Graphic Designer (Communications Specialist III)

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable Collaborative Timely and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building whats Trusted; and acting Equitably is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Graphic Designer you will:

• Work with Service Information leadership to ensure communications needs are sustainably met for internal and external customers.
• Evaluate project requests and inclusively triage assignments to team members while overseeing continuous improvement of processes and practices related to design and production trends.
• Oversee project oversight workflow coordination and operational execution of the work.
• Strategically lead and execute the design development and production of Metro communications materials including brochures posters timetables regional maps displays custom signage digital signage vinyl applications presentations promotional materials and more.
• Oversee and use the developed tools (XML and scripting) and templates create files to produce Metros bus stop sign program. This body of work requires extensive coordination with Transit Route Facility planners and with the Metro paint shop to facilitate coordinate troubleshoot and follow-up with production of information signage to meet critical deadlines.
• Enforce and promote adherence to King County Metro Brand and graphic design standards as applicable to publications signage and vehicles. This includes visual and physical review of coaches during procurement to assess signing and decal requirements and collaborating on branding for new lines of service that support the King County Metro brand and sub-brand identities (i.e. KC Sheriff Dart Access Contracted Services & RapidRide).
• Work collaboratively in a very diverse work environment and be a resource across Metro to support work groups that require assistance and guidance as needed.
• Work closely with other community partners like Sound Transit and Community Transit on shared projects new and ongoing as needed.
• Manage vendors vendor contracts and consultants.
• Assist the Marketing and other internal staff in developing and designing promotional materials including brochures posters displays banners presentations and advertising incentives.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four (4) years in the last 10 of recent professional experience in design visualization and production of materials across print digital multimedia and exhibit formats.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator InDesign Photoshop Acrobat Pro) including XML and scripting capabilities in InDesign.
• Ability to develop graphic illustration publication and mapping/wayfinding files ensuring accurate production across varying media.
• Strong knowledge of print and sign production processes including 4-color and large-format printing pre-press/pre-flight press checks vendor coordination quality control delivery and installation.
• Excellent writing documentation and proofreading skills with the ability to assess communication needs and determine effective tools and methods for targeted audiences.
• Knowledge of and skills in applying marketing and graphic communication principles.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite - Word Excel PowerPoint SharePoint and MS Teams
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment demonstrating strong leadership negotiation and troubleshooting skills across projects workflows and technical systems.
• Highly organized able to manage multiple complex projects schedule work coordinate with internal and external vendors and efficiently develop draft visuals.
• Demonstrated experience incorporating cultural and racial equity universal design principles and inclusive practices into communication tools and visual materials.

• Experience with government bid process working within defined budgets and following government protocol.
• Digital animation motion graphics and/or video editing skills
• Ability to use GIS or similar database application software
• Proficient in a language in addition to English
• Public transportation work experience
• Signage regulation experience.

• Washington State drivers license or the ability to travel to multiple King County Metro locations in a timely manner.

Required Application Materials

• A completed Job Application (go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (more to include all relevant). Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed job application.
• Complete the supplemental questions
• A cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this role and how your experience skills and/or education have prepared you for this position.
• Please submit a Portfolio of Graphic Design and Production work (PDF format ONLY) Please limit your submission to six (6) projects/samples that best illustrate your range and capabilities.

• Responsible for understanding Metro Transit Safety Policy and their role in safety.
• Report all safety concerns.
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations policies and training.
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.

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.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King Countys vision for unified equitable and high-performing government please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process please contact Manal Tirhi at .

King Countys Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles engage directly with communities and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards embrace change stay curious and continuously improve. Across all interactions we listen first act quickly and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex race color national origin ethnicity religious affiliation disability sexual orientation gender identity or expression age except by minimum age and retirement provisions pregnancy status as a family caregiver parental status marital status military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the persons sexual orientation or gender identity or expression citizenship or immigration status genetic information or other protected class. However to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law regulation or government contract it is not an unfair practice.

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.