You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an experienced communications professional who has an extensive background in communications, management, and leadership. Reporting directly to the Regional Administrator, the Communications Manager will lead and manage the Southwest Region Communications Office, which identifies, develops and implements communications strategies for regional construction projects, traffic operations, maintenance issues and incident/emergency response. This position serves as a strategic advisor regarding transportation issues, construction scheduling and communications, internal communications, and political strategy for executives and senior staff at Southwest Region, headquarters, other agency regions and programs and the Governor's office. The Communications Manager will also be responsible for coordinating complex media and social media timelines involving multiple regions and partner agencies to ensure WSDOT interacts with the media in a deliberate and seamless fashion.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Manager will:
  • Independently develop and lead internal and external communications for construction, traffic, emergency response, maintenance, and operations issues in the SW Region.
  • Identify issues, anticipate potential consequences, and advise the agency's top executives on communications challenges and opportunities.
  • Represent the SW Region in meetings with the Governor's office, ODOT, elected officials, and partner agencies/influential stakeholders.
  • Serve as information manager responsible for responding to significant emergency or crisis situations, including advising the Southwest Regional Administrator, and other WSDOT and outside agency officials on public information strategies.
  • Be a leader for regional inclusion initiatives, and represent WSDOT at meetings with partner agencies, local businesses and trade organizations.
  • Lead and supervise a team of two communications professionals.
  • Proactively manage WSDOT's social media channels, which influence coverage by local and national media.
  • Serve as an agency spokesperson, and may represent the Southwest Region Administrator or the Secretary of Transportation when and if required.
  • Provide the public, news media, partner agencies, stakeholders and elected officials with time-sensitive information in a 24/7 environment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • A Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field with a high level of knowledge in emergency management, government relations or media relations.
  • A minimum of five (5) years of professional and managerial expertise in the communications or public relations field.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of journalism, political messaging, media broadcasting, community engagement, marketing, use of social media, web content development and spokesperson responsibilities for a complex public or private organization.
  • Possess highly developed interpersonal and personnel management skills.
  • Strong ability skills to communicate effectively and efficiently.
  • Ability to implement management and leadership principles, strategic planning principles, and communications and public relations tactics.
  • Possess a valid driver's license.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Ten (10) years paid professional communications field experience in community engagement, public relations, government relations, and/or media.
  • Experience successfully leading crisis communications efforts during a multi-agency disaster response.
  • Strong understanding of legislative process and local political climate.
  • Experience working with elected officials and effectively navigating political environments to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to persuasively and clearly communicate in writing, both internally and externally.
Important Notes
  • The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted October 12, 2020. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
  • 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.

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-4W059 in the subject line.