Publicist Jobs in Washington

Summary

The Department of Local Services Director’s Office is seeking a Digital Communications Specialist to build, optimize, and maintain high-quality digital content and features across our external website, employee intranet, and various digital communications platforms. This role turns complex information and communications strategies into clear, accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. The successful candidate enjoys working where content, design, and technology meet, and is comfortable moving between hands-on content production, problem-solving, and supporting colleagues to improve their digital materials.

About the Department of Local Services

King County is the local government service provider for the roughly 250,000 people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county. Together, the populations of these communities would form the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services Division, and Permitting Division.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our employees, our partners, and the communities we serve. We work to dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge that this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create positive change for our employees and the communities we serve.

Job Duties

Applying the principles of equity and racial and social justice is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply these principles to all aspects of your work.

In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain digital content and functionality across multiple platforms, including the King County website, intranet platforms, GovDelivery, WordPress, PublicInput.com, and SharePoint.
• Translate program information, communications plans, and brand strategies into effective digital content and user-friendly online experiences.
• Apply UX best practices and data insights to create clear, engaging and user-centered designs.
• Ensure full accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA) of all digital materials, guiding and participating in content remediation efforts and training others.
• Create and launch digital engagement tools, such as online applications, surveys, feedback forms, and virtual open houses.
• Implement best practices in search engine optimization, landing page optimization, and digital accessibility.
• Collaborate with communications staff members, program managers, and project managers to meet timelines and deliver high-quality digital products.
• Provide digital strategy, guidance, and technical support to colleagues, sharing knowledge proactively.
• Monitor trends and best practices in web development, user experience, accessibility, and digital communications.
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and brand alignment across all digital content.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• 2+ years working in a large enterprise content management system (Sitecore, WordPress, Drupal, similar)
• Hands-on production of web pages, emails, digital content, and updates across enterprise systems
• Strong understanding of WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and content remediation
• Experience writing, editing, and structuring content for public-facing web pages and digital platforms
• Familiarity with basic HTML/CSS for content updates and troubleshooting
• Understanding of user experience principles and user-centered design
• Experience applying search engine optimization best practices
• Experience coordinating across teams on digital projects
• Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Desirable: Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Acrobat or similar
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Cross-team collaboration with communications, program staff, and project managers
• Strong organization and detail orientation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines

Supplemental Information

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for an interview the week of 7/13/2026.

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

FORMS AND MATERIALS: A completed King County Application is required. A resume and supplemental question responses are also required.

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.

For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: star-la_interview_method.pdf

WORK SCHEDULE: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work on the weekends, outside of normal business hours. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS: This position has been designated as: Mission Critical - Employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans.

Unless otherwise directed by the King County Executive, department director, or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by PROTEC17

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT: The employee in this position will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness and will be expected to arrive prepared and on time. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104). Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a King County-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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, and rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

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 or would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Janice Antonio, HR Analyst, by email at jantonio@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at 206-263-2003.