External Affairs Program Manager
- Summary
The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network ("PSERN") Project is being led by King County on behalf of regional partners to replace the outdated (emergency radio) wireless system. This system is currently serving police, fire, EMS public safety first responders, and other government workers throughout King County. The PSERN Project (the Project) is funded by a $273 million voter approved property tax and is currently planned for completion in the spring of 2023.
The External Affairs Program Manager position will be responsible for managing all communications, government relations, and customer service work for the Project. This work includes preparing all documents related to running an advisory committee, organizing and tracking all work related to the Project's oversight board – similar to running a council committee, planning and implementing outreach campaigns to system end users, running advisory committees, help creating presentations for customers when needed, and be responsible for all data, information, and reports related to the External Affairs (EA) Team's work.
This person will be responsible for ensuring that the EA Team work is done on time and with high quality which includes having nuanced skills for gathering information from team members in a timely manner while maintaining a respectful and professional relationship. This person needs to have good communications skills- both verbal and written.
King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT)
KCIT is providing the building blocks for many of the region's most critical services. As the business solutions partner, we collaborate with the 18 County departments to develop products and services that better serve the needs of our customers and our community. To learn more about KCIT, please visit our website: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx
As the first place recipient of the 15th annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, KCIT was recognized for its vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration. Previously earning top 10 digital county honors in the last eleven years from the Center for Digital Government, KCIT has a focus of delivering smart technology solutions that support customers, building stronger communities through innovative information technology.
Benefits
King County offers a robust benefits package to support you and your family in a variety of ways. To learn more about the benefits offered here, please visit the Benefits website at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/employees/.
Work Schedule
The normal work week for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered. This position is eligible for overtime pay.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brian Roberts, broberts@kingcounty.gov or (206) 263-1508- Job Duties
- Organize and manage work performed by the EA Team on behalf of the Deputy Division Director.
- Provide process improvements / efficiencies and organize information in a way that helps communications be more effective including reports, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets.
- Manage all facets of stakeholder outreach including government relations, as needed, and also outreach campaigns, stakeholder meetings, coordinating all logistical elements, and preparing presentation materials and handouts.
- Work with key internal and external stakeholders, in person or virtually, on a variety of customer service issues and act as a liaison for the PSERN project, as needed.
- Provide and develop meeting agendas, record action items and meeting decisions, track actions through to completion, and facilitate meetings as needed.
- Develop methodologies for managing customer databases and tracking inquiries.
- Compose, draft, summarize, prepare, proofread and/or edit technical documents, general correspondence, contracts, ordinances, motions, and conform these documents to the appropriate use of the English language and to conform with Executive Office correspondence guidance.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Minimum of seven years experience in being highly organized and able to track multiple projects, including the ability to quickly discern what needs to be done, and the priority order, in a fast-paced environment.
- Minimum of seven years experience organizing data into meaningful graphics and spreadsheets and also developing and refining processes to make a team(s) operate more efficiently and effectively.
- Minimum of seven years experience working as part of a team divided into different work program areas and having to gather information and negotiate timelines - preferably within a technical or scientific environment.
- Minimum of five years experience in customer service, communications, and/or government relations demonstrating refined interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of personalties and backgrounds in positive ways that drive toward successful results.
- Demonstrated experience working with multiple agencies simultaneously to setting up all aspects of meetings from speakers to attendees, optimum location, and type of presentation.
- Ability to operate independently while still being a team player.
- Possess good written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of general office policies, principles and practices.
- Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint applications.
- Preferably at lease five years working in government.
- Able to flex and pitch-in when teammates need help and/or new needs arise.
- Knowledge of project management principles.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Skilled in maintaining confidentiality.
- Initiative and accountability skills for work deliverables.
- Supplemental Information
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working in government and on a technical project.
Excellent communications skills – both verbal and written.
Strong government relations and customer service background.
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.