Communications Consultant 4

Title: Communications Consultant 4

Job Description:

Salary

$63,252.00 - $84,984.00 Annually

Location 

Thurston County – Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-OR-33024en

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Olympic Region

Description

About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

 

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a communications consultant 4 for our Olympic Region!

The Olympic Region is responsible for the delivery of engineering design, environmental, real estate, construction, maintenance and operation of state highways located in seven counties of Western Washington. The OR communications consultants work to make WSDOT Olympic Region a credible, reliable source of timely information related to projects and state highway operations in our seven counties of responsibility. This position serves as a strategic team resource for daily operations, pre-design, planning, design and construction communication - advising peers on effective communication tactics, plain language and practices. 

This position directly supports the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience. This position is expected to contribute to a workplace that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

 

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Develop and implement communication plans. 
• Create webpage content, online open house content, media releases, blogs, social media posts, videos, brochures, folios and briefing papers.
• Assist and help coordinate agency press conferences and coach staff members for media interviews. 
• Speak before media groups and connect reporters with agency experts for interviews.
• Identify, research and respond to issues that arise.
• Handle media relations on behalf of the region and agency. 
• Content editor for agency websites.
• Provide and coordinate technical advice on Environmental Justice requirements.
• Create, edit and maintain agency websites ensuring appropriate and consistent formatting, content, style, language, and messaging.
• Relate complex transportation issues and policies to the public.
• Comply with federal and state public involvement laws and policies and deliver public involvement programs that can withstand legal scrutiny. 
• Monitor and curate regional social media accounts. Create and post content, develop content for agency social media accounts. 
• Operate state-owned vehicle to travel to events.

 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Education and Professional Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of multimedia communications to include print, radio, and broadcast journalism, public relations, marketing, typically gained through a bachelor’s degree and equivalent professional experience. 
• Communications and Content Development: Demonstrated ability to write, review, edit, and produce a wide range of communications materials using the appropriate tone and style, including social media content, media communications, videography, press releases, project webpages, and communication plans. Proven ability to create clear, accurate, and engaging written content tailored to diverse audiences, including individuals with non-technical backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to conduct and coordinate media interviews, both in-person and virtual on a variety of transportation topics. 
• Interpersonal and Presentation Skills: Demonstrated written, verbal, and presentation skills to communicate information effectively and professionally in both virtual and in-person settings. Ability to communicate clearly and confidently during live interviews or public-facing engagements using a variety of communication methods, including phone, email, text, video conferencing, and computer-based platforms. 
• Technical Translation and Strategic Messaging: Demonstrated ability to understand complex technical transportation topics and translate them into clear, accessible information that reflects organizational values, accountability, and strategic messaging. 
• Technical and Digital Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in using Windows-based computers and common business software, including the Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms (such as MS Teams), and cloud-based applications such as Adobe, Granicus and Drupal content management systems. 
• Organization and Time Management: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Emergency and crisis communications: Participate in a rotating standby after-hours Public Information Officer schedule that follows agency emergency response protocols and procedures. 
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.    
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Strategic Communications and Messaging: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic messaging across diverse platforms and materials, including webpages, newsletters, brochures, press releases, interviews, correspondence, open house events and communication plans. 
• Public Speaking and Visual Storytelling: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through public speaking, either to large audiences or to the media. Demonstrated working knowledge of graphic design principles, printing methods, and the use of photography and video to support storytelling to support organizational goals. 
• Digital and Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in using a variety of communications and business software, including web content management systems such as Drupal, Granicus and other digital collaboration tools. 
• Problem Solving and Independent Judgment: Demonstrated ability to independently assess issues, develop strategies, and implement effective solutions while exercising sound judgment with minimal oversight.
• Relationship Management and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships, including navigating stressful situations, conflict, and sensitive communications in a professional manner. 
• Workload and Priority Management: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work effectively in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines, multiple stakeholders, and competing priorities. 
• External Relations and Transportation Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge and application of public relations, media relations, public involvement, and community engagement practices, particularly within high-risk or high-stress environments, and familiarity with transportation systems.

 

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• This is a non-permanent opportunity. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

 

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.

• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.

• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

 

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.