DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Communication & Content Specialist is responsible for providing support in managing strategy, development, and execution of internal and external communications initiatives for South King Fire (District). This position works directly with the Administration, assisting with internal messaging from the Fire Chief, Executive Director, and members of the management team to create both confidential and public information. Duties include the design, content development, and distribution of communications plans, op-eds and statements, funding opportunities, and public newsletters.

The Communications & Content Specialist will cultivate positive relationships with the news media, outside government agencies, as well as establish community partnerships to ensure that the District reflects the local communities. This position assists the Administration to develop and implement marketing and communications strategic plans and recommend communication practices that leverage social media, digital, and multi-media activities. Utilizing existing and emerging technologies, creative and forward thinking is applied to ensure information is effectively received to various stakeholder groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Communications & Content Specialist will work under the direction of the District’s Administration, reporting to the Executive Director.

WORK WEEK AND HOURS:

The defined “work week” begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. This position regularly operates five days per week (Monday – Friday), eight hours per day with a half hour unpaid lunch. Hours worked more than 40 hours per week are paid at the overtime rate of 1.5 times (X) the regular hourly wage. Work may require weekend and evening duty to meet the needs of the business, including public events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as a key content provider by researching, developing key messaging, writing, and editing internal and external communications, including business development.
• Assists the District on the layout and design of newsletters, advertising, and other communications.
• Creates written press materials for the Administration, including press releases, internal bios, announcements, backgrounders, remarks, statements, and speeches.
• Supports the District with responding to media requests in a timely manner, meeting deadlines, and managing sensitive stories.
• Conducts interviews and writes editorial features as needed.
• Researches, writes, and edits communication materials for advertising, websites, digital and print publications, social media, executive communications, news releases, byline editorial articles, talking points, and other PR positioning documents.
• Maintains content and information updates on the District’s website and Intranet.
• Works closely with all District stakeholders to understand objectives and priorities and helps shape a channel roadmap to meet goals.
• Helps inform communication plans, strategy, and content for various initiatives and events.
• Maintains industry knowledge on trends in technology, digital, and new approaches for storytelling and publishing.
• Assists the District in public relations and internal communications strategies.
• Supports the development and execution of communication initiatives for the Community Affairs Office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Working effectively with news media.
• Working with community and multi-lingual media in south King County.
• Technical writing.
• Effective, professional, and positive interactions with internal and external customers.
• Diffusing conflict and high-stress interactions.
• Organizational communications and brand marketing principles/practices.
• Developing and implementing successful, creative communications, campaigns, and initiatives.

Skill in:

• Strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate others and assigned resources.
• Strong oral and written communication skills ensuring correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary with the ability to apply appropriate communication techniques to various audiences.
• Positive and progressive customer service attitude and skills required.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers and other office equipment.

Ability to:

• Synthesize and communicate fire service related information in writing, orally, and visually to a variety of audiences including policy makers, diverse communities, and languages.
• Lead projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Identify, establish, and follow through on goals and objectives.
• Interact courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relations with others.
• Execute other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, mobile devices, multimedia equipment, and up-to-date software applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee

to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. Occasionally requires lifting or

moving equipment up to 25lbs, with or without assistance. Frequently required to use hands

to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific

vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in office. The noise level in the work environment is typical of those in an administrative office setting.