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Washington State Department of Ecology · 4 weeks ago

Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)

Lacey, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

The Washington State Department of Ecology is dedicated to protecting and enhancing Washington’s environment. The Communications Manager will oversee internal and external communications for the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program, serving as the lead Public Information Officer during emergency spill incidents.

Environmental EngineeringNatural ResourcesWaste ManagementWater

Culture & Values

No H1B

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

Strategic communicationsMedia relationsCrisis communicationPublic Information OfficerDigital communication toolsIncident Command SystemRelationship-buildingPublic speakingCommitment to DEIRLeadership experienceOrganizational skills

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 the Public Information Officer (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, Non-Government Organizations (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

Must be able to pass a detailed background check required to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

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