Communications Consultant 4
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 is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 4 to join our dynamic communications team at Northwest Region. This position will work independently and as part of team to create, lead, direct and control communications campaigns and respond to public and media inquiries regarding WSDOT design and construction projects. In addition, this position is responsible for responding to frequent inquiries from community groups, reporters, stakeholders, and must coordinate messaging for internal and external audiences. 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 4 will:
- Creatively and effectively lead communication efforts for WSDOT projects and programs.
- Research and identify pertinent projects, emerging issues and external policies affecting transportation and develop appropriate communication strategies and responses.
- Recommend messaging and course of action to WSDOT executives and managers, write and implement communication plans and monitor public responses to WSDOT projects and messaging.
- Provide transportation information, including emergency information, to WSDOT staff, local communities, neighborhoods, and businesses; local, state, and federal officials; project partners, the general public; and others via news media, web, email, variable message signs, highway advisory radio and telephone.
- Research, write, edit, produce, and distribute newsletters, brochures, media releases, websites, briefing papers, correspondence, mass mailings, media lists, speeches, electronic 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.
- 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.
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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 four 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.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Experience in and using the following:
- Managing social media tools and digital content to distribute information to various audiences and track results.
- Creating, developing, and managing webpages, spreadsheets and electronic distribution systems.
- Shooting and editing photos.
- Spokesperson representing your organization communicating with the media.
- Writing compelling content for the web or publications using AP style.
- Writing formal correspondence.
- Shooting and editing video using non-linear editing software.
- Background in and thorough understanding of transportation communications, media relations, public outreach, and politics.
- Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, transportation, media relations, community relations, and construction.
Important Notes
- Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, this position may be remote in a telework capacity full-time. Once the restrictions are lifted, WSDOT supports a flexible work schedule with partial telework opportunities, depending on business needs and prior supervisor approval.
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!
- 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.
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, Cori Shull, at ShullCo@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-11872 in the subject line.