Construction Communications Specialist - Communications Consultant 4



Construction Communications Specialist - Communications Consultant 4

Salary

$56,599.00 - $76,053.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

19DOT-NWR-11872-01

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Opening Date

12/19/2019

Closing Date

1/9/2020 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



**Please Note:  The current salary range listed for this position does include the 5% King County premium effective July 1, 2019. **

The Opportunity: WSDOT has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated communications professional who will assist with leading media and public outreach campaigns for all construction projects in the Northwest Region. This position will create, lead, direct and control extensive media and public outreach campaigns as well as strategically respond to media inquiries with minimal supervision. At times, this position must also carry an on-call phone and serve as an agency spokesperson on a 24/7 basis. This position is responsible for responding to frequent reporter inquiries and assisting media outlets with diverse needs in a timely, effective, professional, and creative manner.

This position also prepares WSDOT managers and executives for media interviews and speaking engagements with diverse audience.

The Construction Communications Specialist will play a vital role in WSDOT's successful delivery of the Northwest Region design and construction program, maintaining public confidence and helping the public travel safely.

At WSDOT, 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 perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?

This position will perform the following work:

  • Lead communications for WSDOT projects and programs in Northwest Region.
  • Research and identify pertinent projects, emerging issues and legislative initiatives affecting transportation and develop appropriate communications strategies and responses.
  • Recommend messaging and course of action to WSDOT executives and managers, write and implement communications plans and monitor public responses to WSDOT projects and messaging.
  • Coach others regarding relevant public policies and procedures, strategic communications messages and communications standards.
  • Review and edit public involvement plans and support public involvement activities.
  • 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.
  • Showcase the agency's achievements, employees and challenges through the use of proactive media relations, photos, video and social media.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree skills degree and in English, communications, journalism, public relations, political or social science AND three (3) years of writing/editing/translating experience: or equivalent combination of education/experience. One year of equivalent work experience may be substituted for education.
  • Knowledge and background in public speaking, writing and editing; public composition and layout (English grammar, punctuation, spelling and dictation; graphic arts and printing methods and materials).
  • Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, transportation, media relations, community relations (including working with disadvantaged, minority, and people with limited English proficiency) and construction.
  • Ability to use a variety of software including Drupal, and media tools, including still and video cameras, to advance WSDOT messaging and goals.
  • Ability to transport materials that weigh up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to work independently and work as part of a team.
  • Ability to foster and maintain excellent working relationships even in times of stress and conflict.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers and competing priorities.
  • Background in and thorough understanding of transportation communications, media relations, public outreach, and politics.
  • Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience managing website and social media content and tracking web usage metrics.
  • Experience planning and implementing communications plans for media events, press conferences, public celebrations, open houses/community engagement events.
  • Ability to shoot and edit photos as well as video using non-linear editing software.
  • Previous experience as a spokesperson to media.
  • Proven ability to write compelling content for the web or publication using AP style.
  • Experience working with graphic designers to create intuitive graphics for the web and other publications.
 

How to Apply: 
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically.
To be considered for this position, please include the following with your online application:
  • A reverse chronological Resume outlining your experience to date
  • A Letter of Interest detailing your qualifications, and why you believe you are the best person for this role, and
  • A minimum of three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies
 
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Josefina Mutascu at MutascJ@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 19DOT-NWR-11872-01.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and 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 https://www.uscis.gov/.   
 

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
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.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
Do you have a college degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Social Science, or related field?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Which best applies to you:
  • 3 or more years paid working experience in marketing, public relations or media
  • 2 years paid working experience in marketing, public relations or media
  • 1 year paid working experience in marketing, public relations or media
  • Less than 1 year of paid working experience in marketing, public relations or media
  • No paid experience
03
Please briefly elaborate on your selected answer above in Question #2.
04
Do you have experience managing website and social media content and tracking web usage metrics?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have experience planning and implementing communications plans for media events, press conferences, public celebrations, open houses/community engagement events?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Please describe your experience creating and implementing communications plans (as listed above). If none, write N/A.
07
Do you have experience shooting and editing photos?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you have experience working with graphic designers to create intuitive graphics for the web and other publications?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Are you willing and able to respond to requests 24/7 and able to carry an on-call pager/cellphone and respond to emergencies day and night for one week at a time?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Are you willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends during periods of heavy construction or emergency situations?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you have a valid, unrestricted Driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
12
How did you learn of this WSDOT employment opportunity? (Select one from the list).
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Email Notification
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • AASHTO
  • APWA
  • NACTO
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • Networking/Social Event (specify below)
  • WSDOT Employee (specify below)
  • Other Source (specify below)
13
If you chose "WSDOT Employee", "Other", or "Networking/Social Event" as the option for how you heard about this job opportunity, please specify the person or event in the field below (Otherwise type N/A):

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact