Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.
Employee Type: Regular Department: Executive Management Salary: $96,000.23 - $134,298.07 Annually / $8,000.02 - $11,191.51 Monthly / $46.15 - $64.57 Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Overtime Eligible: No Job Posting Date Range: 01/07/2026 - Until Filled
Job Summary: The Communications Director position is a strategic leader role that will plan, develop and implement marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities for Spokane County, both externally and internally. Their role drives awareness disseminates information and increases engagement with the public, customers, community groups/organizations, outside agencies and other stakeholders through the mission, initiatives, programs, services and activities of the County. This classification is distinguished from other public information class specifications as the scope of work at a County wide level supports the BOCC, CEO and executive team; rather than being contained within a specific department or division level within a department/office. The Communications Director works in a matrix relationship with public information classifications in the County that do not directly report to this classification. Results are reviewed by achievement of goals and effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the program. Work is performed with considerable independence under the administrative direction of the CEO or other executive team member in coordination with the BOCC.
Job Description: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Creates, implements, and measures the effectiveness of a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program within the community while facilitating internal and external communications. • Advises the BOCC and CEO on or about a variety of complex issues, public perception, and emerging concerns. • Articulates the County's value to constituents to build awareness and understanding through the development of consistent communication, internally and externally. • Serves as the spokesperson for the County of Spokane, when designated by the BOCC or CEO. • Assists BOCC and CEO with responses to requests from the news media and the public for information, interviews, perspectives and opinions on issues pertaining to county activities. • May represent the County at public meetings, news briefings or events and making public presentations. • Provides technical assistance, including scripting and editing, to CEO and BOCC County-wide public information programs. • Leads, develops, and implements outreach strategies, initiatives, communications, and public relations activities for Spokane County, both external and internal. • Drives awareness, disseminates information and increases engagement with media, public, constituents, communities, outside agencies, and other stakeholders. • Develops key communication tools, resources and materials, including fact sheets, displays, newsletters, pamphlets/brochures, articles, reports, news releases, advertising, and live and taped broadcasting via television, radio, social media and websites. • Develops, implements, and monitors the County's graphic standards and branding as approved by the BOCC. • Leads, mentors and develops direct report staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assigns accountabilities; sets objectives; establishes priorities; provides feedback/guidance; and monitors and evaluates results. • Works with other County non-direct reporting departmental communication managers, in a matrix working relationship, coordinating consistent communication throughout the County. • Manages the County's external website, ensuring it serves as a communication resource for constituents, including appropriate content development for designated areas. • Directs the County's emergency public information and communications efforts and may represent the County in county-wide or region-wide emergencies. • Administers the County's cable franchise and leads refranchising negotiations with the cable company. • Serves as the County's staff liaison to the Spokane Regional Cable Advisory Board. • Develops and manages contracts and annual grants with community and education access channels. • Develops and updates media training for County officials and staff. • Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Broadcasting, Communications, or related discipline. Five (5) years of professional experience in media/public relations, journalism or communications. Relevant experience in the public sector is preferred but not required. Or, a combination of education and experience to be able to perform the essential functions of the position. A valid driver's license or the ability to provide suitable transportation. NOTE: Incumbents in this classification may be required to attend evening and weekend events. Additionally, duties may require travel, including overnight travel.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of pro-active marketing, public information, public relations, and community outreach. Knowledge of methods and techniques for creating effective media and public relations materials, and for establishing recognition for engaging in community outreach and feedback. Knowledge of local and national media, web page and social-media trends. Knowledge of creation of news magazines, newsletters, annual reports, press releases, dashboards, and white papers. Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with CEO and BOCC, all County departments, the media, and community organizations. Skilled in understanding and appropriately communicating sensitive information Skilled in public speaking. Skilled in the use of office technology, including word processing, data base development, PowerPoint, Visio, desk top publishing, and spreadsheets. Ability to deal with complex issues while being sensitive to various perspectives and opinions. Ability to organize, prepare and present comprehensive and effective communication programs. Ability to demonstrate technical writing and editing skills, evidenced by work that has been published. Ability to demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a highly collaborative style. Ability to conduct public meetings and effectively present information, facts and recommendations both orally and in writing; in a clear, concise, interesting, and logical manner. Ability to write speeches, articles and presentations on behalf of CEO and BOCC. Ability to develop and maintain positive and influential work relationships with peers, state and county representatives, external organizations, legislators, communities and agencies. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with local news media, editors and reporters. Ability to understand and communicate on behalf of the BOCC complex legislative issues and topics. Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, courteous and calm manner, often under stressful and/or emergent situations. Ability to effectively manage projects through to completion and according to established deadlines. Ability to demonstrate strong organizational abilities and high level detail orientation. Ability to exhibit superior critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple projects at a time. Ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
Behavioral Standards: All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions: Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner. Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards. Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.
Working Conditions: The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate. Work is also performed outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.
Total Compensation: $122,880 - $171,902 Annually Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employees enrollment choices. Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits: Benefits | Spokane County, WA