Communications Consultant 5



Communications Consultant 5

Salary

$72,525.00 - $97,511.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

24DOT-NWR-10025e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

04/11/2024

Closing Date

4/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



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 5 to lead strategic communications efforts for the Northwest Region. Reporting to the NWR Communications Manager, this position will spearhead communications initiatives related to maintenance, operations, traffic, and emergency response. As a key spokesperson for the agency, the consultant will collaborate with major stakeholders to innovate and pioneer communication strategies aligned with WSDOT's mission. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in emergency response efforts, potentially serving as the primary Public Information Officer in the Transportation Management Center during EOC activations while also ensuring that all region PIOs are crisis-trained and prepared to respond effectively.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant 5 will:

  • Advise Northwest Region leadership on media and public information activities during crisis situations.
  • Develop and coordinate communication policies for Transportation Systems Management Operations (TSMO) and crisis communications.
  • Assist communications managers across the state during high-profile closures or issues affecting statewide travel.
  • Serve as the primary media contact for the Northwest Region maintenance, operations, and traffic.
  • Lead media and public outreach campaigns and respond to media inquiries.
  • Prepare WSDOT managers and executives for media interviews and speaking engagements.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor Communications Consultants at the CC3 and CC4 levels.
  • Ensure public information aligns with the agency's communications plans.
  • Represent WSDOT in meetings with partner agencies and stakeholders.
  • Carry an on-call cell phone and respond to emergencies day and night for one week at a time.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, political or social science, and three (3) years of experience writing/editing/translating technical language to plain talk; or equivalent education/experience. 
OR 
  • A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, public relations, political science, social science, or related field and four (4) 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. 
 
In addition to the following:
  • Communicate clearly and concisely through written materials; edit the work of others; knowledge of news and feature writing; edit, composition, and layout of educational and promotional publications; English grammar, AP style, graphic arts, and printing methods, materials, and terminology. 
  • Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with diverse agency colleagues, external stakeholders, customers, the public, and news media. Communicate effectively with hostile individuals.
  • Ability to transport material weighing up to 40 lbs. 
 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:
  • Organized and experienced prioritizing work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers & competing priorities. 
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team. 
  • Experience fostering and maintaining excellent working relationships even in times of stress and conflict. 
  • Experience advising top management officials regarding program impact on the public; organizing, preparing, and presenting comprehensive public information and education programs using mass media; writing and speaking effectively; coordinating and supervising direct reports; establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with members of the media and public; select effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information. 
  • Knowledge of methods of determining needs for public information and education; methods and techniques of evaluating the effectiveness of public relations programs; mass new media capabilities, procedures, and techniques; state government and departmental organization, programs, and functions. 
  • Knowledge and experience working in crisis communications and transportation operations. 
  • Knowledge and background in public speaking, writing, and editing; public composition and layout. English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and diction; graphic arts and printing methods and materials.

 Important Notes 

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
 
Why WSDOT 
  • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.  
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
 
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible. 
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 
  • An attached Resume outlines (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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment. 
 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NWR-10025e in the subject line.

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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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.

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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

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.

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.

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.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

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). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

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, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.
  • I have a master's degree or higher in English, journalism, communications, public relations, political science, social science, or a related field.
  • I have a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, public relations, political science, social science, or a related field.
  • I have an associate degree in English, journalism, communications, public relations, political science, social science, or a related field.
  • I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • None of the above
02
If you indicated completion of an associate degree or higher, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience writing/editing/translating technical language to plain talk.
  • I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have 9 – 10 years of this experience.
  • I have 8 – 9 years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
  • I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
  • I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
  • I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
  • I have less than one (1) year of this experience.
  • I do not have this experience.
04
In reference to the question above, please briefly describe where and how you gained this experience. If no experience, type N/A.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of journalism and/or public relations experience.
  • I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have 9 – 10 years of this experience.
  • I have 8 – 9 years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
  • I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have less than four (4) years of this experience.
  • I do not have this experience.
06
In reference to the question above, please briefly describe where and how you gained this experience. If no experience, type N/A.
07
Do you have experience advising top management officials regarding program impact on the public; organizing, preparing, and presenting comprehensive public information and education programs using mass media; writing and speaking effectively; coordinating and supervising direct reports; establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with members of the media and public; select effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information.
  • Yes
  • No
08
In reference to the question above, please briefly describe where and how you gained this experience. If no experience, type N/A.
09
This job requires you to carry a company cell phone and be available to respond to emergencies day and night for one week at a time. Are you able and willing to perform this job function?
  • Yes
  • No
10
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
11
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

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