NEOGOV · 1 month ago
Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)
Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$73K/yr - $99K/yr
8+ years expNEOGOV is the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, dedicated to preserving and enhancing Washington’s environment. The Communications Manager will oversee internal and external communications for the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program, managing high-stakes communication during environmental emergencies and leading the agency's public information efforts.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Develop and lead the Spills Program’s strategic communication strategies for executive leadership, the public, media, legislators, tribes, federal partners, and other interested parties
Serve as the primary media liaison and lead spokesperson for spill-related issues, including emergency response communications
Manage and coordinate the 24/7 after hours communications manager team, including scheduling, training, and supporting statewide spill response
Lead public information operations during spill incidents, serving as Public Information Officer or Joint Information Center Manager within the Incident Command System
Supervise and mentor the Communications Consultant 3, guiding web content, accessibility, analytics, outreach strategies, and workflows
Develop, write, edit, and review key communication products, including news releases, communication plans, talking points, speeches, digital media, and educational materials
Strategically leverage website and social media platforms to communicate spills information, agency initiatives, and preparedness activities
Represent the agency at public meetings, briefings, legislative hearings, and interagency coordination efforts, providing expert communication guidance
Qualification
Required
Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience in journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility or writing/editing
Education involving a major study in journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field
Expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis/emergency communication, particularly within government or environmental contexts
Ability to operate effectively within the Incident Command System, including serving as PIO or Joint Information Center lead during spills or drills
Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats—news releases, speeches, web content, legislative materials, communication plans, and briefing documents
Proficiency with digital communication tools, including social media platforms, web content management, analytics, accessibility standards, and multimedia (video/audio)
Strong relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate with executives, government partners, tribes, NGOs, industry, and the public
Excellent verbal communication and spokesperson abilities, including experience interacting with the news media and preparing others for interviews
Strategic thinking and organizational skills, including the ability to manage complex workloads, prioritize, and meet deadlines in stressful environments
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, including self-awareness, cultural competency, and inclusive communication practices
This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level of 100, 300, 700 and 800
You must maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and continual training as required by the Program as they come available
Obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) which entails a detailed background check
Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver's License
Hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle
Position requires a willingness and ability to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and travel statewide or out-of-state including after-hours inspections seven days a week
Preferred
Experience in emergency response 'crisis' communication, incident command system, and functioning of joint information centers involving multiple jurisdictions and entities
Demonstrated public speaking acumen
Leadership and supervisory experience, including coaching staff, facilitating cross-program teams, and coordinating multi-agency communications
Strategic communications experience in a government setting
Strategic issues management and communications planning
Experience in developing outreach and education plans/campaigns for community engagement
Benefits
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
Vacation, Sick, and other Leave
11 Paid Holidays per year
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Tuition Waiver
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Deferred Compensation Programs
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program
Commute Trip Reduction Incentives
Combined Fund Drive
SmartHealth
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
NEOGOV has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (10)
2023 (10)
2022 (18)
2021 (14)
2020 (16)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
Company data provided by crunchbase