The Administrative Office of the Courts is looking for a communications professional interested in joining a dynamic group working to carry out a wide variety of public information and outreach activities in support of the Washington State judiciary.

We are seeking a skilled Communications Officer to join our team to work on a new Courts of Limited Jurisdictions Court Management System project.

This position will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing effective communication strategies that facilitate clear and concise information to external audiences.

Working under general direction from the Associate Director of Communications and Public Outreach, this is a professional level position that consistently applies independent judgment in assigned area of expertise and exercises decision making authority as delegated.

Interacts regularly with judges, stakeholders, newspaper reporters, television / broadcast reporters, elected officials and the general public.

Advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington Judicial System.The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values

integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork

It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.POSITION DETAILSJob #

2024-27Status

Full time - Project limited duration

Location

Olympia, WashingtonSalary

Range 54 : $58,380 - $76,608 per year (DOQ).Opens

April 11, 2024Closes

May 6, 2024. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.*

Duration :

This is a CLJ-CMS project position that is currently funded through December 31, 2027.WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATIONAOC requires employees to reside in Washington State.

Any exceptions must be approved.

If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager of this recruitment.

Position may be eligible for hybrid working; a combination of telework and working in-office.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES : Communication Strategy Development : Collaborate with IT leadership to develop communication strategies that align with AOCs goals and initiatives.

Identify key messages and target audiences for various IT projects, updates and announcements.Craft comprehensive communication plans that outline communication channels, frequency and content for each initiative.

Content Creation and Management : Create compelling and accurate written and visual content for a variety of communication channels, including emails, newsletters, intranet articles, presentations and videos.

Translate technical concepts into easily understandable language for non-technical stakeholders.Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather relevant information and insights for communication materials.

Internal and External Communication : Manage communication between teams, ensuring that relevant updates, changes, and best practices are shared consistently across the department.

Liaise with external stakeholders, such as vendors, partners, and clients, to ensure effective communication on project updates.

Change Management Communication : Develop communication plans to support change management initiatives, helping users adapt to new technologies, systems, or processes.

Provide clear explanations of the benefits and impacts of changes, addressing concerns and fostering a smooth transition.

Communication Channel Management : Manage and maintain various communication channels, collaboration tools, and social media platforms.

Monitor engagement and feedback on communication materials and make necessary adjustments to improve effectiveness.Assist in crafting communication strategies during IT-related incidents, ensuring accurate and timely updates to relevant parties.

Help manage the flow of information during critical incidents to minimize disruption and maintain stakeholder confidence.

Performance Analysis : Measure the effectiveness of communication strategies through metrics such as engagement rates, feedback, and user satisfaction.

Continuously refine communication approaches based on data-driven insights.Relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

A Bachelors degree in journalism, technical writing, public relations, communications, English or related field;AND

One (1) year of experience in journalism, public information, public relations or technical writing.THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESBring creativity, and humor to a team with an interest in presenting new ideas forward to help further the judicial branchs mission through strategic communications.

Be comfortable working to translate complex legal information into digestible language for multiple audiences.Be a skilled writer and editor with the ability to tell compelling stories and share takeaways and insights using clear language;

bring a sharp eye for editing content and copywriting; and create content in multiple formats (e.g., longer form articles, social media, speechwriting, blog posts, PowerPoint decks, memos, etc.

across diverse audiences including judges, AOC staff, court professionals and external stakeholders.Have a demonstrated ability to identify and assess the communication needs of audiences and determine the best communication methods and tools to reach them.

Possess an understanding of racial equity and how language affects storytelling, shapes cultural understanding, and can be inclusive with demonstrated experience working with communities of color and underrepresented groups to achieve communications goals.

Have an ability to multi-task and meet urgent deadlines while maintaining regular responsibilities and workload.Experience working in communications in the government sector or legal community and / or an advanced degree in a related field or a combination of significant experience.

For more information about the position,

to review the job description

application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position

CLICK HERE!IMPORTANT INFORMATIONWorkweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency need.Overnight travel may be required based on business need.

Positions in this job description are overtime exempt unless they are paid hourly and / or do not meet Washingtons Minimum Wage Act salary threshold.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law.

Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 705-5337,

or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to

Recruitment@courts.wa.gov

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.SPECIAL NOTE

Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

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Last updated : 2024-05-10