Communications Consultant (CC5): Olympia/Flexible/Hybrid Communications Consultant (CC5): Olympia/Flexible/Hybrid

Description

Our ideal candidate is deeply dedicated to their role in driving equitable outcomes for Washingtonians. You are highly strategic, experienced in communications and passionate about workforce development. You are collaborative, curious and welcome feedback from customers and colleagues.

Our communications team:

We have a team of exceptional communications professionals who care deeply about public service. We are committed to supporting one another and love our team’s culture. We put ESD’s values into action: Love, belonging, equity, access and stewardship. 

We welcome applicants from anywhere in Washington state! 

Our team works in a hybrid environment. However, the candidate will be expected to be in office on a regular basis based on the Commissioner’s schedule and activities. There will be some statewide travel required to assist the Commissioner’s Office. This is a full-time permanent position based out of Olympia, WA. 

Are you our ideal candidate? If this sounds like a match, please apply!

When applying, please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. 

Duties

This Communications Consultant 5 position will support the Employment Security Department’s overall vision, mission, and strategic plan by developing and executing the Commissioner’s Office’s communications-related priorities and activities under the direction of the Communications Director. Through this work they are responsible for positively influencing agency and the public’s impression and awareness of agency and Commissioner’s Office activities with an aim toward building positive relationships with ESD staff, policymakers, partners, stakeholders, the media, and broader public. This position directly supports the mission and vision of the agency by ensuring that quality and timely information is shared about the agency/Commissioner’s top priorities and activities, with a priority to those partners and audiences who expand access and promote economic security.

This position will also manage multi-media on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office. This role supports event planning for conferences, seminars and other external events that include the Commissioner or other agency leadership team members. 

Duties for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Identifies goals and objectives, develops communications strategies for target audiences in execution of communications plans regarding Commissioner’s Office activities.
• Review and update plans with customer insight and data.
• Creates speeches and talking points, internal communications, web content, newsletter content and other products related to the work and priorities of the Commissioner.
• Leads the development of high-quality and accurate key messages on behalf of the Commissioner and Commissioner’s Office.
• Under the direction of the Communications Director and in collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Operations, helps develop ESD’s social media policy, strategies, and techniques to align agency and Commissioner social media activities and communicate with the public most effectively.
• Drafts and designs deliverables, gathers feedback to ensure accuracy and appropriate tone, finalize and publish on a variety of channels, including websites, GovDelivery, social media and print materials.
• Directs production of video, digital and print media products, and manages the agency’s video production room, on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office and Communications Director.
• Conducts outreach to state agencies, partners, and communities to plan for events, conferences, seminars, and other external events involving the Commissioner and/or Commissioner’s Office. These duties should focus primarily on the role of the Commissioner and/or Commissioner’s Office at the specific events, conferences and seminars.
• Working with the Communications Director, develops templates and manages completion of high-quality, accurate and timely materials needed for key events involving the Commissioner and/or Commissioner’s Office.
• Briefs Commissioner and Commissioner’s office on a set cadence to obtain input and alignment on speaking engagements/events on the schedule.
• Reviews/vets speaking requests in alignment with the Commissioner and Commissioner office’s priorities.
• Ensures approved requests are calendared and include all the appropriate information to develop the plan for associated communications.

You might be our ideal candidate if you: 

• Thrive in complex stakeholder environments and see yourself as a bridge-builder between different teams.
• Take pride in your talent to quickly establish trust and be the “glue” that brings cohesion to a team.
• See the big picture as you take a strategic approach to planning and managing your work.
• Follow through on your commitments down to the last details.
• Write in plain talk as you translate complex information into clear, well-written messages.
• Deliver high-quality drafts of internal and public-facing material.
• Look forward to facilitating meetings as well as planning and attending events.
• Thrive on collaboration and working independently.
• Lead through influence with compassion and diplomacy.
• Aren’t above the nitty-gritty or beneath making decisions.
• Enjoy and have experience researching, planning, implementing and evaluating marketing campaigns for public programs.
• Are excited at the prospect of developing communications strategies and connecting them to outreach efforts at the regional, state and national levels.

Please click here to request a complete detailed description of the position and its duties.

Qualifications

Required:

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field. 

AND 

Four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for educational requirements.

Competencies:

The incumbent is a highly collaborative strategic thinker and expert communicator and writer who demonstrates these competencies in writing and interpersonally. They are well-versed in strategic communications planning and executing on deliverables for web, mass email platforms, social media and print. They have experience creating, updating and managing web content. They write in and edit for plain talk. They bring problem-solving skills with complex, dynamic situations and issues that impact diverse audiences. They establish and manage standard operating procedures for themselves and others. They collaborate with multiple stakeholders to co-create communications, public relations, media relations or marketing solutions. They manage their workload with transparency. They are familiar with legislative processes and/or authorizing environments. They demonstrate cultural competency and a commitment to promoting pro-equity anti-racist principles and initiatives through an equity lens. 

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience administering or using GovDelivery (or similar content management platform).
• Proven ability to create and format deliverables (files and webpages) to meet ADA accessibility standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Adobe applications.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into common language for customers and staff.
• Knowledge of accessibility and usability standards for customer-facing projects.
• Experience in crisis management, organizational change management, legislative and stakeholder outreach and management and employee communications.
• Experience developing strategic communication plans including identifying areas of risk and evaluating communication plan effectiveness.
• Experience in cultural competency and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.

Additional Requirements of Employment: 

Incumbents must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review. 

Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the “Add Attachments” field. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see attachments” may be considered incomplete.

Supplemental Information

Why work with us?

Our agency’s mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that’s why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self. 

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Cheyenne Pernites or the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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