King County
Senior Communications Officer - Harborview Bond Team
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Salary:
$108,652.75 - $137,723.66 Annually Location :
Various Locations throughout King County, WA Job Type:
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk Job Number:
2025JI25008 Department:
DES - Executive Services Division:
Administration Opening Date:
08/07/2025 Closing Date:
8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Exempt Bargaining Unit:
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time Hours/Week:
40 hours/week
Summary The
Department of Executive Services
is seeking a highly skilled Senior Communications Officer (Communications Specialist IV) with progressive experience in communications, journalism, public relations or a combination thereof, to lead King County's strategic communications efforts for the
Harborview Bond Program . This is a
five (5) year Term Limited Temporary (TLT)
position. The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned storyteller who can equally excel as a big picture strategist and as a team player who gets the job done.
Our successful candidate will know how to ensure effective and timely communication to diverse audiences, including internal staff, key partners, and the broader community. This role will directly manage one report but will also have access when needed to the wider resources across King County's different communications offices.
About Harborview Medical Center
Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive health care facility owned by King County Government, governed by a County-appointed Board of Trustees, and managed by the University of Washington School of Medicine. Its primary mission is to provide high quality healthcare to the indigent and under-served residents of King County. In serving a four-state region, Harborview is home to the internationally renowned level one trauma center, and the Medic One Emergency Response Unit which was established as one of the country's first paramedic response programs. Many of Washington State's emergency medical service technicians are trained at Harborview. The Medical Center combines state-of-the-art emergency medical services with general medicine and specialty clinics, including centers of excellence in burn, neurosciences, ophthalmology, infectious disease, and rehab therapy. Harborview Medical Center is the designated disaster control hospital for the region.
Over the years Harborview's medical facilities have expanded and changed to meet the demands of a growing population and progress in the fields of patient care, medicine, and technology. The current campus spans 13 acres and multiple buildings connected by underground tunnels and elevated walkways.
In 2020 the voters of King County approved $1.74 billion in bond funding to support new facilities at Harborview Medical Center. The resulting Harborview Bond Program will build over one million square feet of new and renovated spaces. The new facilities will include construction of a new-high rise inpatient bed tower, and a new behavioral health building. Seismic renovations to the Center Tower and Harborview Hall will increase capacity for supportive services and respite beds. Additional upgrades are designated throughout various facilities, including a full renovation of the Pioneer Square Clinic. The Harborview Bond Program will impact the entire campus including new street and helipad access. The work is expected to extend over a minimum 8 years and the campus will remain operational 24/7 throughout the duration of the work.
Job Duties Scope of Job Duties:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must demonstrate the skills and ability to: Formulate communications
plans, programs, strategies, and products in support of the Harborview Bond Program. Ensure that the various organizations
involved with the Bond Program are aligned on a communications strategy and protocol for project updates, community outreach, and mitigating reputational risks. Work with internal customers
and key partners to assess communications and employee engagement needs. Utilize journalism principles
to research, write, edit, and publish clear, accurate, and engaging content for various communication channels. Coordinate
review of editorial content and approval from partners, subject matter experts, Senior Leadership, and the Executive Leadership team. Evaluate and develop
new communication platforms using emerging technologies. Research, design, write, edit, and coordinate
the production of cross institutional communications products, such as monthly newsletter, staff and community updates, and public notices from Senior Leadership teams. Identify and track
potentially high-profile issues and opportunities within the Bond work, brief Executive and Senior Leadership while providing recommended actions and messages. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills We are looking for candidates who:
Have a successful history of planning and executing complex, multifaceted communications plans
that include tactics, clear messaging and defined outcomes. Have exceptional writing and editing skills
in a wide variety of formats, including media releases, success stories, leadership talking points, presentations, social media copy, and more - with the ability to customize voice to the appropriate messenger and audience. Are familiar with
editorial
and
brand guidelines . Are able to incorporate
perspectives from a variety of sources. Have a demonstrated track record of successful collaboration and strong interpersonal skills.
This role will work closely with various partners, building trust through consistent, transparent communication with a wide variety of leaders and key partners. Are able to prioritize
competing demands, make well-informed recommendations and meet deadlines. Has a strong background in
government affairs communication or
firsthand experience covering it as a journalist. Have a commitment to Equity and Social Justice
and pursuing changes to policies and practices that address systemic racism and inequities. Have strong
public speaking skills. Have experience
with professional graphic design, video and photography. Supplemental Information Work schedule : The work associated with this position will be performed through remote and onsite work. The successful candidate will be expected to be onsite 3-5 days per week at either the King County Chinook Building or Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. The frequency of onsite work will vary based on operation and business needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite.
Why King County?
Competitive - healthcare plans Free - transportation options Manager Support - structured employee assistance program Paid - vacation time (in addition to paid holidays) Paid - sick leave Deferred- compensation plan Twelve - paid holidays Awesome - Employee Giving Program
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 , 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.
Are you ready to APPLY? The recruitment for this position is open to
all qualified applicants . A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter and resume.
If you have any questions, please contact
Jen Irwin , Talent Management Supervisor, by e-mail at , or by phone at 206-263-0601. Connect with Jen on King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. 01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one. No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff Required Question
$108,652.75 - $137,723.66 Annually Location :
Various Locations throughout King County, WA Job Type:
Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk Job Number:
2025JI25008 Department:
DES - Executive Services Division:
Administration Opening Date:
08/07/2025 Closing Date:
8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Exempt Bargaining Unit:
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines Full- or Part-Time:
Full Time Hours/Week:
40 hours/week
Summary The
Department of Executive Services
is seeking a highly skilled Senior Communications Officer (Communications Specialist IV) with progressive experience in communications, journalism, public relations or a combination thereof, to lead King County's strategic communications efforts for the
Harborview Bond Program . This is a
five (5) year Term Limited Temporary (TLT)
position. The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned storyteller who can equally excel as a big picture strategist and as a team player who gets the job done.
Our successful candidate will know how to ensure effective and timely communication to diverse audiences, including internal staff, key partners, and the broader community. This role will directly manage one report but will also have access when needed to the wider resources across King County's different communications offices.
About Harborview Medical Center
Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive health care facility owned by King County Government, governed by a County-appointed Board of Trustees, and managed by the University of Washington School of Medicine. Its primary mission is to provide high quality healthcare to the indigent and under-served residents of King County. In serving a four-state region, Harborview is home to the internationally renowned level one trauma center, and the Medic One Emergency Response Unit which was established as one of the country's first paramedic response programs. Many of Washington State's emergency medical service technicians are trained at Harborview. The Medical Center combines state-of-the-art emergency medical services with general medicine and specialty clinics, including centers of excellence in burn, neurosciences, ophthalmology, infectious disease, and rehab therapy. Harborview Medical Center is the designated disaster control hospital for the region.
Over the years Harborview's medical facilities have expanded and changed to meet the demands of a growing population and progress in the fields of patient care, medicine, and technology. The current campus spans 13 acres and multiple buildings connected by underground tunnels and elevated walkways.
In 2020 the voters of King County approved $1.74 billion in bond funding to support new facilities at Harborview Medical Center. The resulting Harborview Bond Program will build over one million square feet of new and renovated spaces. The new facilities will include construction of a new-high rise inpatient bed tower, and a new behavioral health building. Seismic renovations to the Center Tower and Harborview Hall will increase capacity for supportive services and respite beds. Additional upgrades are designated throughout various facilities, including a full renovation of the Pioneer Square Clinic. The Harborview Bond Program will impact the entire campus including new street and helipad access. The work is expected to extend over a minimum 8 years and the campus will remain operational 24/7 throughout the duration of the work.
Job Duties Scope of Job Duties:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must demonstrate the skills and ability to: Formulate communications
plans, programs, strategies, and products in support of the Harborview Bond Program. Ensure that the various organizations
involved with the Bond Program are aligned on a communications strategy and protocol for project updates, community outreach, and mitigating reputational risks. Work with internal customers
and key partners to assess communications and employee engagement needs. Utilize journalism principles
to research, write, edit, and publish clear, accurate, and engaging content for various communication channels. Coordinate
review of editorial content and approval from partners, subject matter experts, Senior Leadership, and the Executive Leadership team. Evaluate and develop
new communication platforms using emerging technologies. Research, design, write, edit, and coordinate
the production of cross institutional communications products, such as monthly newsletter, staff and community updates, and public notices from Senior Leadership teams. Identify and track
potentially high-profile issues and opportunities within the Bond work, brief Executive and Senior Leadership while providing recommended actions and messages. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills We are looking for candidates who:
Have a successful history of planning and executing complex, multifaceted communications plans
that include tactics, clear messaging and defined outcomes. Have exceptional writing and editing skills
in a wide variety of formats, including media releases, success stories, leadership talking points, presentations, social media copy, and more - with the ability to customize voice to the appropriate messenger and audience. Are familiar with
editorial
and
brand guidelines . Are able to incorporate
perspectives from a variety of sources. Have a demonstrated track record of successful collaboration and strong interpersonal skills.
This role will work closely with various partners, building trust through consistent, transparent communication with a wide variety of leaders and key partners. Are able to prioritize
competing demands, make well-informed recommendations and meet deadlines. Has a strong background in
government affairs communication or
firsthand experience covering it as a journalist. Have a commitment to Equity and Social Justice
and pursuing changes to policies and practices that address systemic racism and inequities. Have strong
public speaking skills. Have experience
with professional graphic design, video and photography. Supplemental Information Work schedule : The work associated with this position will be performed through remote and onsite work. The successful candidate will be expected to be onsite 3-5 days per week at either the King County Chinook Building or Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. The frequency of onsite work will vary based on operation and business needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite.
Why King County?
Competitive - healthcare plans Free - transportation options Manager Support - structured employee assistance program Paid - vacation time (in addition to paid holidays) Paid - sick leave Deferred- compensation plan Twelve - paid holidays Awesome - Employee Giving Program
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 , 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.
Are you ready to APPLY? The recruitment for this position is open to
all qualified applicants . A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter and resume.
If you have any questions, please contact
Jen Irwin , Talent Management Supervisor, by e-mail at , or by phone at 206-263-0601. Connect with Jen on King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE:
Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. 01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one. No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff Required Question