Description

• Serve as the primary public relations strategist for the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, providing strategic communications guidance to the office’s management team, focusing on the HEAL Act.
• Develop, market, and implement the office’s various communications plans.
• Independently plan, develop, and implement communication strategies to meet agency communication objectives related to the DEI, EJ, HEAL Act) and Title VI as well as all OECR initiatives.
• Contribute to reaching departmental communications goals through publications, web articles, news releases and other communication materials.
• Evaluate possible courses of action and makes decisions or advises regarding communication strategies.
• Develop and implement the messaging and tools to effectively deliver information such as news releases, talking points, speeches, printed materials, web content, email, and social media.
• Plan, organize and direct information, media, public relations, and internal communications programs for the HEAL act program, DEI work plan, other environmental justice programs and other OECR programs as needed.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the agency in response to media, other agency, or public requests for information in areas of expertise.
• Develop plans and strategies for sharing information related to the HEAL act using internal and external channels.

• A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing or related field, or equivalent professional experience in related occupation (one year of experience equals one year of education).
• Seven (7) years of advanced-level professional and managerial expertise in the communications field which encompassed journalism, media broadcasting, public relations, marketing, use of social media, web content development, including spokesperson responsibilities for a complex public or private organization.
• Experience planning, organizing, and implementing events.
• Highly developed interpersonal and personnel leadership, management, and communication skills.
• Superior communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups utilizing oral, written, and electronic communication methods; and English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and diction; graphics arts and printing methods and materials.
• Extensive knowledge and background in public speaking, writing, and editing; public composition and layout.
• Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, highway transportation, media relations and community relations (including working with disadvantaged, minority, and non-English speaking communities).
• Understanding of government structures and policies, and ability to work cooperatively with local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Ability to maintain functional knowledge of transportation systems, features and modes, and other government practices and agency accountability standards.
• Ability to work effectively with the media and act as department spokesperson for print, radio, and television media.

• Previous experience working within the transportation industry or with media.
• Bilingual in one of WSDOT’s top ten Limited English Proficiency.

• 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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position may require travel in Washington statewide, and occasional overnight stays for multiple nights.
• 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.

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
• 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. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (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; does not require an additional attachment.

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