Assistant Communications Manager – Toll Division (CC5)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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 serve as the Assistant Communications Manager for the Toll Division in Seattle, WA. This position serves as the media relations lead and agency spokesperson and is responsible for responding to frequent reporter inquiries related to tolling. This position must manage, lead, and direct extensive media and community engagement campaigns for the state’s Good To Go! program and tolled roads, to meet the needs of the agency, stakeholders, and the public. This role supports WSDOT’s mission by communicating the value of tolling to provide funding for important transportation investments and improve travel reliability. This role will communicate with stakeholders, the media, public and customers and share timely, accurate information about tolling to build external understanding and support about tolling. The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Communications Manager will:

Work independently or as part of a team, serve as primary media contact for tolling.
Create, lead, direct and control extensive media and public outreach campaigns as well as strategically respond to media inquiries with minimal supervision.
Respond to frequent reporter inquiries while assisting media outlets with diverse needs in a timely, effective, professional, and creative manner.
Prepare WSDOT managers and executives for media interviews and for speaking engagements with diverse audiences.
Plan, organize, and control extensive media, social media, and public relations activities.
Serve as agency spokesperson and may represent the Toll Division Director or Secretary of Transportation when and if required.
Develop and coordinate communication policies and decisions related to tolling project and customer service communications issues.
Represent WSDOT in meetings with partner agencies and influential stakeholders to build relationships, coordinate efforts and share project information.
Lead, direct, and oversee community engagement efforts for tolled projects and issues.
Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related fields
Four (4) years of writing/editing experience; or equivalent education/experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations. Additional professional experience in communications, journalism or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Experience organizing and prioritizing work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers, and competing priorities.
Experience working independently and work part as a team.
Experience fostering and maintaining excellent working relationships even in time of stress and conflict.
Experience advising top management and officials regarding program impact upon the public and tolling customers; organizing, preparing, and presenting comprehensive public information and education programs using media; writing and speaking effectively, coordinating, and supervising personnel; establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with members of the media and the public; selecting effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of evaluating effectiveness of public relations programs; new media procedures and techniques; state government departmental organization and functions.
Knowledge, experience, and thorough understanding of tolling and transportation operations.
Knowledge and background in public speaking, writing, and editing. English grammar, AP style, punctuation and spelling, and graphic arts.
Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, media relations, community relations (including working with disadvantage, minority, and non-English speaking communities).
Knowledge, experience, and thorough understanding of website usability principles.
Important Notes

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2023.
The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
In addition to the 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.
The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT

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 earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
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.
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 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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which 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 those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.
Contact us:

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-04119 in the subject line.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.