Internal Strategy Communications Program/Project Manager IV

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Metro Transit’s Internal Strategy team seeks a Project/Program Manager IV (PPM IV) to lead strategic internal communications, manage complex projects, and support leadership forums. This role collaborates with HR leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure messaging reflects Metro’s values and equity priorities.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in internal communications, organizational change, and cross-functional leadership within a large public-sector

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or related fields.
• Minimum three years of project or program management experience overseeing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Experience in a large public-sector environment and cross-functional leadership is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement clear, consistent internal communication plans conveying HR programs and priorities.
• Lead communication projects that support division and agency goals.
• Produce accessible communications—written materials, employee messages, newsletters, talking points, and surveys—for diverse employee audiences.
• Partner with Employee Services leaders, subject matter experts, and executive offices for content accuracy and alignment.
• Develop audio, video, and interactive multimedia content such as recordings, videos, and digital walkthroughs.
• Evaluate communication effectiveness using feedback and data; recommend improvements.

Skills

Internal communications

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Written communication

Public sector experience

Tools

Monday.com

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

King County Metro Transit’s Internal Strategy team seeks a Project/Program Manager IV (PPM IV) to lead strategic internal communication efforts, manage complex projects, and support major leadership forums. This role is responsible for developing clear, consistent, and engaging internal communications; producing multimedia content; coordinating high-impact leadership meetings; and driving operational alignment across the Employee Services Division (ESD).

The PPM IV partners closely with HR leadership, Employee Services teams, and cross-functional groups to ensure messaging reflects Metro’s values, equity priorities, and organizational goals. Applying our ACTIVATE values—being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably—is a daily responsibility for all King County employees.

This role is ideal for a seasoned project and program manager with strong experience in internal communications, organizational change, and cross-functional leadership within a large, complex public-sector environment.

Strategic & Employee Communications

• Create and implement clear, consistent internal communication plans and content that convey HR programs, policies, and organizational priorities.
• Lead communication projects that support division and agency goals.
• Produce accurate, accessible communications—including written materials, employee messages, newsletters, talking points, and surveys—for diverse employee audiences.
• Partner with Employee Services leaders, subject matter experts, and executive offices to ensure content accuracy, alignment, and approval.
• Develop audio, video, and interactive multimedia content such as recorded presentations, informational videos, and digital walkthroughs.
• Evaluate communication effectiveness using feedback and data; recommend improvements.

Strategic Project & Leadership Forum Management

• Support communication strategies for complex projects that advance operational, cultural, and systems level improvements within Employee Services and ensure alignment with Metro’s broader goals.
• Maintain planning tools (Monday.com, shared folders, content trackers) to support efficient coordination.
• Plan, coordinate, and develop content for leadership forums; identify strategic topics, build agendas, and prepare presenters.
• Manage scheduling, communications, production needs, run-of-show materials, and day of logistics for leadership meetings.
• Gather feedback and participation data to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide facilitation backup and ensure a positive participant experience.

Experience & Education

• Minimum three years of progressively responsible experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or related fields; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role effectively.
• Minimum three years of project or program management experience overseeing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create accessible, inclusive content for diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and collaborate effectively with leadership and cross-functional partners.

Equity & Inclusion

• Strong understanding of equity and social justice principles.
• Commitment to applying an equity lens to communication strategies, project planning, and leadership-forum design.
• Ability to support inclusive and accessible communication experiences for employees.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Monday.com or similar project-management tools.
• Advanced skills in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Familiarity with simple audio/video editing tools, screen-recording applications, and digital content platforms used to create internal communications.
• Ability to manage shared folders, digital content libraries, meeting logistics, and communication workflows.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Have:

• Experience developing audio, video, and interactive content for internal communications, including scripting, recording, editing, and producing multimedia materials.
• Experience applying inclusive design principles to communication products, ensuring accessibility and usability for diverse employee audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) and the ability to develop, maintain, and improve workflows and planning systems.
• Demonstrated ability to coach presenters and subject-matter experts on message framing, visual design, and effective delivery for both live and recorded content.
• Experience working in public sector, transportation, or similarly complex environments with diverse stakeholders and operational needs.
• Ability to analyze communication effectiveness using metrics, feedback, and participation trends to inform strategy and continuous improvement.

Competitive candidates will have (not required)

• Digital Communication or Internal Communications certificate
• Project Manager Professional (PMP) Certification

Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements:

Travel to work locations throughout King County with limited or no public transportation services is required. A valid Washington State Driver's License is required to operate King County vehicles.

Some licenses, certifications, and other requirements determined necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.

Physical Requirements:

Requires the ability to be mobile and perform manual tasks, including lifting materials weighing up to 20 pounds, such as boxes of printed materials.

Required Application Materials

1. An online employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Answers to all supplemental questions

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks and/or file review.

Work Location

This position follows a hybrid work schedule requiring a minimum of [2] days per week onsite at King Street Center consistent with King County Metro's hybrid work policy. Remote workdays may be adjusted based on operational or business needs.

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.

Work Schedule

The work week is normally 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Alternative work schedules may be possible. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and therefore is not eligible for overtime pay.

Union Membership:

This position is not represented by a union.

Job Code:

243401

Safety Responsibility: Employees

• Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety.
• Report all safety concerns.
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.

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.