Communications Coordinator (Health Department)

This position is open until noon on October 31 2025 when the first review of applications will begin.

A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.

Why Join Snohomish County
Snohomish Countys commitment to life-work balance and an inclusive culture. The County offers outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities to our employees and we also enjoy flexible work schedules telework options and a convenient downtown Everett WA. location. Snohomish County believes in diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to embedding these values into our workplace culture. Snohomish County is located on the Puget Sound; we are situated near some of the countrys most scenic national parks and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Definition:

The Snohomish County Health Department seeks a strong writer and storyteller with a passion for public health. Were looking to hire a Communications Coordinator who can produce content for our health blog website and social media platforms while crafting public health messages for both broad and targeted audiences. The Communications Coordinator will oversee marketing campaigns work closely with health educators and graphic designers support public information officer duties help us revitalize our website and lead efforts to ensure our messages and stories reach the many diverse communities in Snohomish County. This position is ideal for a digitally savvy communicator who loves health equity branding and working with others. Experience in marketing advertising and project management is a plus.

Under direction of the Communications Manager or designee assist with the agencys public outreach and marketing activities as well as internal communication and employee engagement endeavors; serve as a backup public information officer (PIO) as well as a communications backup to regional partners in the event of emergencies. Act as an internal liaison to coordinate the agencys internal and external communications to promote consistent messaging in an effort to improve public health and enhance awareness of agency programs and activities. Curate and oversee the agencys social media outlets; provide input and guidance to the agencys graphic design functions and features for print video and social media.

Individuals assigned to this para-professional position are expected to apply sound knowledge experience and judgement to assist with producing editing and implementing a variety of content needs across all communication platforms. The incumbent will assist in executing research-driven marketing and communications plans to augment outreach activities and initiatives delivered across a variety of platforms including digital properties newsletters print and broadcast collateral. The incumbent will perform as the communications liaison across the agency to coordinate and implement communications plans throughout the divisions and programs as well as anticipate potential implications of community-based activities and proposed initiatives on agency operations activities and external affairs. When acting as the PIO the incumbent may represent the Department as a spokesperson for media inquiries and provide continuous support for emergency communications.

Work is performed under general supervision. Supervisor defines objectives priorities and deadlines; and assists incumbent with unusual situations which do not have clear objectives or precedents. Incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with experienced judgment instructions policies procedures and/or accepted practices. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to practice and policy.

• Collaborate with staff to identify the most effective outreach methods and relevant information to be communicated putting technical information into clear and compelling terms and identifying appropriate strategies.
• Maintain the web and social media presence with content curation and design support; review and monitor website and social media analytics.
• Assist with developing public involvement marketing and branding strategies to make information understandable engaging and accessible through virtual and physical meetings and forums involving the public. Make recommendations regarding strategies to better embrace community outreach.
• Provide staff training and support for media related work including appropriate use of agency branding materials (SnoStyle) use of plain language web and social media and other communications or graphics related software; provide guidance on best practices with templates and professional design services.
• Assist with agency external communications conventional and social media and promotional messaging.
• Research and provide recommendations to design produce and implement public relations and community outreach programs that build advocacy enhance community government and media understanding and support partnership development.
• Assist with production of accurate and timely reports infographics fact sheets brochures and other written and/or visual materials.
• Research create and coordinate in collaboration with Human Resources the production of employee engagement materials and communications.
• Participate in and provide research and recommendations to formulate or update communications plans and strategies.
• Research recommend and implement processes for obtaining citizen feedback on agency services and citizen participation in developing health policy and in identifying program needs.
• Regularly attend local jurisdiction and partner meetings city council meetings and study sessions hearings and workshops to assure public health input and provide Department presence; establish or maintain mutual relationships with the business community civic organizations local and regional partners and the media.
• May write or edit speeches articles presentations and talking points for Health Officer and other spokespeople including Board of Health members.
• Coordinate special events in partnership with agency programs and other organizations within the community.
• Assist with or coordinate a variety of activities public meetings and events that support agency goals.
• Serve as a backup PIO as assigned:
  • Develops effective strategies for media engagement and produces media releases;
  • Receives and responds to inquiries from the media public officials and the public; identifies content experts and spokespersons as needed; researches information and provides clarification on issues of particular interest to the public;
  • Provides strategic advice and guidance regarding key messages talking points and timing;
  • As needed serves as the agencys spokesperson.

Associated Duties:

• Performs other related duties as requested.
• During an emergency serve as a PIO to communicate public health issues to the community and may serve as liaison to the Snohomish County Joint Information Center (JIC).
• Collaborate with agency and community leaders on local state and federal legislative affairs.

Education and Experience Required:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent;

Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible and relevant experience;

Or: In place of the above requirement the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individuals knowledge skill and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Communications Public Relations Marketing Business or related field is desired
• Valid Washington State Drivers license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of countys insurance carrier preferred
• Background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830