Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus



Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus

Salary

$72,972.00 - $137,952.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2024-09326

Department

House of Representatives

Opening Date

08/12/2024

Closing Date

9/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement


Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus
 

OPENS:

August 12, 2024

CLOSES:

September 03, 2024

REPORTS TO: 

House Democratic Caucus Communications Director

LOCATION:

Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington; option to work remotely during the legislative interim

SALARY:

Salary placement will depend on successful candidate’s experience and qualifications:

 

Salary range for Communications Specialist I is $72,972 - $126,456 annually

Salary range for Communications Specialist II is $79,596 - $137,952 annually

 

PLEASE NOTE: All interested applicants must submit the required applications materials in one document as described below under “How to Apply.” Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.

 

Our ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. Our ideal candidate is resilient and respectful when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative, even when stressed or tired. They are nimble and adaptive when faced with resistance and can have courageous conversations when needed.


About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made of 98 members, elected to serve two-year terms representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs 250 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. The Legislature meets annually beginning on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. 

 

Our workplace is on the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.  

 

The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

 

  • We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
  • We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
  • We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

About the House Democratic Caucus:
The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy, and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their constituents, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff member offices and support legislators in successfully fulfilling their duties through scheduling and administration, office management, research, casework, and constituent correspondence. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.

Duties

Position Profile: 

Caucus communications specialists are experienced communications professionals who help members of the House Democratic Caucus communicate with constituents, the media, interested parties, and the general public about the policies considered and passed by the Legislature.  This caucus communications specialist position has an emphasized workload in writing newsletter content as the team’s lead writer, drafting remarks and talking points, opinion pieces for publication, and more. As part of a communications “team” that serves a subset of House Democratic Caucus members, the position will also provide back up for social media content and audio/video communications products. Cross-training on software/platforms required for the position will be provided. The position is full-time, year-round, and exempt from civil service laws. This position is represented by a union.
 
Caucus communications specialists bring a resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to their daily work. They are creative problem solvers with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents. Successful candidates will be able to contribute as an active member of a diverse, highly collaborative team, and also be able to work independently. They will have the flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session. They will be able to learn new issues, applications, and platforms easily and be comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed.

 
 How You'll Be Expected to Contribute:  

  • Work with caucus members and staff to plan and create district-specific communication strategies for mass media and constituent outreach
  • Work within a small team to develop, design, and format visually engaging materials for web, print, electronic, and social media platform distribution
  • Work with issue-area policy experts (caucus and non-partisan) to effectively communicate complex policies using simple, easy-to-understand methods
  • Write press statements, talking points, editorial pieces, video scripts, newsletters, speeches, digital media copy, etc.
  • Assist in producing audio and video clips, maintaining member websites, and exploring new media opportunities
  • Organize media events within member districts and on the Capitol campus
  • Help maintain the caucus webpages and social media accounts 
  • Serve as a primary contact for legislative reporters, facilitate media requests, and provide background information as needed

Qualifications

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

  • Demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences in a variety of mediums using plain language
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative process OR ability to learn and apply legislative policies and procedures on the job
  • Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality
  • Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills (familiarity with AP Style a plus)
  • Experience managing workload, prioritizing tasks, and creating and delivering products on time
  • Ability to remain flexible and able to adapt to a wide variety of situations and circumstances
  • Experience working collaboratively and efficiently and interacting with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disability status
  • Willingness to actively participate in and support ongoing equity work undertaken by the House Democratic Caucus staff

 

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience with modern communication technology tools (Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams)
  • Experience with Granicus/GovDelivery or other email management and delivery systems
  • Experience using WordPress, or other web content management systems
  • Experience working in graphic design, video production and filming, and/or social media management are also valuable skills that contribute to products and services delivered to the House Democratic Caucus
  • Relevant work experience in federal, state or local government, communications, journalism, public relations or related field

 

Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Applicants with any combination of experience, training and education who demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Supplemental Information

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions: 
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence during the legislative session (January-April in odd-numbered years, January-March in even-numbered years) and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week or adjust normally scheduled hours, which will include evening, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules (the period between legislative sessions) allow for more flexibility and reduced hours.  This position is currently approved for in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite, in-person presence when requested.
 
Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.  
  
How to Apply:
Intrigued?  If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
 (1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
 (2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education;
 (3) examples of communications products from the applicant’s work or volunteer portfolio (can be a link to an online portfolio or gallery); and
 (4) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and phone number).
 
Send application materials by 11:59 p.m. on September 3, 2024 and direct any questions to:  HouseHR@leg.wa.gov.  Screening will continue until position is filled.  
  
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at niki.pavlicek@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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

Employer
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

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