Partnerships and Engagement Manager
- Summary
The Partnerships and Engagement Manager (Government Relations Officer) will play a leadership role as Metro delivers on the belief that mobility is a human right— a right to get where you need to go when you need to—safely, equitably, and sustainably. The Partnerships and Engagement Manager is critical in leading our efforts to truly move forward together building fast, frequent, reliable all-day services that are both prioritized and co-created for those with the greatest need of public transit.Our ability to move by way of a transit system is life-changing. Unfortunately, movement throughout the transit system has not always been straightforward and efficient. Historically, our transit system was not designed with input from poor, Black, or disability-challenged dreamers. Nor did the system intentionally look out for English-language learners and foreign-born customers.
Imagine if transit had been intentional about including the voices of historically marginalized and silenced communities in the process of planning! What place would that bring us to—both personally and in our region? Guided by the communities we serve, that imagined place is exactly where Metro is going. Central to this transformation at Metro is our Partnerships and Engagement group who help us bring this intention into being for Metro’s plans, policies, programs, and projects.
The incumbent in this position will report to Metro’s Chief of Staff and manage the Partnerships & Engagement group, which includes community engagement, government relations, and language access. In this role, they will partner with the Chief of Staff to grow and build collaborative and productive teams; establish structures and processes to support consistency and quality community engagement, government relations, and language equity policies, processes, and practices; and strengthen internal relationships to better embed and enable Metro to partner with community and interested and affected parties in our decision making.This position will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of a group of community engagement, government relations, and language equity professionals in their mission to provide Metro trusted leadership, coordination, design, and expertise in engagement and communications with community, interested parties, partners, jurisdictions, and elected officials to decide and implement equitable and sustainable regional mobility solutions.
This position works collaboratively with King County and Metro leadership to maintain critical relationships with interested and affected parties throughout the County including businesses, advocacy groups, the public, non-profits, and jurisdictions. This position also works with elected officials and staff to help develop, monitor, and pass local, state, and federal legislation that favorably impacts King County, particularly in the area of public transportation.
Our ideal candidate will have a vision for and demonstrated commitment to meaningful community engagement that centers the voices of priority populations in Metro’s decision making, strong leadership qualities, excellent communication and engagement skills, a strategic mindset, and experience in a fast-paced environment with the ability to facilitate and develop healthy, functioning teams and internal and external relationships that bring out the best in people. They will lead and support a diverse group while exemplifying fairness, strong listening, and conflict resolution skills; approachability, and promoting a collaborative work environment.- Job Duties
Establish and manage effective relationships, serving as liaison with internal leaders, community and public officials on work assigned to the Partnerships & Engagement group; and effectively representing and promoting Metro's interests.
Design, manage, and operationalize effective two-way communication and engagement between community and those making decisions internal to Metro and external with local or regional elected officials as appropriate to change or implement Metro’s plans, policies, or programs, using best practices and data analytics.
Develop legislative agenda for transit initiatives.
Supervise, mentor, and develop Metro's growing team of community engagement, government relations, and language equity staff, using best practices and standardizing policies and procedures.
Partner with key interested and affected parties, including community leaders, elected officials, jurisdictions, and leadership on key Metro initiatives.
Lead development of new initiatives, efficiencies and engagement methods; manage the development and implementation of major projects and work programs; direct program and procedure development, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Develop, approve and monitor budget; determine appropriate resource levels; develop and implement strategies to meet efficiency and effectiveness goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO:
Desired Qualifications:Possess a bachelor's degree and in-depth progressive experience in Engagement, Communications, Organizational Development, and/or Public Affairs, OR any similar combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.
Have experience managing/supervising staff and mentoring staff to meet performance goals.
Have demonstrated ability to form successful relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners and team members to implement initiatives, communication plans, and strategies in a large, complex, multidisciplinary organization.
Have demonstrated experience in developing community engagement programs and practices that embed community voices in agency decision making.
Have strong project management, organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with leaders and staff at a variety of levels, demonstrating inclusion, decisive decision making, and excellent follow-through skills.
Possess an understanding of local and regional legislative processes with experience creating legislative agendas, then strategizing and implementing formal and informal ways to achieve them.
Have the ability to effectively lead a team that contributes to a work environment that embraces and encourages diversity in its workforce and where differences are valued and to demonstrate behaviors that include fairness, respect, and inclusiveness.
Are knowledgeable of Metro's business and policy development policies, project management techniques, government relations, community engagement, budget development, management and monitoring, customer service, public speaking, negotiation and conflict resolution techniques, and working with a diverse population
- Knowledge of King County government
- Knowledge of Metro Transit operations or expertise from a similar, complex industry
- Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
An online employment application, resume, cover letter, 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. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.
NOTE: Please answer all applicable questions in the employment application portion, with each of your jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc.
Work Schedule
Our regular business work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, though work outside of the typical work day may be required. This position is considered exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and as such is not eligible for overtime pay. Flexible hours may be considered.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
Non-Rep, 285401, Grade 75
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 cover letter are required for this position. Have you attached your resume and cover letter? If not, you may still go back and attach it.
- Yes
- No
02Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my 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.
03If 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 notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff04I 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