Communications Specialist III - Language Equity Lead
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Salary :
$102,523.20 - $123,947.20 Annually Location :
Seattle, WA Job Type:
Career Service (Exec) Job Number:
2026MT26405 Department:
MTD - Metro Transit Division:
General Manager Opening Date:
02/18/2026 Closing Date:
3/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Exempt Bargaining Unit:
C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time
Summary Do you want to be part of an organization that is helping your county? Have a passion to create change that leads to better lives and healthier communities? Do you have a strong commitment to equity and inclusion? King County Metro has an opportunity for a
Communications Specialist III,
Language Equity Lead,
to help build and implement the department's
Language Equity Program
and collaborate with teams across Meto to implement.
The Language Equity Program
will work collaboratively with teams across Metro to develop Metro's language equity policy, establish systems and standard practices, provide training and guidance across the department to operationalize the policy and practices, and track and measure outcomes.
This program will support Metro's strategic policies and values to ensure equitable access to transit, participation in Metro's community engagement efforts to shape decision making, and meet county, state, and federal policy and direction. This position will also represent Metro in countywide language access and equity efforts.
Successful applicants will have experience that reflects a commitment to immigrant and refugee communities, knowledge of language access laws and language equity principles, and ability to think at a systems level to shape policies and practices that result in consistently accessible and welcoming communications for our customers and the public.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Services, Communications Specialist III, Language Equity Lead vacancy. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility list for future Career Service (CS), Special Duty Assignment (SDA) and Term Limited Temporary (TLT) positions that may occur in this classification and workgroup. The eligibility pool list is valid for up to 12 months from the time of posting for use at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Communications Specialist III, Language Equity Lead, you will:
Work with people and teams across Metro responsible for developing customer and employee communications products to assess current practices, identify needs and gaps, and establish procedures for efficient and effective language access processes and systems. Serve as an internal resource to Metro divisions. Educate, train, convene, and orient internal staff to language access processes, resources and tools to ensure people are empowered to implement these practices in their day-to-day work. Develop a process for soliciting interpreters for all Metro-related events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Work with Metro's Community Engagement team to develop a plan for in-language engagement for all Metro-related events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Work with Metro's translation coordinator team to develop a translation process for all Metro-related communications, events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Collaborate with ADA and Title VI program managers to take a universal access approach to language equity. Develop targets and measures to track how Metro is doing at implementing language equity best practices, increasing participation by priority populations in Metro's community engagement and decision-making, and increasing use of in-language resources that enable people to use Metro's services. Develop a system for tracking data relevant to countywide language equity reporting. Prepare reports as required at federal, state, and local levels as well as reports for King County Council, King County's Executive Office, and Metro to document efforts to assure language accessibility of Metro services. Liaison with the executive office on county wide language equity efforts and represent Metro in these spaces Work with Metro team to develop plain language practices for internal and external communications. Other duties as assigned
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills A successful applicant will have an experience that reflects a commitment to immigrant and refugee communities and to working collaboratively to achieve stated goals. This experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in the following areas:
Demonstrated experience in developing a program's objectives and strategy and assessing how it will impact their department, division, or organization Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced, and busy environment in a larger, matrixed organization. Demonstrated experience in developing a program's objectives and strategy and assessing how it will impact their department, business, or organization. Ability to research, write and communicate program goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to collaborate with, lead, and influence internal and external stakeholders as well as County department/agency partners. Outstanding oral and written communications skills; high interpersonal and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to manage work with community leaders with sensitivity to cultural nuances. Ability to multi-task and complete complex, time-sensitive project management tasks with high quality and attention to detail. Developing and operationalizing strategy. Communicating effectively with diverse audiences in writing, presentations, and training. Desired qualifications
Knowledge of Language Equity best practices. Knowledge of Change Management principles and practices. Experience developing and updating Language Access Plans for government agencies. Experience with successful outreach, education, and engagement strategies and tactics with immigrant, low-income, and underserved communities and navigating equity barriers experienced by those communities. Experience with building and managing complex and multi-functional new programs, systems, and processes. Fluency in another language is a plus. Supplemental Information Required Application Materials
A completed Job Application (employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience). Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed job application. Resume Complete the supplemental questions A letter of interest (cover letter) that addresses why you are interested in this role and how your experience, skills and/or education have prepared you for this position.
NOTE:
Applications that do not include the required materials may be rejected as incomplete and will not advance in the process. Selection Process All the application materials will be screened for qualifications, competitiveness, completeness, attention to detail and written communications kills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.
Who May Apply This position is open to all King County employees and the public. Work Schedule This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. The work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Variations may be required depending on the demands and needs of the work.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade Protec17/252305/58 Work Location This is a hybrid position. The team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. Currently the team is required to work 1 day in office each week. In office requirements are anticipated to increase to 2-3 days per week in 2026. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104
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 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. 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, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact: Manal Tirhi, Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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. Guided by our ", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. 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 (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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. King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. 01
Do you have experience developing or implementing language access or language equity programs?
Yes No
02
Have you provided training, guidance, or orientation to staff on processes, tools, or systems in a professional setting?
Yes No
03
How would you rate your experience collaborating with immigrant, refugee, or culturally diverse communities?
No experience Limited experience Moderate experience Extensive experience
04
Do you have experience developing systems or processes for tracking data or preparing reports for internal or external stakeholders?
Yes No
05
Do you have any relatives employed by King County that work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
Yes No
06
COI - If you answered "yes" to having a relative that works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the Division of Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.
a. Bus Operations Division b. Capital Division c. Employee Services Division d. Facilities Division e. Finance & Administration Division f. General Manager's Office g. Marine Division h. Mobility Division i. Rail Division (including Streetcar) j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance k. Vehicle Maintenance l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro
07
If you answered "yes" to having a relative that works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. 08
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one. No.
09
MTD - If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff Required Question
$102,523.20 - $123,947.20 Annually Location :
Seattle, WA Job Type:
Career Service (Exec) Job Number:
2026MT26405 Department:
MTD - Metro Transit Division:
General Manager Opening Date:
02/18/2026 Closing Date:
3/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Exempt Bargaining Unit:
C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time
Summary Do you want to be part of an organization that is helping your county? Have a passion to create change that leads to better lives and healthier communities? Do you have a strong commitment to equity and inclusion? King County Metro has an opportunity for a
Communications Specialist III,
Language Equity Lead,
to help build and implement the department's
Language Equity Program
and collaborate with teams across Meto to implement.
The Language Equity Program
will work collaboratively with teams across Metro to develop Metro's language equity policy, establish systems and standard practices, provide training and guidance across the department to operationalize the policy and practices, and track and measure outcomes.
This program will support Metro's strategic policies and values to ensure equitable access to transit, participation in Metro's community engagement efforts to shape decision making, and meet county, state, and federal policy and direction. This position will also represent Metro in countywide language access and equity efforts.
Successful applicants will have experience that reflects a commitment to immigrant and refugee communities, knowledge of language access laws and language equity principles, and ability to think at a systems level to shape policies and practices that result in consistently accessible and welcoming communications for our customers and the public.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Services, Communications Specialist III, Language Equity Lead vacancy. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility list for future Career Service (CS), Special Duty Assignment (SDA) and Term Limited Temporary (TLT) positions that may occur in this classification and workgroup. The eligibility pool list is valid for up to 12 months from the time of posting for use at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Communications Specialist III, Language Equity Lead, you will:
Work with people and teams across Metro responsible for developing customer and employee communications products to assess current practices, identify needs and gaps, and establish procedures for efficient and effective language access processes and systems. Serve as an internal resource to Metro divisions. Educate, train, convene, and orient internal staff to language access processes, resources and tools to ensure people are empowered to implement these practices in their day-to-day work. Develop a process for soliciting interpreters for all Metro-related events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Work with Metro's Community Engagement team to develop a plan for in-language engagement for all Metro-related events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Work with Metro's translation coordinator team to develop a translation process for all Metro-related communications, events and services. Educate, train, and orient internal staff to implement the process. Collaborate with ADA and Title VI program managers to take a universal access approach to language equity. Develop targets and measures to track how Metro is doing at implementing language equity best practices, increasing participation by priority populations in Metro's community engagement and decision-making, and increasing use of in-language resources that enable people to use Metro's services. Develop a system for tracking data relevant to countywide language equity reporting. Prepare reports as required at federal, state, and local levels as well as reports for King County Council, King County's Executive Office, and Metro to document efforts to assure language accessibility of Metro services. Liaison with the executive office on county wide language equity efforts and represent Metro in these spaces Work with Metro team to develop plain language practices for internal and external communications. Other duties as assigned
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills A successful applicant will have an experience that reflects a commitment to immigrant and refugee communities and to working collaboratively to achieve stated goals. This experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in the following areas:
Demonstrated experience in developing a program's objectives and strategy and assessing how it will impact their department, division, or organization Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced, and busy environment in a larger, matrixed organization. Demonstrated experience in developing a program's objectives and strategy and assessing how it will impact their department, business, or organization. Ability to research, write and communicate program goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to collaborate with, lead, and influence internal and external stakeholders as well as County department/agency partners. Outstanding oral and written communications skills; high interpersonal and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to manage work with community leaders with sensitivity to cultural nuances. Ability to multi-task and complete complex, time-sensitive project management tasks with high quality and attention to detail. Developing and operationalizing strategy. Communicating effectively with diverse audiences in writing, presentations, and training. Desired qualifications
Knowledge of Language Equity best practices. Knowledge of Change Management principles and practices. Experience developing and updating Language Access Plans for government agencies. Experience with successful outreach, education, and engagement strategies and tactics with immigrant, low-income, and underserved communities and navigating equity barriers experienced by those communities. Experience with building and managing complex and multi-functional new programs, systems, and processes. Fluency in another language is a plus. Supplemental Information Required Application Materials
A completed Job Application (employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience). Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed job application. Resume Complete the supplemental questions A letter of interest (cover letter) that addresses why you are interested in this role and how your experience, skills and/or education have prepared you for this position.
NOTE:
Applications that do not include the required materials may be rejected as incomplete and will not advance in the process. Selection Process All the application materials will be screened for qualifications, competitiveness, completeness, attention to detail and written communications kills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.
Who May Apply This position is open to all King County employees and the public. Work Schedule This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. The work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Variations may be required depending on the demands and needs of the work.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade Protec17/252305/58 Work Location This is a hybrid position. The team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. Currently the team is required to work 1 day in office each week. In office requirements are anticipated to increase to 2-3 days per week in 2026. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104
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 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. 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, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact: Manal Tirhi, Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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. Guided by our ", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. 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 (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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. King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. 01
Do you have experience developing or implementing language access or language equity programs?
Yes No
02
Have you provided training, guidance, or orientation to staff on processes, tools, or systems in a professional setting?
Yes No
03
How would you rate your experience collaborating with immigrant, refugee, or culturally diverse communities?
No experience Limited experience Moderate experience Extensive experience
04
Do you have experience developing systems or processes for tracking data or preparing reports for internal or external stakeholders?
Yes No
05
Do you have any relatives employed by King County that work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
Yes No
06
COI - If you answered "yes" to having a relative that works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the Division of Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.
a. Bus Operations Division b. Capital Division c. Employee Services Division d. Facilities Division e. Finance & Administration Division f. General Manager's Office g. Marine Division h. Mobility Division i. Rail Division (including Streetcar) j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance k. Vehicle Maintenance l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro
07
If you answered "yes" to having a relative that works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. 08
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one. No.
09
MTD - If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff Required Question