. This includes print advertisements, posters, banners, and materials.
• Coordinate the creation and distribution of promotional and informational materials, including marketing campaigns that support transit program development and rider engagement.
• Prepare multimedia presentations and data visualizations, including PowerPoint and Excel materials, to support management needs and strategic communication initiatives.

Communications:

• Develop and produce internal communication materials, such as the monthly employee newsletter, internal announcements, and digital presentations, to ensure agency-wide information is clearly and consistently conveyed.
• Plan, coordinate, and support internal employee events and activities, including staff appreciation events, recognition programs, and all-agency meetings. Prepare related communications and promotional materials to foster employee engagement and a positive organizational culture.
• Draft and distribute external communications, including public notices, ensuring they reflect the agency's voice, goals, and professional standards.
• Manage and update the agency’s website. Regularly revise content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with all relevant state and federal requirements.
• Oversee content on employee and public-facing digital displays, keeping information current, brand-consistent, and engaging for staff and the community.
• Lead agency social media efforts, curating and posting content that engages the community, communicates key updates, and promotes transparency.
• Ensure professional, accessible, and regulation-compliant communications across all internal and external platforms, maintaining a high standard of clarity and consistency.

Outreach:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute community outreach activities and special events, including public meetings and promotional campaigns. Support efforts to gather public input, including the development and administration of surveys and feedback tools to inform transit programming and service enhancements.

• Coordinate community-related projects and rider-focused initiatives that support the development, implementation, and maintenance of transit programs.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to support agency participation in public events and shared initiatives.

• Develop promotional materials for outreach and events, aligning messaging with agency goals and ensuring consistent brand representation.

• Other duties as directed.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, public information, marketing, outreach, and graphic design.
• Web and social media management, including digital accessibility standards and content development best practices.
• Computer systems and design software, including Adobe Creative Suite ( Illustrator, Photoshop), Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), page layout tools, and content management systems.
• Modern office practices, records management, and tools used for digital and print communication.
• Government agency structure and procedures relevant to public engagement, transparency, and communications compliance.

Skills in:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to proofread and enforce visual standards as part of a consistent brand.
• Writing and editing a wide range of materials, including newsletters, social media posts, internal communications, and public-facing promotional content.
• Creating engaging and brand-consistent visual materials for print, web, and digital displays.
• Understanding of basic research methods, data-informed decision-making, and how to present complex data for a variety of audiences.
• Facilitating meetings, presentations, and community conversations with professionalism and clarity.
• Time management, multitasking, and prioritizing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality when working with sensitive information.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms with diverse audiences, including staff, management, community members, and public officials.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations related to public communication, accessibility, and government transparency.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal staff, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and engaging reports, presentations, and public communications.

• Represent Grays Harbor Transit professionally and demonstrate the agency’s Core Values in all interactions and activities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, communications, public outreach, or similar roles.
• Experience in public sector or transportation-related organizations is a plus.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Licensures/Certifications and Other Requirements

Valid Washington State Driver’s License and must have an acceptable driving record

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects; occasionally stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Occasional local and in-state overnight travel is required.

May be required to work outside of normal working hours (nights and weekends) to respond to operational needs, i.e. inclement weather updates, emergency response or public outreach events.

Date Adopted

9/24/2026

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Grays Harbor Transportation Authority is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veterans’ status, disability status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Please let Grays Harbor Transportation Authority know if you need accommodation in order to participate in the application process.