Internal Communications Strategist

JOB
Job Number: 2026-00024KCLS is hiring a Communications Strategist to develop and execute internal communications strategies and plans to promote organizational initiatives and employee communications. This is a new position joining a team of Communications Strategists focused on external communications, reporting to the Communications Manager. The role works on executive and leadership communications, departmental projects, and internal communications products.About King County Library System (KCLS): KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire. Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org. KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential DutiesThe items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.Develops and implements strategic communications plans. Identifies storytelling opportunities and provides planning, execution, and analysis of content. Generates earned media through media and press relations and partnerships to promote KCLS events and campaigns, including regular promotion of library events to media.Manages library communications campaigns for events, promotions, and emerging communication opportunities. Supports the production and distribution of internal communications, including staff newsletters. Consults across the organization for consistency in messaging and imagery and utilization of adopted communications and brand standards. Creates copy for marketing collateral and other promotional communications for library events in print and digital formats. Collaborates in the development of enterprise-wide products and supplemental materials, including annual budget and report. Supports executive and corporate communications in partnership with senior leadership. Researches, writes, and edits materials for internal and external distribution including talking points, speeches, scripts, announcements, and press releases.Partners with marketing team to identify content opportunities, provide content for distribution, and ensure timely and accurate promotion. Evaluates engagement and effectiveness of communications activities using analytics to improve performance.Secondary DutiesMonitors industry activity for emerging opportunities in communications. Provides backup support to related positions.Makes presentation on subject matter work. Attends and actively participates on committees and working groups as assigned.Performs other related duties as assigned.Core CompetenciesEach KCLS position has job-specific competencies. These competencies describe characteristics needed for optimum performance in the position. In addition, there are organizational competencies applicable to all positions at KCLS that encompass the culture and set expectations for how work is performed.Organizational CompetenciesValuing DiversityManages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably. Respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn about differences.Customer FocusPrimarily focused on customer needs. Able to deliver high-quality, value-added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.Ethics, Values and JudgementExercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct. Consistently demonstrates organization’s values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character, and action. Defends intellectual freedom and confidentiality.Professional and Technical KnowledgeDemonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills and/or knowledge in position-related areas. Purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to better foster personal success and connections for others.Job-Specific CompetenciesOrganizing and PlanningEstablishes courses of action for self. Can influence others to ensure that work is efficient. Appropriately sensitive to real restraints on time and resources. Willing to take a risk.Drive for ResultsFocuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Does not confuse effort with results. Gets the job done.Work QualityInspires and strives for excellence in all aspects of work including setting high standards of performance for self and others. Ensures that results are complete and accurate. Exhibits attention to detail.Vision and Strategic ThinkingSupports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization's vision, mission, and values. Holds big picture view while setting priorities, often using breakthrough strategies to find the way forward.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee will: Constantly sit throughout work shift and will occasionally stand and seldom walk.Seldom reach up or down and frequently reach out at chest level with hands and arms.Frequently use hands in conjunction with constant finger use. Keyboarding may be repetitive up to frequently.Rotate neck up to frequently.Change tasks depending upon the shift.Require extensive close work including use of a computer monitor.Seldom operate foot controls.Seldom lift up to 35 lbs. and seldom carry up to 10 lbs.Seldom push or pull carts and wheeled equipment with light force.Work EnvironmentWork is performed in a typical office environment. Work schedule may include occasional evening and/or weekend meetings or commitments. Some travel within the service area is required. Incumbent may be permitted hybrid telework schedule upon request.