Director of Strategic Communications-SDA
King County, Seattle, WA, United States
King County Metro
is hiring a Special Duty Assignment (SDA)
Strategic Communications and Brand Manager
who will play an integral role in helping Metro connect with partners, policy makers, and the diverse communities we serve, advancing a mobility system that is safe, clean, welcoming, equitable, and sustainable. This Manager will shape and strengthen Metro's communications programs, elevate the brand, and support the work of Public Affairs, Creative & Marketing, Web Communications, Internal Communications, and Partnerships & Engagement.
Position Info : One (1) SDA vacancy, 6‑month term from hire with possible extension.
Who may apply : Current King County Metro career‑service employees who have passed probation in their current position. Refer to the Supplemental Information section for required application materials.
Equity and social justice principles guide all work; this role actively applies those principles to build inclusive engagements.
Job Responsibilities
Lead the strategic development of enterprise‑wide communications plans and programs, coordinating across matrixed teams for aligned messaging, accessible products, and implementation of activities.
Build strong working relationships with agency leadership and partners throughout Metro to promote integrated communications with internal and external stakeholders.
Execute a consistent brand messaging strategy and agency voice across all products and service programs, internally and externally.
Develop methods to align communications and marketing strategies with agency goals.
Manage diverse teams to communicate effectively in accessible, linguistically diverse, and culturally relevant ways.
Strengthen the agency's online and social media strategy.
Lead emergency communications.
Support elected‑official communications and policy/program rollout.
Develop messaging platforms and editorial content.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience directly supervising or managing teams and individuals, including experience in customer experience, communications in transportation, or equivalent education/experience.
Relevant experience in strategic marketing and communications, public affairs or relations, and crisis communication.
Skilled in brand development, content creation, and dissemination via digital and print mediums that engage diverse perspectives and communities.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice.
Proven people‑leader, enabling teams to collaborate, deliver results, and support direct reports’ professional development.
Strong interpersonal skills – collaboration at all organizational levels.
Superior written and verbal communication skills – multilingual a plus.
Ability to navigate a broad‑based, complex organization.
Effective media relations and partnership skills.
Understanding of digital tools and strategies.
Willingness to work collaboratively and enthusiasm for building stakeholder relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of King County Metro Transit policies & procedures.
Experience working with large, unionized organizations/agencies or public sector.
Knowledge of transit operations and optimization.
Facilitation and change‑management experience.
SharePoint administration experience.
Public‑sector experience.
To Apply The following application materials are required:
A letter of interest (cover letter) addressing why you want this role, your experience, and how you’ve led in a public sector communications context.
Completed supplemental questions.
Selection Process Applications missing any required materials are not considered. Review focuses on completeness and competitiveness. Successful candidates may be invited to interviews and other selection steps. Final offers are contingent upon reference checks or record review.
Other Position Information Work Location:
Hybrid model – 2 days in office per week (3 days expected by 2026). Primary onsite location: King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Remote work is supported with a County-issued laptop and a reliable home workspace.
Work Schedule:
Exempt; no overtime eligibility. Typical 40‑hour week, Monday–Friday.
Union Representation:
Not represented by a union.
Class Code:
113004/Transit Section Manager
EEO Statement 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 recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, and compensation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
is hiring a Special Duty Assignment (SDA)
Strategic Communications and Brand Manager
who will play an integral role in helping Metro connect with partners, policy makers, and the diverse communities we serve, advancing a mobility system that is safe, clean, welcoming, equitable, and sustainable. This Manager will shape and strengthen Metro's communications programs, elevate the brand, and support the work of Public Affairs, Creative & Marketing, Web Communications, Internal Communications, and Partnerships & Engagement.
Position Info : One (1) SDA vacancy, 6‑month term from hire with possible extension.
Who may apply : Current King County Metro career‑service employees who have passed probation in their current position. Refer to the Supplemental Information section for required application materials.
Equity and social justice principles guide all work; this role actively applies those principles to build inclusive engagements.
Job Responsibilities
Lead the strategic development of enterprise‑wide communications plans and programs, coordinating across matrixed teams for aligned messaging, accessible products, and implementation of activities.
Build strong working relationships with agency leadership and partners throughout Metro to promote integrated communications with internal and external stakeholders.
Execute a consistent brand messaging strategy and agency voice across all products and service programs, internally and externally.
Develop methods to align communications and marketing strategies with agency goals.
Manage diverse teams to communicate effectively in accessible, linguistically diverse, and culturally relevant ways.
Strengthen the agency's online and social media strategy.
Lead emergency communications.
Support elected‑official communications and policy/program rollout.
Develop messaging platforms and editorial content.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience directly supervising or managing teams and individuals, including experience in customer experience, communications in transportation, or equivalent education/experience.
Relevant experience in strategic marketing and communications, public affairs or relations, and crisis communication.
Skilled in brand development, content creation, and dissemination via digital and print mediums that engage diverse perspectives and communities.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice.
Proven people‑leader, enabling teams to collaborate, deliver results, and support direct reports’ professional development.
Strong interpersonal skills – collaboration at all organizational levels.
Superior written and verbal communication skills – multilingual a plus.
Ability to navigate a broad‑based, complex organization.
Effective media relations and partnership skills.
Understanding of digital tools and strategies.
Willingness to work collaboratively and enthusiasm for building stakeholder relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of King County Metro Transit policies & procedures.
Experience working with large, unionized organizations/agencies or public sector.
Knowledge of transit operations and optimization.
Facilitation and change‑management experience.
SharePoint administration experience.
Public‑sector experience.
To Apply The following application materials are required:
A letter of interest (cover letter) addressing why you want this role, your experience, and how you’ve led in a public sector communications context.
Completed supplemental questions.
Selection Process Applications missing any required materials are not considered. Review focuses on completeness and competitiveness. Successful candidates may be invited to interviews and other selection steps. Final offers are contingent upon reference checks or record review.
Other Position Information Work Location:
Hybrid model – 2 days in office per week (3 days expected by 2026). Primary onsite location: King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Remote work is supported with a County-issued laptop and a reliable home workspace.
Work Schedule:
Exempt; no overtime eligibility. Typical 40‑hour week, Monday–Friday.
Union Representation:
Not represented by a union.
Class Code:
113004/Transit Section Manager
EEO Statement 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 recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, and compensation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr