Senior Communications Specialist
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $8,750.00 - $10,500.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00615
Department: Office of Financial Management
Division: One Washington
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Please Note: This opportunity is open to current OFM employees only.
Why work for OFM?
The (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you've found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!
The Job opportunity:
As an Senior Communications Specialist for the One Washington program, you will be responsible and accountable for creating, executing, and maintaining a comprehensive internal communications strategy and plan; partnering closely with the Communications Director, Executive Program Director, and Operations and Project Management Office (PMO) Director to identify key messages to keep the One Washington project staff aligned to priorities, informed of key project changes, and connected to each other and leadership via shared information, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
You will support the program's Communications Director, Executive Sponsor, Executive Program Director, Deputy Program Director, and other executive leaders as appropriate in all matters related to the legislature, special projects, high-impact/high-visibility engagements and other communication needs as they occur.
*Due to the nature of this role, the Senior Communications Specialist may be required to serve on an 'on-call' basis during legislative session or special project activities.
*This position is eligible to frequently telework majority of the time and is typically not required to report on-site. If required on-site, then your supervisor will do their best to make every effort to notify you at least 1 week in advance, with the exception of emergency/urgent situations. The default assigned work location of all One Washington project positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington, *specifically at one of our two duty stations based in Olympia.
So, if you are looking to play a critical role in technology transformation within WA State government and advance your career within these working conditions, then apply today
Duties
(OneWA), led by the Office of Financial Management, is an enterprise-wide transformation project focused on replacing 1960s-era technology with a cloud-based solution for finance, procurement, budget, HR, and payroll processes, utilizing Workday technology. OneWA is a long-term yet extremely fast-paced project anticipated to fully implement all phases by 2030. The project's core business hours are Monday through Friday, all project positions are full-time, and we offer some flexibility in schedules oriented around core business hours with prior supervisory approval. However, it is very common to regularly work beyond the typical 40-hour work week to meet the rigorous operational needs and business deliverables required for the go-live timelines.
What you'll work on:
Qualifications
What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:
Desired Qualifications:
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees. Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
Questions: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email us at
The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see .
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
This position is only open to current, Office of Financial Management employees. Are you currently employed with Office of Financial Management?
02
The application process requires that you attached a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
03
How did you first learn about this job opportunity?
04
If you selected OFM or State employee, BRG, Career Fair event, or Other on the previous question, please list the name of the person and/or organization in the space below, otherwise type NA.
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00615
Department: Office of Financial Management
Division: One Washington
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Please Note: This opportunity is open to current OFM employees only.
Why work for OFM?
The (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you've found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!
The Job opportunity:
As an Senior Communications Specialist for the One Washington program, you will be responsible and accountable for creating, executing, and maintaining a comprehensive internal communications strategy and plan; partnering closely with the Communications Director, Executive Program Director, and Operations and Project Management Office (PMO) Director to identify key messages to keep the One Washington project staff aligned to priorities, informed of key project changes, and connected to each other and leadership via shared information, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
You will support the program's Communications Director, Executive Sponsor, Executive Program Director, Deputy Program Director, and other executive leaders as appropriate in all matters related to the legislature, special projects, high-impact/high-visibility engagements and other communication needs as they occur.
*Due to the nature of this role, the Senior Communications Specialist may be required to serve on an 'on-call' basis during legislative session or special project activities.
*This position is eligible to frequently telework majority of the time and is typically not required to report on-site. If required on-site, then your supervisor will do their best to make every effort to notify you at least 1 week in advance, with the exception of emergency/urgent situations. The default assigned work location of all One Washington project positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington, *specifically at one of our two duty stations based in Olympia.
So, if you are looking to play a critical role in technology transformation within WA State government and advance your career within these working conditions, then apply today
Duties
(OneWA), led by the Office of Financial Management, is an enterprise-wide transformation project focused on replacing 1960s-era technology with a cloud-based solution for finance, procurement, budget, HR, and payroll processes, utilizing Workday technology. OneWA is a long-term yet extremely fast-paced project anticipated to fully implement all phases by 2030. The project's core business hours are Monday through Friday, all project positions are full-time, and we offer some flexibility in schedules oriented around core business hours with prior supervisory approval. However, it is very common to regularly work beyond the typical 40-hour work week to meet the rigorous operational needs and business deliverables required for the go-live timelines.
What you'll work on:
- Provide direct communications support to the OneWA Communications Director, Executive Sponsor, Executive Program Director, and Deputy Program Director; craft written communication for audiences including OneWA staff, governance groups, and enterprise agency heads; develop visual materials for presentations; strategizes on messaging and tone.
- Partner with the Communications Director to influence to create, and propose recommendations on future program communication models, ensuring business owners from all phases stay connected and aligned to the One Washington program.
- Maintain the public One Washington website, partner with WaTech and OFM web development teams to maintain accuracy and reflect communication trends in web formats.
- Create materials for legislative session: strategize with the Communications Director, Executive Sponsor, OFM Legislative Liaison, and OneWA Budget Manager to create all supporting materials to promote and explain the OneWA budget ask. These materials are seen by legislators and legislative staff and used by OFM and program executive leadership to engage with members and staff at various levels.
- Serve as the named substitute for the Communications Director: If for any reason the OneWA Communications Director is unable to attend to their duties during legislative session, the Executive Communications Specialist will step in and act in their stead. This requires this role to be trained on all aspects of the legislative session, and able to step in at a moments' notice to ensure adequate coverage.
- Develop the tracking mechanism and project plan and assists the Communications Director by coordinating and organizing all questions and requests that come to the program from the legislature; work with subject matter experts to collect information, organize it, and use it to provide official program response; maintain a detailed tracker of information provided; monitor trends in theme and volume of request to inform engagement strategy.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive OneWA internal communication strategy that serves as the source of truth and guiding document for how the program communicates to staff and contractors working on the project; create weekly talking points, deliver program priorities on behalf of the Executive Program Director, maintain the OneWA Program Hub SharePoint site for staff and contractor information, support executive leadership in monthly All Staff meetings by preparing opening remarks based on staff areas of interest, concern, etc.
- Serve as the named point of contact to maintain and report upon the OneWA Executive Communications Plan (internal, legislative, and executive engagements only - Phase-specific project communications plans are the responsibility of the Agency Readiness Team Director and Project Manager).
- Meet weekly with the Communications Director to advise on upcoming campaigns, initiatives, and strategies per the communications plan.
- Partner with state and contracted subject matter experts across the program to plan, prepare, and draft presentation materials.
- Coordinate with OFM contracts and legal experts to review and ensure that all materials, engagements, and outputs from OneWA public engagements abide by applicable OFM policy and RCWs regarding ethics in public service; communicate final approval to outside entities (Workday) for use of materials, engagements, and outputs for marketing purposes after coordination with contracts/legal.
- Provide direct, support to the Communications Director on all special projects and engagements of high-impact, high-visibility, or that have the potential to cause reputational harm; special projects could include, but are not limited to: political engagements, audits, governor's change of administration, major changes to project or program scope, schedule, budget, or phase; organizational re-structuring, key staffing or contractual changes, etc.
Qualifications
What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. *Applicable work experience will be accepted on a year-for-year basis.
- Five (5) years of experience in communications, with a focus on internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and executing communication campaigns for large-scale projects required, preferably in the public sector or in ERP implementations.
- Experience working with high-level executives, understanding of public policy, and engagement strategies.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in complex IT project communication, particularly implementing Workday in the public sector.
- Experience with the legislative process and high-level stakeholder engagements; preparing and facilitating communication on behalf of an organization to an oversight body.
- Project management training and/or certification.
- Organizational change management training and/or certification.
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees. Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
- An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
- Tuition reimbursement Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
- State retirement programs
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their contact information.
Questions: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email us at
The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see .
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
This position is only open to current, Office of Financial Management employees. Are you currently employed with Office of Financial Management?
- Yes
- No
02
The application process requires that you attached a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
- Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume.
- No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume.
03
How did you first learn about this job opportunity?
- Word of mouth (e.g., friends, family, neighbor, etc.)
- OFM employee
- Other State employee
- Business Resource Group (BRG's)
- Career fair event
- Careers.wa.gov
- DeafNation
- Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
- WorkSource Office or similar
- OFM website
- governmentjobs.com
- Other
04
If you selected OFM or State employee, BRG, Career Fair event, or Other on the previous question, please list the name of the person and/or organization in the space below, otherwise type NA.
Required Question