Communications Manager-SDA

Overview
King County Metro Transit’s General Manager’s Office is seeking a strategic and collaborative Communications Manager to lead the Internal Communications and Employee Engagement team. You will shape and execute communication strategies to inform, engage, and connect a large, diverse, and predominantly deskless workforce, strengthening employee engagement, fostering organizational alignment, and reinforcing Metro’s culture, values, and priorities.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute internal communications strategies

Design and implement strategic communication plans that include leadership messaging, employee communications, presentations, talking points for people leaders, listening and feedback opportunities, and supporting materials to foster transparency, trust, and meaningful employee engagement.

Work with internal customers or key stakeholders to assess communications and employee engagement needs, target audience, and objectives; design special activities to improve employee morale.

Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to senior management, people leaders, and other internal customers; advise on communications implications, risks, and outcomes.

Identify opportunities to adopt new technology and/or innovative approaches to internal communications.

Create and manage employee communication

Research, write, edit, and coordinate the production of internal communication materials, ensuring they are clear, consistent, and aligned with agency goals.

Coordinate content review and approvals from key collaborators.

Plan and facilitate engagement activities for individual contributors and people leaders, such as town halls and annual meetings.

Utilize journalism principles to research, write, edit, and publish clear, accurate, and engaging content for various communication channels.

Foster collaboration

Build strong partnerships with teams and divisions across Metro, acting as a connector to promote collaboration and alignment across the agency.

Apply a holistic lens to internal communications, telling a big picture story that employees can see themselves within.

Partner with other communications managers and subject matter experts across King County departments to support organizational alignment.

Participate in consultant and vendor‑selection process; oversee the work of consultants and vendors for branding, editorial content, and style to align with Metro’s values and initiatives.

Supervise direct reports, delegate tasks, and manage deliverables

Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of communication projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and meet organizational objectives.

Mentor and coach direct reports, support the creation of work plans, and delegate tasks.

Qualifications

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications and employee engagement or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties effectively.

Experience supervising direct reports, including coaching and delegation of tasks, or a combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to supervise others.

Experience leading projects and/or work groups that include members from diverse audiences.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including employees, consultants, and leadership.

Ability to translate technical information for non‑technical audiences.

Experience creating and utilizing style guides and branding standards in written and graphic communications.

Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive projects.

Proven ability to manage complex projects involving diverse teams and colleagues while ensuring effective communication across multiple audiences.

Strong project management skills, including time management, organization, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.

Ability to take initiative, multitask, and work effectively in high‑pressure situations with shifting priorities.

Deep understanding of equity and social justice principles, including the impact of race, gender, policy, and systemic inequities on marginalized communities.

Commitment to applying an equity lens to communication strategies.

Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities.

Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse colleagues.

Desired Qualifications (not required)

Experience working in public transit, including familiarity with industry standards, policies, and operational challenges.

Knowledge of transportation issues and Metro’s operational practices, values, and culture.

Knowledge and experience with photography, video production, and graphic design.

Work Location
This is a hybrid role that involves a mix of remote work and on‑site responsibilities, with an expectation of being in the office for meetings, tasks, and assignments as needed. The primary on‑site 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.

Work Schedule
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40‑hour work week.

Union Representation
This position is not represented by a labor union.

Equal Employment Opportunity (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 but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

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