Communications Consultant And Media Relations Specialist (CC4)

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT has an outstanding opportunity for an innovative communications professional who wants to be a part of the Southwest Region Communications office. This is an ideal position for a creative communications expert who can effectively represent the agency as its spokesperson in key situations as well as develop and implement strategic communications plans for highway projects in design and construction. This position will lead internal and external communications efforts and produce information for stakeholders regarding traffic and local construction, as well as respond to media inquiries and emergencies in a timely, effective, professional, and creative manner. The successful incumbent will create transparency for the agency, helping to build trust, maintain public confidence, and support people and goods traveling safely.

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

• Lead communications for WSDOT projects and programs in Southwest Region, consistently evaluating effectiveness and redirecting to ensure communications activities evolve and continue to support WSDOT’s mission.
• Translate agency policies and goals into strategies and work plans while effectively leading work implementations.
• Recommend messaging and course of action to WSDOT executives and managers.
• Write and implement communications plans and monitor/respond to public responses to WSDOT projects and messaging.
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in agency communications work.
• Craft and implement both short and long-term plans to meet communications and public involvement needs for internal and external audiences.
• Research, write, edit, produce, and distribute newsletters, brochures, media releases, websites, briefing papers, correspondence, mass mailings, media lists, speeches, presentations, and other communications tools as needed.
• Edit and maintain agency webpages, ensuring appropriate and consistent formatting, content, style, language, messaging and/or conformity to official agency standards.
• Act as a visual storyteller, using photos and video to bring awareness to the agency’s vision, mission, and values.
• Lead staff and others in emergency situations and work under extreme pressure in rapidly changing environments, assess and determine priorities, develop, and follow emergency response protocols.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Social Science or related field AND at least three years of journalism and/or public relations experience. (Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.)
• Experience planning, developing, and implementing successful strategic communications plans on a variety of issues for media events, press conferences, public celebrations, open houses/community engagement events, including working with disadvantaged, minority, and people with limited English proficiency.
• Experience working in social media writing original content for publication.
• Experience shooting and editing photos as well as video using editing software.
• Ability to transport materials that weigh up to 40 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Proven ability to clearly communicate via public speaking, writing, researching and editing; public composition and layout (English grammar, AP style, punctuation, spelling, and dictation; graphic arts and printing methods and materials), with an attention to detail.
• Professional history creating, developing, and managing webpages, spreadsheets and electronic distribution systems.
• Excellent customer service skills. Communicate with diverse internal and external stakeholders across platforms to strengthen credibility and influence.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers and competing priorities.
• Experience and/or an understanding of transportation and construction communications, media relations, public outreach, and politics.
• Experience writing formal correspondence.
• Previous experience as a spokesperson to media.
• Experience coordinating and/or leading communication efforts in emergency situations.
• FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) Emergency Responder certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Important Notes

• Application review will begin on January 19, 2021. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.

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 10 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 their 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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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 listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 20DOT-SWR-40833 in the subject line.