Communications Director

Job Description

Communications Director (WMS Band 3)

Are you a professional with experience in communications?

We are hiring for a Communications Director to join the Department of Agriculture!

The Communications Director manages the agency’s Communications Office and reports to the agency Deputy Director and is a member of the Deputy Director’s Leadership Team. The position coordinates with the Director’s Communication Liaison and participates in executive policy decisions and agency strategic planning. In addition, this position is responsible for public information, media relations, and all communications for the agency, including printed publications and web-based material.

What are we looking for?
A professional leader with knowledge of marketing concepts, experience in graphic design, and marketing and publication projects. This individual would have strong familiarity and working knowledge using social media platforms, working in the news media, and writing for a web-based audience.

Duties

Some of what you’ll do include:

• Manages the functions of the communications office: determining appropriate information methods and strategies for carrying out public information activities; developing policies, goals, objectives; recruiting, hiring, training, and managing staff; and directing activities with the Governor’s press office, sister state agencies and industry stakeholder groups. Manages and supervises all Communications Office staff.
• Works with managers and staff to develop and implement communication plans and strategies to build understanding of the agency, enhance relationships with internal and external audiences, and build support for the agency and WSDA within diverse audiences.
• Represents on behalf of the Director and the agency as a spokesperson to the news media and the public regarding programs, issues, and events in interviews with the media, at meetings, hearings, news briefings or other public events.
• Develops and recommends communication direction and strategy to the Deputy Director and executive agency leadership.
• Oversees the development, writing, editing, and design of the agency publications.
• Plans, edits, researches, directs, and approves news releases, statements, advisories, program newsletters, key web pages, social media content, weekly Governor Alerts, and other communication with the Governor’s Communications Office.
• Develops and maintains relationship with the news media. Monitor’s the news and WSDA program and events for promoting opportunities.
• Manages WSDA’s social media platforms.
• Assures appropriate and optimum use of the organization’s resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and development.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, or a closely allied field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in communication, public information, or community relations.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or other experience demonstrating the ability to effectively lead a team.
• Ability to develop, implement, and manage successful public information plans, strategies, and programs.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills are needed to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and employees.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with the media to obtain coverage of agency programs and issues.
• Technical skills in grammar, punctuation and proofreading, publication design, technical and creative writing; computer programs for work processing and desktop publishing, cameras; and other communications devices.
• Organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit to meet the standards of the Associated Press style guide.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities will make your application more competitive:

• Previous experience working in the news media.
• A strong familiarity and comfort working with social media platforms.
• Training or experience writing for a web-based audience.
• Experience managing graphic design and publication projects.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

· Three professional references

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record 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 position.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

COVID-19 VACCINATION:

Pursuant to Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation on August 9, 2021, all employees who work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 must be shown to WSDA’s human resource office prior to employment.

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences, and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 – $133,044.00 per year

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Olympia, WA 98501: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• Public relations: 1 year (Preferred)
• Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location