Description About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 1 to support communications and workforce development within the Multimodal Planning & Data Division in Olympia, WA. In this role, you will work to inform decisions by helping to develop, edit, coordinate, and distribute communications materials that support planning, policy, data, and analysis services. You will collaborate with division and agency staff, external stakeholders, and agency leadership to develop clear and effective documents, graphics, emails, web content, and other communications. You will also provide quality control for a variety of materials. Your work will help advance the division's mission to inform decisions through expertise and innovation that support a statewide sustainable and integrated multimodal transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Import, format, merge, and manipulate text and graphic images using standard PC applications.
• Review and assist with copy editing, design, layout, publication, and sharing of materials through email, Teams, SharePoint, and the web.
• Research and work with internal partners to draft division publications, including folios, reports, fact sheets, and one-pagers consistent with WSDOT style and graphic standards.
• Assist in developing graphics, tables, charts, polls, and surveys using Microsoft, Adobe, SurveyMonkey, and/or Mentimeter.
• Draft content for internal communications, including blogs, newsletters, Teams channels, and other publications.
• Draft materials that increase the visibility and credibility of planning and data products and services.
• Assist with sharing messages about how the division supports strategic goals, including the WSDOT Strategic Plan, Federal Planning Emphasis Areas, Title VI, and state environmental justice goals.
• Develop scripts, record, and edit videos to support planning-related communications.
• Support virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings and conferences, including scheduling, agendas, presentations, speakers, registration, food and materials, technical support, and day-of-event activities.
• Review and assist with revising web content and build and update content in Drupal for the WSDOT public website and/or InsideDOT employee intranet.
• Collaborate with authors and subject matter experts to review, revise, and update web content and provide workflow feedback to improve governance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs, team projects, and cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications

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

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Writing and Editing Skills: Strong writer with ability to edit the writing of others.
• Web Development: Ability to develop and publish web content consistent with agency guidelines.
• Graphic Design: Ability to use industry standard software to develop a variety of graphic elements, including logos, images, flow charts, and design visualizations.
• Document Layout: Able to take large amounts of text/photos/graphics/tables and import them into a document for publication using Microsoft Word and/or Adobe InDesign. Documents must pass accessibility check.
• Meeting Support/Event Management: Actively supports all aspects of in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings, including scheduling, developing materials, arranging speakers, presenting, arranging food, setting up, and cleaning up.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• WSDOT Style Guidance: Knowledge about WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.
• Drupal Proficiency: Experience editing websites using Drupal.
• Lean Six Sigma: Experience and/or certification in the Lean process improvement methodology.
• ADA Accessibility Standards: Base level knowledge about creating and publishing documents that are accessible for the widest possible audience.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. In addition to 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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 telework options for eligible positions.

Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!

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.

Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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 explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05616 in the subject line.