Digital Communications Specialist

The King County Sheriff's Office invites creative candidates with a passion for digital storytelling and community building to apply for the position of Digital Communications Specialist. Reporting to the Communications Manager, this position will engage the community by sharing stories through effective digital and interactive communication channels. The Digital Communications Specialist will manage the Sheriff's Office online presence through various creative outlets, develop multimedia content, and manage integration and automation between existing digital platforms.

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to the public. This recruitment will establish an employment list (valid for one year) to fill current and future vacancies within the Sheriff's Office.

• Manage digital and multimedia communications for the Sheriff's Office, including but not limited to social media, photography, video, and written content. This includes understanding legal, county, and ethical constraints surrounding official use of social media and ensuring policies and procedures for monitoring and archiving accounts and digital content are followed.

• Spearhead content creation, working as a liaison between the Communications team and the various departments and third-party vendors. Coordinate the shooting, editing, and posting of internal videos.

• Collaborate with team members to develop and implement a digital content strategy to complement earned media, provide storytelling opportunities, and amplify content to advance the Sheriff's Office priorities.

• Capture photo and video content at in-person events; write scripts for and produce and distribute video greetings; collaborate with team members and other departments to produce other photo and video content.

• Serve as primary operator of the Sheriff's Office social media channels, including monitoring incoming messages and coordinating with the team and subject matter experts for responses, drafting and posting social media posts, including both proactive and reactive content. Monitor, measure, and analyze the impact and effectiveness of online communications, including compiling analytics reports for the communications team.

• Create graphics for social media, including but not limited to holiday messages, official statements, proclamations, and other digital content materials. Develop content and work with designers on infographics, flyers, posters, and press briefing materials.

• Write, produce, and gather content for online distribution including but not limited to an internal e-newsletter, and other online avenues.

• Assist with media relations strategy and functions for the office; including set up press conferences and media events; track media trends and press coverage.

This position requires skill in supporting an operational department with a wide variety of strong communication skills. Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Journalism, Communications, Marketing or a related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

• 3 or more years of relevant experience in communications, digital content management or public sector communications.

• Experience with short-form video content preferred, including video editing proficiency and an understanding of multimedia content creation tools and software.

• Motivated creative thinker who can multi-task at a high level and can work both independently and in a team environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong computer skills, including use of Adobe, design products, digital presentations, and analytics tools.

• Demonstrated expertise in established communications principles, methods and metrics for success.

• Demonstrated ability to use graphics, illustration, photography and videography to effectively engage and inform audiences (Canva, InDesign, Adobe, Photoshop, other).

• Experience and skill in developing content specifically for websites.

• Proven ability to prioritize workload, work under pressure with tight timelines and changing priorities, and simultaneously work on multiple assignments.

• Experience building and fostering collaborative and respectful relationships with varying personalities in a high stress environment.

• Passion for public service and improving the well-being of our residents and communities.

• Knowledge of the King County Sheriff's Office.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be a United States citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or deferred action childhood arrival (DACA) recipient.
• You must have the ability to read, speak, and write in the English language fluently.
• Verify that you do not meet any of the KCSO Automatic Disqualifying Behavior requirements.
• You must be able to meet all KCSO background standards as listed in section 10.14 of the Civil Service Rules. Background requirements will be evaluated throughout the hiring process.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum qualifications, competitive candidates will also have the following:

• Experience providing communications and digital media support to recruiting and outreach efforts.
• Experience in strategic communications planning and providing strategic direction.
• Experience analyzing metrics to make deliberate and well thought out decisions.
• Experience working within branding guidelines.
• Experience using Sprout Social or a similar social media management platform.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: This position may require travel to various on-site locations. Candidate must have a valid driver's license and reliable access to a personal vehicle.

WORK LOCATION: Sheriff's Office satellite office in SeaTac International Blvd, Ste 110, SeaTac, WA 98188; work location could vary depending on the need.

WORK SCHEDULE: Typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, and will also be on-call during nights and weekends, as needed.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by the Public Safety Employees Union.

TO APPLY: Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness including an online application, cover letter, and resume. Please carefully review the list of required materials before submitting your application.

• Review the list of KCSO Automatic Disqualifiers and verify your qualification for employment with King County Sheriff's Office.
• Complete an online application
• Attach Resume

• Attach cover letter (letter of interest), expressing your background and experience, specifically your investigation experience. If you do not include this information, your application will not be considered.

• Answer the supplemental questions

Please note: Additional documents will not be considered during minimum qualification screening, however candidates who move forward in our recruitment process may be asked to prepare sample documents or portfolio demonstrating skills and abilities. Documents requested will be scored as part of the selection process.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Sara Rogers, Senior Civil Service Analyst

Forbes 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.

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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.