Leave & Care Communications Manager
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $71,148.00 - $95,652.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-13576
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Communications Office
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our ideal candidate is deeply dedicated to their role in driving equitable outcomes for Washingtonians. You are highly strategic, experienced in communications and passionate about workforce development. You are collaborative, curious and welcome feedback from customers and colleagues.
The Leave & Care Communications Manager contributes to ESD's mission by leading public information activities about Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares. They are responsible for strategic and tactical communications planning, writing and management of Leave & Care communications. They supervise staff who help with planning and execution of communications plans. They sit on the Leave & Care program leadership team, helping the division effectively engage with key stakeholders as it relates to communications for both the Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares Fund programs. They report to the agency Communications Director or Deputy Director and are a key part of the central Communications Office. They report out to the Communications team, Leave & Care leadership team and the ESD Executive Leadership Team, as needed, on communications efforts for the two programs. They are the main point of contact for media inquiries for the division, working in collaboration with the central Communications team.
Are you our ideal candidate? If this sounds like a match, please apply!
You might be our ideal candidate if you:
Our communications team
We have a team of exceptional communications professionals who care deeply about public service. We are committed to supporting one another and love our team's culture. We put ESD's values into action: Love, belonging, equity, access and stewardship.
Duties
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field
OR a combination of transferrable education and experience.
AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in information, journalism, public relations or related field.
Additional professional experience in information, journalism, public relations or related field will be substituted,
year for year, for education.
Experience developing standards, policies and procedures for a team, division or organization.
Experience with mass email communication tools like GovDelivery.
Competencies. The incumbent is a highly collaborative strategic thinker and expert communicator who demonstrates these competencies in writing and interpersonally. They are well-versed in strategic communications planning and executing on deliverables for web, mass email platforms, social media and print. They have experience creating, updating and managing web content. They write in and edit for plain talk. They plan and implement news media engagement strategies and deliverables. They establish and manage standard operating procedures for themselves and others. They collaborate with multiple stakeholders to co-create communications, public relations or marketing solutions. They manage their workload with transparency. They are familiar with legislative processes and authorizing environments. They demonstrate cultural competency and are committed to ongoing development of equity, diversity and inclusion competencies.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Additional Requirements of Employment:
Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or the
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Candidates who are offered a job with ESD must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a letter of interest with this applicant packet.Please submit only the required documents and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.Please indicate you have attached the required documentation.
02
ESD EMPLOYEE: Are you a current or former ESD employee?
03
How do you ensure that your communication strategies are data-driven and align with organizational goals? Could you please provide an example of a successful campaign you led using research and data?
04
How do you approach the development and management of standard operating procedures for a team or organization? Could you please provide a specific example from your experience?
05
Can you discuss your familiarity with legislative processes and authorizing environments? How have you incorporated this knowledge into your communication strategies?
06
Could you explain how you demonstrate cultural competency and your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your work. Provide an example of a project where these principles were key to its success.
07
ESD EDUCATION: Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
08
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-13576
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Communications Office
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our ideal candidate is deeply dedicated to their role in driving equitable outcomes for Washingtonians. You are highly strategic, experienced in communications and passionate about workforce development. You are collaborative, curious and welcome feedback from customers and colleagues.
The Leave & Care Communications Manager contributes to ESD's mission by leading public information activities about Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares. They are responsible for strategic and tactical communications planning, writing and management of Leave & Care communications. They supervise staff who help with planning and execution of communications plans. They sit on the Leave & Care program leadership team, helping the division effectively engage with key stakeholders as it relates to communications for both the Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares Fund programs. They report to the agency Communications Director or Deputy Director and are a key part of the central Communications Office. They report out to the Communications team, Leave & Care leadership team and the ESD Executive Leadership Team, as needed, on communications efforts for the two programs. They are the main point of contact for media inquiries for the division, working in collaboration with the central Communications team.
Are you our ideal candidate? If this sounds like a match, please apply!
You might be our ideal candidate if you:
- Thrive in complex stakeholder environments and see yourself as a bridge-builder between different teams.
- Take pride in your talent to quickly establish trust and be the "glue" that brings cohesion to a team.
- See the big picture as you take a strategic approach to planning and managing your work.
- Follow through on your commitments down to the last details.
- Write in plain talk as you translate complex information into clear, well-written messages.
- Deliver high-quality drafts of internal and public-facing material.
- Look forward to facilitating meetings as well as planning and attending events.
- Thrive on collaboration and working independently.
- Lead through influence with compassion and diplomacy.
- Aren't above the nitty-gritty or beneath making decisions.
- Enjoy and have experience researching, planning, implementing and evaluating marketing campaigns for public programs.
- Are excited at the prospect of developing communications strategies and connecting them to outreach efforts at the regional, state and national levels.
Our communications team
We have a team of exceptional communications professionals who care deeply about public service. We are committed to supporting one another and love our team's culture. We put ESD's values into action: Love, belonging, equity, access and stewardship.
Duties
- Write and execute strategic communications plans and tactical campaigns for programs in the Leave and Care division. Ensure communications plans and implementation align with goals and objectives for the agency, division and programs.
- Consult with internal clients as well as internal and external stakeholders to identify goals and objectives, develop communications strategies for target audiences, create and publish messaging.
- Use research and data to drive communication and marketing strategies.
- Establish communication objectives. Evaluate effectiveness of information and public relations activities and make improvements. Review and update communication plans with customer insight research and data
- Draft, design and publish deliverables. Gather feedback to ensure accuracy and appropriate tone, finalize and publish on a variety of channels including websites, GovDelivery, and print materials.
- Use quantitative and qualitative data to determine effectiveness of communications and adjust accordingly.
- Update plans to track and measure progress.
- Ensure consistency between external and internal communications.
- Advise communications leadership and agency/division executives about public interest and reaction to proposed programs and policies.
- Manage media responses for division programs. Work with SMEs to gather and vet information. Prepare talking points for agency/division executives and spokespeople.
- Report on plans, projects, tactics, analytics to the communications team, communications leadership team, division partners, division leadership and external stakeholders.
- Evaluate effectiveness of information and public relations activities and make improvements.
- Maintain relations with departments, public, and private organizations to exchange information and promote communications programs.
- Manage and support direct reports, ensure timely reviews, conduct 1:1s.
- Actively participate in critical meetings, team meetings, huddles and lead divisional and cross-agency meetings as needed.
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field
OR a combination of transferrable education and experience.
AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in information, journalism, public relations or related field.
Additional professional experience in information, journalism, public relations or related field will be substituted,
year for year, for education.
Experience developing standards, policies and procedures for a team, division or organization.
Experience with mass email communication tools like GovDelivery.
Competencies. The incumbent is a highly collaborative strategic thinker and expert communicator who demonstrates these competencies in writing and interpersonally. They are well-versed in strategic communications planning and executing on deliverables for web, mass email platforms, social media and print. They have experience creating, updating and managing web content. They write in and edit for plain talk. They plan and implement news media engagement strategies and deliverables. They establish and manage standard operating procedures for themselves and others. They collaborate with multiple stakeholders to co-create communications, public relations or marketing solutions. They manage their workload with transparency. They are familiar with legislative processes and authorizing environments. They demonstrate cultural competency and are committed to ongoing development of equity, diversity and inclusion competencies.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- At least two (2) years managing others.
- Experience in public service at the local, state or federal level.
- Proven ability to create and format deliverables (files and webpages) to meet ADA accessibility standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Adobe applications.
- Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into common language for customers and staff.
- Knowledge of accessibility and usability standards for customer-facing projects.
- Experience in crisis management, organizational change management, legislative and stakeholder outreach and management and employee communications.
- Experience developing strategic communication plans including identifying areas of risk and evaluating communication plan effectiveness.
- Experience in cultural competency and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.
Additional Requirements of Employment:
Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or the
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Candidates who are offered a job with ESD must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a letter of interest with this applicant packet.Please submit only the required documents and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.Please indicate you have attached the required documentation.
- Yes
- No
02
ESD EMPLOYEE: Are you a current or former ESD employee?
- Yes
- No
03
How do you ensure that your communication strategies are data-driven and align with organizational goals? Could you please provide an example of a successful campaign you led using research and data?
04
How do you approach the development and management of standard operating procedures for a team or organization? Could you please provide a specific example from your experience?
05
Can you discuss your familiarity with legislative processes and authorizing environments? How have you incorporated this knowledge into your communication strategies?
06
Could you explain how you demonstrate cultural competency and your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your work. Provide an example of a project where these principles were key to its success.
07
ESD EDUCATION: Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- J.D. (Juris Doctor)
- Ph.D.
- I do not have a degree
08
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- ESD Employee Referral
- Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- VERG
- Craigslist
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Other
Required Question