King County
Engagement & Communications Specialist (Communications Specialist III)
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Internal Applicants Only. This position is open only to current employees of King County. Public Health – Health Sciences Division is seeking a
Communications Specialist III (Engagement and Communications Specialist)
to join the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) team. The incumbent will lead a cross-sector collaboration by building, maintaining, and strengthening staff-level internal and external partnerships. This position also leads and executes comprehensive communications and engagement strategies for ROGVP by developing key messaging, managing media relations, producing materials and talking points, coordinating events, and providing strategic counsel. Additional responsibilities include managing ROGVP’s strategic engagement efforts, including designing and implementing comprehensive engagement strategies with partners and other interested parties, and representing ROGVP at high-level meetings and events to amplify the office’s impact and priorities. Background The Health Sciences division of Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents through innovative, evidence-based programs and services. The Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) is housed within the Health Sciences division and takes a public health approach to addressing gun violence in King County. The ROGVP team collaborates with community leaders, local and state agencies, and national subject experts to coordinate and align community violence prevention and intervention efforts, partner across systems, and build capacity to sustain lasting community-led and evidenced-backed solutions to end gun violence. In addition to inter- and intragovernmental coordination, the ROGVP team supports two key initiatives: 1) Regional Peacekeepers Collective (RPKC) comprised of a coalition of community-based organizations serving South King County, and 2) the Hospital-Based & Community-Linked Intervention. These initiatives are part of nationally recognized Community Violence Intervention (CVI) best practices. They provide a suite of services within an intervention, prevention, and restoration framework to elevate CVI as a core pillar of holistic public safety and gun violence reduction. ROGVP is a member of the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network (NOVPN). 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., 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 the King County equity and social justice page (text only). Work Schedule This position typically works 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week anytime between 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. Work Location The work will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work. The successful candidate may be expected to report to the office for onsite work at least once per week. The frequency may vary based on business needs. Primary onsite location is the Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and be within a reasonable distance to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County supports remote work with tools and resources. The selected candidate will join a team transitioning to a hybrid environment and will be provided with a County-issued laptop. A home workspace with internet access is required to perform duties during scheduled hours. Responsibilities
Leads ROGVP’s outreach, engagement, and government relations work in partnership with the King County Executive’s Office and multiple local jurisdictions and national subject matter experts. Coordinates across King County departments to develop response protocols, shared working agreements, and resource deployment plans; supports cross-departmental data sharing with Health Sciences’ APDE team. Hosts and co-facilitates monthly meetings with local municipalities and co-plans events and meetings with municipal partners. Provides support and technical assistance to other local municipalities with CVI and communications strategies. Supports engagement with the state office of gun violence prevention; provides peer learning and technical assistance for other WA counties; develops presentation materials and communication strategies. Participates in NOVPN quarterly and annual convenings, providing updates on ROGVP and connecting to other NOVPN members. Provides technical consultation to partners on culturally appropriate communications. Represents ROGVP on local and national workgroups. Public Awareness and Community Engagement
Independently leads public awareness campaigns and manages public-facing information. Designs and implements community outreach plans to raise awareness of gun violence prevention programs, resources, and events. Collaborates with local leaders and community members affected by gun violence to co-design engagement strategies reflecting community priorities. Communications and Media
Develops and executes a strategic communications plan across digital, print, and in-person channels. Leads event promotion and coordinates with local leaders; prepares talking points and recruits speakers as needed. Serves as a media liaison, preparing spokespeople and responses to media inquiries per King County protocols. Develops press releases, newsletters, social media content, talking points, presentations, and policy briefs. Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have an advanced degree or significant relevant experience in public communications, journalism, and community engagement, preferably in a public health context. Direct experience in gun violence prevention, including CVI model implementation and promotion. Strong knowledge of equity and social justice, and how place, race, and policy affect communities impacted by gun violence. Experience building cross-sector partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement, and local/national leaders. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communications campaigns across multiple platforms. Significant expertise with social media platforms and experience with news media, including multilingual communities in King County. Experience in public sector communications, preferably in gun violence prevention. Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of community engagement strategies and approaches to overcome challenges. Proficiency in conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving in community contexts. Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills with diverse communities and partners. Ability to identify opportunities for collaboration across internal and external partners. Creativity and flexibility to work independently or as part of a team. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentations and facilitation. Desired Experiences
Lived experience navigating gun and community violence, systemic inequities, or trauma to inform root causes and solutions. Experience using trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches in community settings. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions. To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, request accommodations or assistance, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. Who May Apply This full-time Career Service position is open to all qualified King County employees. Application Process NeoGov Job Application
(complete responses used in screening) Supplemental Questions
(complete responses used in screening) Resume
(relevant experience) Cover Letter
(expressing interest) Necessary Special Requirements The selection process may include evaluation of application materials, interviews, and testing. Complete the application with relevant education and work experience. The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation. For more information on our selection process, visit the King County health hiring page. For interview tips, see the county learning resources. Employees must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined by law. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based tools is required. Adherence to OSHA/WISHA guidelines and required trainings is expected. Regular attendance and effective communication are required for all Public Health positions. In emergencies, duties may be assigned outside the regular job description, including nights, weekends, or deployment. Questions? contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. Union Membership This position is not represented by a labor union. Contact For questions about this recruitment, contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at sduckworth@kingcounty.gov.
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Internal Applicants Only. This position is open only to current employees of King County. Public Health – Health Sciences Division is seeking a
Communications Specialist III (Engagement and Communications Specialist)
to join the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) team. The incumbent will lead a cross-sector collaboration by building, maintaining, and strengthening staff-level internal and external partnerships. This position also leads and executes comprehensive communications and engagement strategies for ROGVP by developing key messaging, managing media relations, producing materials and talking points, coordinating events, and providing strategic counsel. Additional responsibilities include managing ROGVP’s strategic engagement efforts, including designing and implementing comprehensive engagement strategies with partners and other interested parties, and representing ROGVP at high-level meetings and events to amplify the office’s impact and priorities. Background The Health Sciences division of Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents through innovative, evidence-based programs and services. The Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) is housed within the Health Sciences division and takes a public health approach to addressing gun violence in King County. The ROGVP team collaborates with community leaders, local and state agencies, and national subject experts to coordinate and align community violence prevention and intervention efforts, partner across systems, and build capacity to sustain lasting community-led and evidenced-backed solutions to end gun violence. In addition to inter- and intragovernmental coordination, the ROGVP team supports two key initiatives: 1) Regional Peacekeepers Collective (RPKC) comprised of a coalition of community-based organizations serving South King County, and 2) the Hospital-Based & Community-Linked Intervention. These initiatives are part of nationally recognized Community Violence Intervention (CVI) best practices. They provide a suite of services within an intervention, prevention, and restoration framework to elevate CVI as a core pillar of holistic public safety and gun violence reduction. ROGVP is a member of the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network (NOVPN). 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., 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 the King County equity and social justice page (text only). Work Schedule This position typically works 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week anytime between 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. Work Location The work will be performed through a combination of remote and onsite work. The successful candidate may be expected to report to the office for onsite work at least once per week. The frequency may vary based on business needs. Primary onsite location is the Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and be within a reasonable distance to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County supports remote work with tools and resources. The selected candidate will join a team transitioning to a hybrid environment and will be provided with a County-issued laptop. A home workspace with internet access is required to perform duties during scheduled hours. Responsibilities
Leads ROGVP’s outreach, engagement, and government relations work in partnership with the King County Executive’s Office and multiple local jurisdictions and national subject matter experts. Coordinates across King County departments to develop response protocols, shared working agreements, and resource deployment plans; supports cross-departmental data sharing with Health Sciences’ APDE team. Hosts and co-facilitates monthly meetings with local municipalities and co-plans events and meetings with municipal partners. Provides support and technical assistance to other local municipalities with CVI and communications strategies. Supports engagement with the state office of gun violence prevention; provides peer learning and technical assistance for other WA counties; develops presentation materials and communication strategies. Participates in NOVPN quarterly and annual convenings, providing updates on ROGVP and connecting to other NOVPN members. Provides technical consultation to partners on culturally appropriate communications. Represents ROGVP on local and national workgroups. Public Awareness and Community Engagement
Independently leads public awareness campaigns and manages public-facing information. Designs and implements community outreach plans to raise awareness of gun violence prevention programs, resources, and events. Collaborates with local leaders and community members affected by gun violence to co-design engagement strategies reflecting community priorities. Communications and Media
Develops and executes a strategic communications plan across digital, print, and in-person channels. Leads event promotion and coordinates with local leaders; prepares talking points and recruits speakers as needed. Serves as a media liaison, preparing spokespeople and responses to media inquiries per King County protocols. Develops press releases, newsletters, social media content, talking points, presentations, and policy briefs. Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have an advanced degree or significant relevant experience in public communications, journalism, and community engagement, preferably in a public health context. Direct experience in gun violence prevention, including CVI model implementation and promotion. Strong knowledge of equity and social justice, and how place, race, and policy affect communities impacted by gun violence. Experience building cross-sector partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement, and local/national leaders. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communications campaigns across multiple platforms. Significant expertise with social media platforms and experience with news media, including multilingual communities in King County. Experience in public sector communications, preferably in gun violence prevention. Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of community engagement strategies and approaches to overcome challenges. Proficiency in conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving in community contexts. Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills with diverse communities and partners. Ability to identify opportunities for collaboration across internal and external partners. Creativity and flexibility to work independently or as part of a team. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentations and facilitation. Desired Experiences
Lived experience navigating gun and community violence, systemic inequities, or trauma to inform root causes and solutions. Experience using trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches in community settings. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions. To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, request accommodations or assistance, or have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. Who May Apply This full-time Career Service position is open to all qualified King County employees. Application Process NeoGov Job Application
(complete responses used in screening) Supplemental Questions
(complete responses used in screening) Resume
(relevant experience) Cover Letter
(expressing interest) Necessary Special Requirements The selection process may include evaluation of application materials, interviews, and testing. Complete the application with relevant education and work experience. The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation. For more information on our selection process, visit the King County health hiring page. For interview tips, see the county learning resources. Employees must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined by law. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based tools is required. Adherence to OSHA/WISHA guidelines and required trainings is expected. Regular attendance and effective communication are required for all Public Health positions. In emergencies, duties may be assigned outside the regular job description, including nights, weekends, or deployment. Questions? contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. Union Membership This position is not represented by a labor union. Contact For questions about this recruitment, contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at sduckworth@kingcounty.gov.
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