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State of Washington · 1 week ago

Communications Consultant 5 | Fish Passage

Walla Walla, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$28/hr - $31/hr

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence. They are seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to support the agency’s fish passage delivery program by planning, developing, and implementing strategic communications that align with agency goals and delivery needs.

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No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and facilitate fish passage program communication

Plan, develop, and implement information campaigns and public relations strategies and tactics related to WSDOT’s fish passage delivery work

Develop agency public information policy and activities with other agencies and boards

Serve as the fish passage communications subject matter expert across the agency by staying informed about current strategies, barrier correction progress, design and construction work, and more

Act as the fish passage delivery media spokesperson and representative

Prepare others and create or review materials for presentations or meetings and respond to media or other agency or public requests

Closely collaborate and communicate with other programs including region communications as necessary

Perform and/or support legislative communication efforts for fish passage delivery and other policies affecting or involving fish passage delivery

Serve as information manager responsible for developing and managing complex information activities, including the development of policies, goals and objectives and resources; determines appropriate information methods and techniques to carry out public information activities

Develop and lead communication policy, guidance, and materials for the fish passage program across HQ and regions

Provide leadership and guidance to professional communications staff across HQ and regional offices in developing consistent and strategic fish passage messaging

Qualification

Strategic CommunicationContent DevelopmentMedia ExperienceAudience AwarenessEditing StandardsTechnical TranslationDigital ToolsProject ManagementCollaborationService-OrientedCommunity EngagementHigh-Risk CommunicationsTransportation KnowledgeGrowth MindsetProblem-Solving

Required

Strategic Communication & Messaging: Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate clear, accurate, and strategic messaging across multiple platforms, including websites, newsletters, press releases, interviews, and professional correspondence, in alignment with organizational goals

Written, Verbal & Public Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through clear, well-organized writing, verbal communication, and public presentations tailored to the needs of varied audiences

Content Development & Management: Demonstrated ability to produce, edit, and manage a wide range of communication materials, such as media content, videography, press releases, webpages, and communication plans, ensuring quality, consistency, and timeliness

Audience Awareness & Message Adaptation: Demonstrated ability to tailor communication approaches for diverse audiences, including the ability to explain complex or controversial topics clearly, accurately, and diplomatically

Editing & Style Standards: Demonstrated ability to apply copy-editing standards, style guides, and quality-control practices to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across communication products

Collaboration & Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to support coordinated communication efforts

Project & Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple communication projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with competing deadlines and changing priorities

Media & Spokesperson Experience: Demonstrated ability to serve as a spokesperson by responding to inquiries, participating in live interviews, and providing accurate, timely information on behalf of WSDOT

Technical Translation: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or transportation-related information into clear, accessible, and strategically aligned messages for non-technical audiences

Technology & Productivity Tools: Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to support communication planning, collaboration, and delivery

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others

Preferred

Digital & Design Tools: Demonstrated skill using digital and design tools, such as CMS/Drupal, InDesign, photography, and videography, to create accessible and audience-appropriate communication products

Video Content Accessibility: Demonstrated ability to produce or oversee video content that meets accessibility standards, including captioning, and ensures compliance with state, agency, or legal requirements

Problem-Solving & Independent Judgment: Demonstrated ability to identify communication or operational challenges, develop strategies, and implement solutions independently with minimal supervision

Community Engagement: Demonstrated knowledge of engagement and community relations, including experience effectively communicating with underrepresented or disadvantaged communities

High-Risk & Strategic Communications: Demonstrated understanding of high-risk communications, media relations, public policy, and political processes, with the ability to navigate sensitive or complex messaging situations

Transportation & Program Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of Washington's multimodal transportation system, including fish passage and related injunction projects, with the ability to translate technical or programmatic information into clear, actionable communication products

Benefits

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 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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.

Insurance Benefits – Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation – State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness – If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays – Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Sick Leave – Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.

Vacation (Annual Leave) – Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Military Leave – Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave – Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.