Copy Editor/Writer
- Summary
- **Open to King County employees only**
King County Metro, the public transit authority for the Puget Sound region including Seattle, seeks a skilled writer/editor to engage, educate and inform the public, policymakers and employees. Our ideal candidate is a fast and versatile communications professional adept at writing blog posts, formal reports, "frequently asked questions" resources, handouts/flyers, social media content, speeches, video scripts and website content. This opportunity might be for you if your writing style is clear, concise and conversational; you can write clean copy which adheres to AP Style and brand guidelines; you have project management skills to meet fast-turnaround deadlines; and have the ability to build relationships across Metro's divisions. This position supports programs throughout Metro and is a key member of the Creative Services team.
An Employer To Be Proud Of
The Puget Sound region boasts the country's fastest-growing public transit network and King County Metro was recently named Best Large Transit System in North America by the American Public Transit Association (APTA). Metro is a world-class, integrated public transportation network committed to building healthy communities, a thriving economy and a sustainable environment. Our public transportation network includes buses, passenger ferries, light rail, paratransit and streetcars. Visit http://kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers/why-work-here.aspx to learn more about what it's like to work for King County.
King County is dedicated to creating a workplace that embraces your talents and passion for public service; provides competitive pay and benefits; promotes racial diversity and cultural responsiveness; cares about your health and safety in and out of work; offers equitable development and advancement opportunities; and embraces technology, tools and systems that work for you. Visit kingcounty.gov/depts/human-resources/investing-in-you.aspx to learn more about "Investing in YOU."
This recruitment will be used to fill a career service position and may be used to generate a pool for future Career Service, Term Limited Temporary (TLT), and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification. The pool would be valid for twelve months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority. - Job Duties
Applying equity 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. You will:
- Research, create, coordinate and edit the production of public and employee communications products.
- Design, write and edit content to address identified issues in support of public affairs, government relations and public engagement efforts.
- Identify and analyze issues of concern and emerging trends to key audiences
- Develop strategic communications plans in coordination with internal content experts and fellow communications professionals, including determining target audience(s), objectives and tactics.
- Establish and maintain communications standards including editorial, branding and language access guidelines.
- Plan and implement production schedules to achieve project timelines
- Manage and evaluate projects and/or programs.
- Identify communications needs and issues. Evaluate and develop new communication platforms using emerging technologies.
- Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to management and other internal customers.
- Evaluate and improve communication workflows on a continuous basis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
We are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:- Two years of professional experience in advertising, journalism, public information, or other communications-related field. Bachelor's degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in community relations, political environment and/or writing materials for diverse constituencies preferred.
- Ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to follow style guides and branding guidelines in written and graphic communications.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, organize work assignments and set priorities.
- Ability to manage and evaluate projects and programs.
- Ability to work with a team cooperatively and mentor other employees.
- Ability to act in a tactful and diplomatic manner and work on sensitive issues with diverse groups.
- Ability to participate in developing communications strategies.
- Experience coordinating the work of graphic design professionals.
- Experience producing communications in multiple languages, including working with translators.
- Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office.
- Intermediate skills with Adobe design software.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of work processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to life-long learning and development.
- Knowledge of publication process, including print layout, design, proofing and product delivery.
- Experience with SharePoint and SharePoint site administration.
- Experience with GovDelivery.com digital messaging system.
- Knowledge and experience with photography and video production.
- Ability to design email templates.
- Experience working in large agencies and successfully navigating through leadership and agency structures.
- Knowledge of Metro routes and operational practices.
- Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
An online employment application, resume, three samples of your written work (e.g., advertisement, blog post, news release, report, script, social media post, etc.), and answers to the supplemental questions are required.
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Who May Apply
This position is open to King County employees only. This recruitment may also be used to create a pool of qualified candidates to fill future career service, term-limited temporary, and special duty vacancies that may occur in the next 12 months at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Work Schedule
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore NOT eligible for overtime pay. Work schedule is normally a 40-hour week Monday through Friday. Variations may be required depending on the demands and needs of the work.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
Non Rep/252301/Grade 58
Work Location
The primary location of this position is in the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA) Telecommuting is possible.
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment working in the office and at home. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees may be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
• submit proof of vaccination or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact: Sianna Weicuss, sweicuss@kingcounty.gov
Forbes recently 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.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office. 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.
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:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- 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: King County employees are eligible to 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
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
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. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
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.
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01A resume and three writing samples are required for this position. Have you attached all of the required documents? If not, you may still go back and attach them.
- Yes
- No
02Describe your experience in communications, written and oral. In your response, include the setting of that experience (government agency, non-profit, other). If you do not have any experience, please type N/A.03How many years of experience do you have developing and implementing marketing, branding, and customer communications campaigns, programs and projects?- 1 to 3 years
- 3 to 5 year
- 5 to 7 years
- 7+ years
04Please list the computer programs in which you consider yourself proficient.05I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.- Yes
- No
Required Question