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.

• 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.

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• 'At will' and covered under the Appendix C (as amended) to Kitsap County Personnel Manual

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Driving Requirements (If applicable)

The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as: Category 2: Drives their own vehicle.

• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

This position is open until filled. The first review date is scheduled for January 26, 2026!