Communications Director

The King County Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking a Communications Director to lead the development and execution of strategic communication efforts for the department, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely information is shared with residents, stakeholders, media, and internal staff. This role oversees public information activities, including media relations, crisis communication, digital content, and brand management. The Communications Director provides guidance to leadership on communication strategy, supports transparency initiatives, and ensures messaging aligns with departmental goals and broader organizational priorities.

The position manages three communication professionals, coordinates cross-departmental messaging, and uses data-driven insights to improve outreach and public understanding of department programs, services, and policies.

As the department Communications Director you will meet the challenges of managing high profile communications by inspiring and capturing creative ideas, translating governmental jargon into easy-to-understand terms for the public, and continually improving resident communication and enhancing community engagement. The person in this position must also be capable of working collaboratively and maneuvering through complex situations effectively, relating well to customers at all levels both internal and external to the organization and delivering key communications products while balancing competing priorities.

This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

About the Department of Local Services: King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services, and Permitting divisions, as well as long-range planning, code writing, subarea planning, and comprehensive planning teams.

Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas of King County.

Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing and were main steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Strategic Communication Strategy & Planning: Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication plans and strategies to effectively convey the department’s services, programs, and community engagement initiatives for internal and external audiences. Establish communications procedures, protocols, and metrics in collaboration with subject matter experts. Coordinate messaging across divisions to maintain consistency, accuracy, and alignment with broader county initiatives.
• Advising: Identify and monitor high-profile issues, provide briefings and recommended communication approaches and actions to the Department Director, Deputy, and department leadership. Collaborate with department leadership to ensure clear and consistent communications to employees, partners, customers, and residents.
• Team Management: Manage and mentor the Local Services communications teamensuringeffective workflow, quality standards, and professional development resulting in quality deliverables and services. Manage competing priorities and navigate complex organizational environments to deliver quality communication products under tight deadlines.
• Content Creation: Write, design, and produce or supervise the creation of key documents such as speeches, op-eds, reports, commentaries, talking points, fact sheets, news releases and briefing materials for executive leadership and department spokespersons. Oversee the creation and review of public presentations and marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and annual reports. Ensure content is clear, accessible, and translates complex or technical information into understandable messages for residents and stakeholders.
• Public Information & Reporting: Manage public-facing communications and media relations. Oversee responses to inquiries from the general public and other stakeholders. Use analytics, feedback, and other data-driven insights to refine communication tactics and improve public…