COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Job Description

Kitsap County is seeking a visionary communications leader to fill this strategic role that serves as the voice of the Board of County Commissioners and the County’s liaison to media, employees, and the public. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in government communications, public relations, and community engagement while making a lasting impact on how our residents connect with County services, policies, and priorities. You’ll step into a high-profile, at-will appointment reporting to the Assistant County Administrator, ready for innovative leadership and disciplined execution to guide countywide communications into the future. This role offers the perfect blend for an experienced professional ready to take the next step in their career.

As the County Communications & Community Engagement Manager, you will:

• Lead Strategic Communications & Engagement: Develop and execute countywide communications, public relations, and community engagement strategies that align with Board priorities and build public trust.
• Serve as Media Liaison & Spokesperson: Represent the County at public meetings, news briefings, and events; manage media relations and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Oversee Policy & Standards: Establish and maintain communications policies, branding guidelines, and social media standards to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Manage Content & Digital Presence: Direct internal and external communications, including press releases, social media, website content, and visual design for campaigns and outreach.
• Coordinate Emergency & Crisis Communications: Lead public information efforts during emergencies and critical incidents; collaborate with the Department of Emergency Management and operate within the Joint Information Center when needed.
• Measure Impact & Drive Improvement: Implement feedback systems, conduct surveys, and analyze engagement data to inform strategies and report results to leadership.
• Lead & Develop Team: Lead staff working on communications and community engagement, manage workloads, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment in a dynamic setting with shifting priorities.
• Manage Vendors & Budget: Oversee contracts (including BKAT), monitor deliverables, and manage the communications and engagement budget effectively.
  What You Bring (Minimum Qualifications) – Candidates must meet one of the following:

Option 1:

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible communications management experience in public relations, communications, or administration.
• Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience leading teams and projects.
• Strong graphic design and visual communication skills for print, digital, and social media.
• Ability to lead in a fluid, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and urgent deadlines.

OR

Option 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business or Public Administration, English, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible communications management experience in public relations, communications, or administration.
• Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience leading teams and projects.
• Strong graphic design and visual communication skills for print, digital, and social media.
• Ability to lead in a fluid, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and urgent deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Sector Expertise: Recent (within the last three years) experience in local government communications management.
• Emergency Preparedness: FEMA or disaster preparedness knowledge and experience.
• Professional Certifications: FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) or Certified PIO designation.

Technical Skills:

-Experience with web content management systems, social media governance, and community notification systems (e.g., KENS).

-Familiarity with Washington State RCW/WAC and County policies governing records retention and public information.

Analytical Skills:

-Ability to design and evaluate surveys, polls, and focus groups, and use analytics to measure communication effectiveness.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Communications%20Manager.pdf

For more information about the County: Kitsap County Home

For more information about the Office: Board of Commissioners 

The annual salary for this position ranges from $121,379.82 – $155,284.00. This position offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a pension retirement, and other voluntary benefits