Represents the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the King County Executive, and other departments by developing, coordinating, evaluating, managing, planning, and implementing strategic communications for environmental initiatives such as the Strategic Climate Action Plan, Land Conservation and Clean Water Healthy Habitat. This position works closely with executive, department and division leadership to manage communications for major initiatives providing a high level of technical expertise to support media relations, public relations and or public involvement using a broad range of traditional and new media services.

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks works in support of sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment. Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship and strengthen communities by providing regional parks, protecting the region’s water, air, land and natural habitats, and reducing, safely disposing of and creating resources from wastewater and solid waste.

To learn more about the Department of Natural Resources and Parks click on the below links:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp.aspx
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/about/vision-mission-goals.aspx

Who is Eligible:  This position is open to all qualified candidates.

Permanent Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed remotely on a permanent basis.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.   Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team.

Work Location: Primarily teleworking and the King Street Center 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle WA 98104

Work Schedule: This career service position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible. This full-time position works a 40-hour work week.

Job Duties

The successful candidate will have passion for the environment and sound judgment, work collaboratively and think strategically, can embrace ambiguity and ramp up quickly on complex issues, and is energized by juggling priorities.

• Formulate communications programs, plans and strategies for major environmental initiatives.
• Perform a situational analysis to identify information needs, research methods and communications approaches.
• Define communications objectives for multiple initiatives; establish timetables for achieving communications objectives and measure results.
• Communicate information about major environmental initiatives and related programs, policies and participate in program evaluations.
• Develop and ensure the success of a department-wide strategic communications plan that communicates to employees, residents, businesses and regional partners.
• Develop and ensure the success of an enterprise-wide strategic communications plan for the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan
• Advise and coordinate with Divisions and Public Affairs team on strategic communications of major environmental initiatives, including ways the Department can be positively positioned and portrayed in the news media, social media, the community, other government agencies and partners.
• Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to management and other internal customers; advise on communications implications of proposed policies and actions.
• Work with community groups and/or internal customers to assess needs; design special activities to meet those needs.
• Develop networks in the county, other jurisdictions and community groups to support the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan for major environmental initiatives.
• Identify and analyze issues of concern and emerging trends to key audiences; oversee the development and review of strategic communication objectives, techniques and plans.

The position may, as needed:

• Collaborate on marketing and promotional materials.
• Review projects proposals and make recommendations
• Cultivate relationships with members of the media, including reporters, journalists, bloggers and other media outlets, and understand the interest of each contact.
• Establish and maintain communications standards.
• Serve as a spokesperson or liaison for the agency; brief management and elected officials.
• Write and edit news releases and op-eds to advance community priorities.
• Evaluate communications to improve customer service, productivity and efficiency.
• Write or collaborate on writing of printed materials, press releases, website content, speeches, social media, podcasts and other public communications.
• Provide back-up support for DNRP’s Public Affairs team duties, and support for DNRP Public Affairs-led outreach and press events.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Required Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, communications, journalism, political science, public administration, or closely related field and experience in environmental/sustainability programs, media relations, corporate communications, or public relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following Competencies:
Balances Stakeholders: Understands internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs. Balances the interests of multiple stakeholders. Considers cultural and ethical factors in the decision-making process. Acts fairly despite conflicting demands of stakeholders.

Plans and Aligns: Sets objectives to align with broader organizational goals. Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions. Stages activities with relevant milestones and schedules. Anticipates and adjusts effective contingency plans.

Collaborates: Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives. Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas. Partners with others to get work done. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments. Gains trust and support of others.

Communicates Effectively:  Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels. Attentively listens to others. Adjusts to fit the audience and the message. Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization. Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.

Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future trends and implications accurately. Readily poses future scenarios. Articulates credible pictures and visions of possibilities that will create sustainable value. Creates competitive and breakthrough strategies that show a clear connection between vision and action.

The Most Competitive Candidates Will Have:

• Principles and best practices in strategic communications planning, tools, and policies including emerging social media and communications trends.
• Principles and methods for analyzing research data to develop and implement effective communication strategies.
• Knowledge of local government and the political process.
• Experience and knowledge about social media best practices and currently most used social media platforms particularly Twitter Facebook and blogs.
• Highly developed skills in writing, editing, proofing and illustrating information, press releases, and presentation materials.
• Dynamic public speaking skills.
• Skill in the use of creativity and imagination in preparing communication materials.
• Skill in planning, developing and conducting effective public information strategies, campaigns and techniques.
• Skill in serving as a spokesperson to the media.
• Skill in managing crisis communication.
• Skill in working collaboratively with other departments, agency officials, citizen groups and external partners.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing and managing multiple programs and projects to meet numerous non-negotiable deadlines.
• Skill in listening effectively.
• Sound judgment that aligns with county and departmental goals and objectives; sensitivity to political realities and contentious or controversial issues.

License/Certification:
A Valid Washington State Driver’s LicenseSupplemental Information

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

• King County application
• Resume
• Responses to supplemental questions

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

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Diana Eberly
Senior Human Resource Analyst
206-477-6899
Diana.eberly@kingcounty.gov

Forbes recently 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 “True North“, 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.

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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.