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

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Community Health Services (CHS) is seeking a Communications Specialist III to craft internal and external content, collaborate with division leaders, and translate complex information into clear, accessible language that reflects staff expertise and community impact.

The role emphasizes writing for websites and newsletters, delivering timely information to employees and the public, and supporting equity-centered storytelling. Hybrid schedule with some travel within King County.

Qualifications

• Experience developing, writing, editing and publishing communications for multiple audiences and channels.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Professional writing & editing

Storytelling

Communication planning

Plain language & accessibility

Tools

SharePoint

Newsletter publishing tools

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.

If you have already applied, we are evaluating your application.

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, please 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.

Job Duties

• 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.