Rail Internal Communications Manager
Rail Internal Communications Manager
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Job Description
Summary
- In this role you will providea high levelof communicationsexpertiseand supervise a team focused on internal communications.This roleis responsible fordeveloping and implementing strategic communication plans to effectivelyshare information across a large primarily deskless workforceandutilizecommunications as a tool support employee engagement and foster a culture of care.The focus is on ensuring that all messaging is clear consistent and aligned with the organizations values and strategic goals.
King County Metro Transits Rail Divisionhasa great opportunityfor an innovativecommunications specialistto fulfill the role ofInternal CommunicationsManager (Communications Specialist IV).If you are ready to make a significant impact in the public transit sectorbydrivingeffective changethroughinternal communications we want to hear from you!
We are looking for someoneto act as a key leaderforinternal communication effortswithinthe Rail Division. The most competitive candidates will use their application todemonstratean ability toidentifythecommunicationneeds of the Divisioncreateand implement a communications strategic plan delegate and lead a small team for successandutilizecreative approaches tocommunicate effectivelyto diverse audiences.
Acting as a key leader in communication efforts this position worksclosely withemployees from across the Rail Divisionandpartnerswithstakeholdersfrom King County Metro and Sound Transit. Collaboration across these groupsseeksto createcommunication frameworks that foster engagement transparency and alignment.This role is critical to advancing Metros commitment toequity inclusion and belonging ensuring that these principles guide both our internal operations and external services.You will apply equity inclusion and belonging principles to all aspects of your work exemplifying shared values and fostering an inclusive workplacewhereallemployeesfeelvaluedandsupported.About King County Metro Transit
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region reducing commuter stress greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality by providing comfortable effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. Metro was named Outstanding Public Transportation System of 2018 by APTA the American Public Transportation Association.
About Link Light RailKing County Metro Transits Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transits Link light rail service and City of Seattles streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026 light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.
Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattles downtown core. These rail services complement Metros extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther faster and easier.
Who May Apply
This opportunity is for one (1) career service position and is open to internal candidates and the general public.This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies in this classification that may occur over the next twelve (12) months at the hiring managers discretion.King County is a vibrant community withresidents that representcountries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Togetherwerechanging the waygovernmentdelivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice employee engagement innovative thinking and continuous improvement.
With this commitment King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents regardless of their race or income. Allthese qualities makethis KingCounty one of the nations best places to liveworkand play.
Job Duties
- Develop and Execute Internal Communications Strategies
- Formulate and implement comprehensive strategiccommunication plans that include talking points employee messagesnewsletters and other materials to enhance transparency and engagement.
Proactivelyidentifyopportunities toexpandcommunicationandimproveemployeemorale.
Ensure all communication efforts align withthe Rail Divisionvalues mission and strategic priorities
Identifyopportunities toadoptnew technologyand/or innovative approaches to internal communication.
- Create and Manage Employee Communication
- Research write edit and coordinate the production of internal communication materials ensuring they are clearconsistentandalignedwithagencygoals.
- Coordinate content review and approvals from key collaborators.
- Plan and facilitate employee engagement activities such as town halls and focus groups.
- Foster Collaboration
- Build strong partnerships with teams from across the Rail Division. This includes being in the field and engaging in-person with employees who work multiple shifts and report to multiple bases.
- Act as a connector between teams to promote collaboration and alignment across the Rail Division.
- Identify efficiencies in communication methods across the Rail Division to achieve the maximum value of each communication product.
- Apply a holistic lens to internal communications seeking opportunities to tell a big picture story that employees can see themselves within.
- Support Change Management
- Drive Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for process enhancements and implement best practices to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Lead efforts to leverage data employee feedback and lessons learned to drive meaningful improvements across the division.
- 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 reasonable and obtainable work plans and delegate tasks.
- Develop and Execute Internal Communications Strategies
Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
Supervision
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 and organizational change efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while also fostering strong collaborative relationships with internal and external colleagues.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse colleagues.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook Word Teams SharePoint and PowerPoint.
- Experience using up-to-date communications technology and platforms that support engagement with a large primarily deskless workforce.
- Professional experience in a non-profit/public organization and/or in a unionized environment.
- Advanced knowledge of and experience in internal communications employee engagement change management and/or project management.
- Proven experience applying equity and social justice principles and practices within a public sector setting.
- Proven experience communicating with a deskless workforce and/or employees with limited computer proficiency.
- Proven experience in writing and developing clear concise and impactful communications for senior leadership including reports presentations and strategic documents.
- Experience in continuous improvement strategic planning and program development with a focus on integrating anti-bias and pro-equity practices related to gender race and other protected classes.
- Project/Program Management or Change Management certifications.
- Travel to work locations throughout King County with limited or no public transportation services is required. A valid Washington State Drivers License is required to operate King County vehicles.
- Some licenses certifications and other requirements determined necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.
Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
- 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).
- Resume
- Letter of Interest indicating how you meet the qualifications why you are interested in this position and in working for Rail (no more than 2 pages).
- Answer the supplemental questions
Work Schedule
This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. The workweek is normally Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with additional hours as necessary including evenings and weekends.
Work Location
Primary location is at the Operations and Maintenance Facility - Central (OMFC) at 3407 Airport Way S Seattle WA. Some work at other Rail Division worksites may be required at times including out ofOperations and Maintenance Facility - East (OMFE) atth Ave NE Bellevue WA.
This position is eligible for hybrid work with approximately three (3) days on-site required per week.
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment working in the office and at home. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
PROTEC17/252405/64
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: Jacky Lu at
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington States best employers. Together with leadership and our employees were 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 nations 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.
Employment Type
Full-Time
