Communications Administrator (WMS2) - Internal

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Company: State of Washington

Location: Olympia, WA 98501

Description:

Salary : $56,472.00 - $103,632.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02897
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Director's Office - Communications Office
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
This position exercises latitude and discretion, making decisions which are guided by departmental policies where precedents for judgments and actions are not always clear and where analysis requires critical thinking and operational effectiveness on a strategic level. This position is directly accountable for managing and overseeing communications operations. This position manages and ensures the effective day-to-day operations of the Communications Office by providing leadership to a team of communications professionals in the delivery of high quality, customer focused service.

As the Communications Administrator this position is responsible for multiple distinct bodies of communications work to include but not limited to; communication consultation, internal communications management, strategic external communications, media and public relations, crisis communications, brand management, internal training and development, technology management, organizational change management and leading communication regarding equity, diversity and inclusion with the agency EDAI subject matter experts. Additionally, this position acts as the back-up to the Communication Consultants in their absence to include the Communications Director.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for an Internal full-time permanent WMS Band 2 position within the Director Office. This position is located in Olympia, Washington and is not represented.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $56,472 - $103,632 annually

Duties

Include, but are not limited to:

Communication Consultation
  • Provide mentoring, strategic guidance, and leadership to communications staff.
  • Advise and consult within assigned areas of responsibility regarding enterprise projects, agency and division initiatives, agency strategic measures in support of the agency's mission.
  • Make decisions and provide consultation regarding effective communications and outreach, strategy and best practices that can be tracked through key performance indicators.
  • Communicate ideas and information with all levels of management and stakeholders, both orally and in writing using communication vehicles that will maximize the reach and understanding of message.
  • Provide leadership within the Communications Office to ensure agency compliance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Communication and Design-along with the Title II and Title III regulations.
Manages Professional Level Communication Staff
  • Develop staff skills and abilities; establishing performance standards, expectations, and facilitate processes for continues improvement throughout the year.
  • Monitor staff performance; Hold assigned staff accountable to work standards by coaching and mentoring; take action to distinguish performance standards; effectively communicates performance information with staff in a timely manner, fosters a culture of ongoing open communication within the department.
  • Develop, draft, and implement results-based performance expectations, sets priorities, and conducts performance evaluations of assigned communications staff.
  • Coordinate, communicate, document and report out on communications performance measures, procedures, and standards.
Communication Planning of Agency/Organizational Changes
  • Lead vision and strategy development; create a clear and concise vision for the desired future state of the agency and crafts a comprehensive communications strategy for various initiatives to achieve that vision.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the progress and impact of the change initiatives and regularly monitor and evaluate performance against KPIs.
  • Identify potential obstacles and challenges that may arise during the change process and develop strategies to mitigate these risks to include but not limited to identifying stakeholders' concerns, addressing resistance, and adapting the change approach.
Communication Strategy Development
  • Play a pivotal role in devising and executing communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify communication needs, conducting research to understand target audiences, and crafting comprehensive plans to reach them effectively.
  • Monitor and evaluate the success of communication initiatives, making data-driven adjustments as necessary to optimize impact.
Content Creation and Management
  • Write, edit, and curates' content for websites, social media platforms, newsletters, press releases, and other communication mediums.
  • Develop engaging narratives, producing multimedia materials, and ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
  • Oversee content scheduling, distribution, and performance tracking, maintaining a cohesive and impactful online presence for the organization.
Internal Communication Coordination
  • Develop and implement strategies to keep staff informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.
  • Manage internal communication channels such as intranet portals, email newsletters, and staff meetings.
  • Collaborate with department heads and HR to ensure consistent messaging regarding policies, procedures, and organizational changes.
  • Foster a culture of transparency and open communication, they will contribute to a positive work environment and employee satisfaction.
Brand Management and Reputation Enhancement
  • Work to protect and enhance the organization's brand identity through strategic communication initiatives.
  • Monitor online mentions and social media conversations, responding to inquiries and feedback, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.
  • Reinforce a positive brand image, the Communications Administrator will help build trust and credibility with stakeholders, donors, and the public.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

  • Bachelor's degree involving major study in community relations, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, or related field.
AND

  • At least four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.
  • Two (2) years of supervisory experience including overseeing geographically dispersed employees and conflict management.
  • Additional professional experience in information, journalism, public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.
  • Experience developing creative assets using Adobe Creative Suite applications such as but not limited to InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field.
  • Working knowledge of Washington's agricultural landscape and industry.
  • Knowledge of Washington State procurement processes, and experience writing requests for proposals, evaluating proposals, contract negotiations, and contract management and monitoring.
  • Fluent speaking and writing in both English and Spanish.
  • Experience working on a statewide community relations and outreach effort.
  • High-level skill in both oral and written communication with consumers, professional staff, managers, and legislators. Must have ability to collaborate with other divisions, administrations and business partners and work with diverse groups and facilitate meetings and group discussions.
  • Experience developing and cultivating relationships with staff, peers, partners, stakeholders, steering committees, sponsors, and executive management.


Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
Employee Benefits
  • A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
  • WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
  • 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
  • All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
  • Commute Trip Reduction Program.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us atwww.agr.wa.gov.
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.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email .
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.
Equity at WSDA
The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.
We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at 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 Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
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,

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.
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 opportunity is for internal WSDA employees. Are you a WSDA employee?
  • Yes
  • No

02

To be considered for this position you must attach samples of creative deliverables developed using Adobe InDesign, a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Have you attached or included these documents to your application?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have a bachelor's degree involving major study in community relations, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, or related field?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No, but I have equivalent years of experience in the above field.

04

How many years of experience do you have in professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations
  • 3 years' experience
  • 4 years' experience
  • 5 years' experience
  • 6 years' experience
  • 7 years' experience
  • 8+ years' experience

05

Do you have two (2) years of supervisory experience including overseeing geographically dispersed employees and conflict management?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have experience developing creative assets using Adobe Creative Suite applications such as but not limited to InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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