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Communication Specialist II



Communication Specialist II

Salary
$27.93 - $35.41 Hourly
Location
WA 98057-2906, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department
Department of Elections
Job Number
2012RG02170
Division
Administration
Closing
2/27/2012 4:30 PM Pacific
Summary

This position reports to the Department of Election's, Chief Communication Officer and is responsible for researching, writing, designing, and creating communication to inform voters, stakeholders, and others about all aspects of elections in King County.  This includes media contacts, public relations and/or public involvement, as well as the design and development of information for the website, social media, and other communications materials for both internal and external audiences. 

WHO MAY APPLY:  This position is open to all qualified applicants.  Additional consideration will be given to Teamsters, Local 117 and King County Career Service employees. 

WORK SCHEDULE:  The Communication Specialist is full time and non-exempt in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. We require the flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods of the Election cycle.


FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:  In addition to completing the King County Application and Supplemental Questions, you must attach your resume and a cover letter describing how your education and/or experience specifically relate to the qualifications for this position. 

You must still completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.  Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you include relevant information only on the resume or answer questions "see resume."

Please contact Rosemarie Grzetic, HR Analyst, at rosemarie.grzetic@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-3973 with questions related to this position.

 

Job Duties

Implement and track on-going communications plan activities Research, create written content, produce graphic layouts, and coordinate the production of public and employee communications products including the preparation of news releases, newsletters, brochures, talking point development, exhibits, white papers on elections processes and citizen/voter surveys. Identify and participate in the formulation of communication plans and strategies. Prepare information, facilitate meetings and give presentations to both internal and external customers on voter initiatives and issues.

Serve as primary communications staff in Communication Manager's absence.

Prepare, monitor, update and help coordinate content (both written and graphic) for Election's website.

Identify and develop projects, grant opportunities, and partnerships that support Elections' communications goals and strategies.
 
Coordinate Special Projects and Events Coordinate and promote special events, services and/or programs, including participation by other organizations.

Provide communications counsel and advice to internal customers regarding broad elections messaging as well as the identification of and messaging around emerging issues.

Coordinate Networks Coordinate the development of effective networks with King staff, officials, other jurisdictions and citizen groups to support development and implementation of projects. Support stakeholder communications through the identification of communications opportunities and developing handouts, preparing/delivering presentations, and developing marketing collateral that connects the Elections Department to key issues and stakeholders. County

Serve as Department Spokesperson Serve as occasional spokesperson to the media or liaison to other county departments and outside stakeholders for the Department of Elections.

 

 

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Ø       Demonstrated experience using graphic software, publication processes, research methods and techniques, customer relations, presentation methods and techniques, communications principles, methods and materials, government and community processes and structures, photography and videography concepts, interpersonal skills, sensitive to a political environment.

Ø       Experience in the ability to synthesize and communicate through writing, orally or visually.

Ø       Experience in communicating technical information to non-technical audiences. Familiar with comprehending, analyzing and interpreting technical information and identifying and assessing the communications needs of targeted audiences.

Ø       Experience in writing and editing and/or illustrating information in a clear and concise manner.

Ø       Experienced in the use of a computer and appropriate applications, use of creativity and imagination in preparing communication materials that address the needs of targeted audiences.

Ø       Experience in making decisions about the types of communication methods or tools necessary for assigned work, working under pressure and meeting deadlines, acting in a tactful and diplomatic manner and working on sensitive issues with diverse groups, taking the initiative to identify improved or more-effective communication strategies, organizing work assignments and setting priorities, identifying and developing short- and long-range communication plans and strategies and comprehending community issues affecting the agency.

Ø       Demonstrated expert knowledge of communication and media advocacy strategies, including news and social media

Ø       Demonstrated ability to develop, write and edit policy, communication and education materials

Ø       Demonstrated ability to make sound judgment decisions based on available information and provide direction

Ø      Demonstrated ability to communicate a broad amount of information to a wide variety of audiences

Ø      Demonstrated ability to produce reports, news releases, fact sheets and policy materials utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Ø      Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and workload while working under the pressure of deadlines

Ø      Demonstrated ability to build and foster collaborative relationships across many levels of personnel and disciplines within and outside of Elections
 

Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in communications, business, public administration, social sciences or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience is required.

 

Supplemental Information


Desired Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years' experience in communications, public relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Experience working in a communications related position within the public sector.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S): 
A valid Washington State Driver's License or alternate ability to travel around the county by time of hire.

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:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • 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: King County employees are eligible to 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
  • 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and 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 please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

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.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
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
How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in communications planning involving a high profile agency or organization?
  • 0 up to 5 years
  • 5 years up to 7 years
  • 7 years up to 10 years
  • 10 years or more
02
Do you have experience using graphic software? If yes, please respond to the next question.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Please list the graphic software applications you have experience using, and briefly describe the end product.
04
How many years of experience do you have serving as spokesperson and liaison to the media?
  • No experience
  • up to 2 years
  • 2 years up to 5 years
  • 5 years or more
05
If you answered yes to serving as spokesperson and/or liaison to the media check appropriate box indicating experience.
  • Private Sector
  • Public Sector
  • Both
06
How many years do you have of writing and supervised writing of printed materials, press releases, website content, and other public communications do you have?
  • No experience
  • Up to 2 years
  • 2 years up to 5 years
  • 5 years or more
07
Have you ever planned, developed, evaluated and implemented communications services for a multi-service department?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Have you ever developed a strategic plan for a communication program?
  • Yes
  • No
09
How many years of experience do you have facilitating meetings at a professional level with senior management?
  • None to less than 3 years
  • At least one year, but less than 3 years
  • At least 3 years but less than 5 years
  • More than 5 years experience
10
Do you have any election experience, knowledge of federal, state, and/or local legislative processes, statutory structure, and public sector policy?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King County Administration Bldg.
500 4th Ave. Rm. 553
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404

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