Communications Specialist III (internal only – (TLT/SDA)

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

King County seeks a Communications Specialist III for Community Health Services to craft and publish clear, accessible content for employees and the public. The role emphasizes storytelling, engagement, and collaboration with division leaders to support equity, inclusion and health services access.

The position requires strong writing, editing, and digital publishing skills, with expertise in SharePoint and Microsoft 365. Hybrid work with in-office days and travel across King County is expected.

Qualifications

• Professional experience writing, editing and publishing communications for multiple audiences and channels.
• Ability to translate complex health, policy or operational information into plain language written and visual communications.
• Experience managing digital content using Microsoft 365 tools, including SharePoint and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, edit and publish accurate content for varied audiences and channels.
• Translate technical/operational information into clear, actionable language.
• Develop and deliver communications for equity initiatives and staff engagement across King County.

Skills

Writing and editing

Plain language

Audience analysis

Content strategy

Digital publishing

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft 365

Teams

Job description

Summary

Community Health Services Division is a leader in King County's health care safety net by ensuring access to equitable and racially just health services. CHS is seeking a Special Duty Assignment (SDA), or TLT Communications Specialist III to support our vision of culturally responsive direct services and partnerships, and meaningful collaboration with community, partners, and staff.

Our employees, managers and leadership are smart, creative and passionate about our mission, and our Communications Specialist will collaborate with all levels of the organization to engage the workforce through stories and timely information that support client-focused services, strengthen connection across the division, and reflect the voices of employees and the communities CHS serves.

Background

Community Health Services (CHS) is seeking an energetic, innovative, collaborative, and equity-centered Communications Specialist III who brings exceptional writing and editing skills, creativity, enthusiasm and strong interpersonal and relational skills to communications for employees, leadership and the public. Working closely with CHS division leaders, managers, program leads, and clinical and field staff, this position will engage the workforce through stories and timely information that support client-focused services, strengthen connection across the division, and reflect the voices of employees and the communities CHS serves. The work includes collaborating with programs to provide timely and engaging information for community and clients who access services. The position develops and maintains internal and external content, digital channels and communication tools; helps translate complex information; and connects daily work to CHS priorities.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate excellent writing skills, along with a variety of experiences in communications. Writing for websites and newsletters will be a primary emphasis and demonstrated experience with digital publishing tools is essential, particularly SharePoint.

The Communications Specialist III will be a visible advocate for equitable and accessible communications, championing plain language, inclusive storytelling, accessible design, language access and communication practices that reduce barriers and build trust and belonging.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate professional experience with some or all of the additional skills and qualifications: Written storytelling and editing skills; developing and implementing communication plans; graphics and design skills; creating e-newsletters; experience working in communications in the government or non-profit sectors, preferably related to public health or health care; ability and comfort with oral and written presentations.

Temporary Opportunity. Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) positions are “at will” positions but are eligible for benefits. This TLT is currently anticipated to last six months. One factor that could effect the end date of the position is an unanticipated change in funding or business needs.

This vacancy will also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity. Special Duty Assignments are open to Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employee in King County who has completed their initial County probation. You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment.

Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

This is an exempt position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible.

Remote and Onsite Work:

This position works in a hybrid model, with a minimum of 3 days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is based at the Administration Building in downtown Seattle at 501 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104. Some travel to locations throughout King County will also be required.

Some days will include visits and meetings at clinics and field locations for CHS services.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Communications strategy, content and engagement:

• Research, write, edit and publish accurate content for varied audiences, including employee messages, leadership communications, newsletters, news stories, reports, talking points, presentations, fact sheets, educational materials, correspondence and campaign collateral.
• Consult with CHS programs, Public Health Centers, subject-matter experts and leaders to assess audience needs, recommend channels and develop communication strategies.
• Translate technical, policy, health and operational information into clear, actionable language without losing accuracy or context.
• Translate CHS strategic goals, decisions, milestones and measures into plain-language resources that connect to employees' daily work.
• Partner with the CHS EIB Manager to plan, develop and deliver communications for EIB initiatives, including employee learning, cultural awareness, belonging, workforce equity, racial equity and accessibility priorities.
• Support urgent and contingency communications by coordinating facts, approvals, timing, audience segmentation and follow-up; communicate uncertainty responsibly and avoid speculation.
• Develop and sustain storytelling that reflects CHS staff expertise, community impact and the breadth of safety-net services; obtain appropriate reviews and permissions.
• Prepare manager and supervisor resources and talking points that support shared leadership accountability.
• Coordinate recurring division communications and contribute to relevant CHS and department communications, leadership and engagement forums.
• Build effective working relationships across roles, locations and disciplines and manage multiple assignments with sound judgment, transparency and follow-through.
• Elevate staff and community voice through culturally responsive, dignity-centered storytelling; support two-way communication and close feedback loops through 'you said, we heard' or comparable approaches.
• Apply the CHS Communications guideposts – resiliency, trust, bravery, reflection, radical imagination, liberation and transformation – to content development and consultation.
• Apply accessibility and language-access practices, including plain language, meaningful alt text, readable formatting, color contrast, screen-reader compatibility, inclusive imagery and coordination of translation when required.

Digital platforms, publishing and visual production:

• Maintain CHS SharePoint site as a trusted source of current information; build and update pages, organize and archive content, publish news, establish channel norms and support content governance.
• Produce and distribute CHS newsletters and email communications using approved publishing platforms.
• Coordinate CHS web and social media content with department communications teams and follow Public Health and King County requirements for review, branding, records and accessibility.
• Contribute to accessible visual communication products and templates using approved design tools; apply consistent visual identity to division communications.
• Use basic analytics and audience feedback to assess reach, improve content and recommend communication pathway adjustments.
• Maintain communications work aids, templates, editorial calendars, source files and onboarding documentation to strengthen continuity and institutional memory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional experience developing, writing, editing and publishing communications for multiple audiences and channels.
• Ability to synthesize complex health, human services, policy or operational information into accurate, plain-language written, oral and visual communications.
• Experience managing digital content using Microsoft 365 tools, including SharePoint and Teams, and an email or newsletter publishing platform.
• Experience identifying audience needs and developing communication plans, products and engagement approaches responsive to those needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of equity, racial and social justice, accessibility and inclusive communications practices, including experience communicating about equity-related topics.
• Ability to build trust and work effectively with employees, leaders, subject-matter experts and partners across diverse identities, roles, schedules and work locations.
• Ability to organize concurrent projects, meet deadlines, coordinate review processes, use sound judgment with sensitive information and work both independently and collaboratively.

Desired Qualifications

• Communications experience in public health, health care, government, community-based or nonprofit settings.
• Experience supporting equity initiatives, organizational strategy, employee engagement, change communications or leadership communications.
• Experience creating and maintaining websites or intranet pages and using analytics to improve content.
• Graphic design, photography, video, presentation design, data visualization or accessible document-production experience.
• Experience coordinating translation, multilingual content or communications with culturally specific or ethnic media.
• Proficiency in a language commonly spoken by King County communities.

Are you ready to make a difference 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.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Who May Apply

Current King County Employees

Union Membership

This position is not represented.

Necessary Special Requirements

The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience. The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. For more information on our selection process, please refer www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en. Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law. Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools; therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work. Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions. When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.