Director of Communication and External Relations

Description EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

This is an exempt recruitment announcement from the Professional Educator Standards Board. This position, located in Olympia, WA, may be eligible for a partial teleworking schedule. Telework combines in-building and off-site days.

Who we are

We believe that the success of Washington’s students depends on the success of Washington’s educators. At the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), we strengthen and support the success of our educator workforce through every stage of their career. We are one agency with two governing Boards: the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board. Our policies and programs span Washington’s system of educator pathways, preparation, certification, and professional development opportunities. We oversee educator standards and licensure, and hold preparation programs accountable for the ways in which they recruit, support, and prepare diverse and classroom-ready educators. Our board members and staff are committed to centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work and to building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nations across Washington State. As part of our commitment, we embrace the opportunity to address disparities and barriers perpetuated by historical and institutionalized racism within the overall education system, and we recognize the unique government-to-government relationship the state holds with Tribal Nations under the Centennial Accord. Our agency values serve as a compass to guide our work. We value: Educator voice, Diversity, equity, and inclusion, Educator excellence for student success, Community engagement, Learning and innovation.

Position overview

This position provides strategic guidance to the Executive Director and other agency members to help engage the public, strengthen external partnerships, and promote the value and visibility of our work. The Director for Communication and External Relations must establish strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams to execute effective, equity-centered communications plans supporting agency needs and goals. This role ensures communication with educators, paraeducators, preparation programs, school districts, Educational Service Districts (ESDs), educational organizations, policymakers, the public, and Tribal Nations in Washington State is not only clear and accurate but also culturally responsive, reflecting the histories, sovereignty, and self-determination of the communities we serve. The Director partners closely with the agency’s Tribal Liaison to ensure Tribal perspectives, protocols, and priorities are embedded in the agency’s communications, outreach, and public engagement work. The Director will employ equity-centered and culturally responsive communications to elevate the agency’s core functions for educators (career exploration and discovery, preparation, credentialing, workforce development, and shortage). The role will also work to ensure the agency’s messaging reflects the needs of historically underserved communities and Tribal Nations. This role will lead and support the development and implementation of campaigns for multiple audiences to support the agency’s priorities, including legislative advocacy.

Key responsibilities

• Agencywide communications
• Public relations and legislative support
• Digital Communications
• Executive director and board meeting support

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across cultural, linguistic, and community differences, as well as engage in courageous conversations around race, equity, and Tribal Sovereignty.

Desired qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.

Condition of employment

All state employees must live within Washington state during employment. Telework is available within the state.

Compensation

Annual compensation for the position is $80,000 to $110,000 per year and depends upon experience, educational background, and qualifications.

Application process

Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only: A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement, A current resume, A list of three or more professional references.

Please address any questions to: Sal Salazar, Human Resources Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 600 Washington Street Southeast Olympia, WA 98504-7200 360-725-6278, Sal.salazar@k12.wa.us

The Professional Educator Standards Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity.