Communications & External Affairs Program Specialist

Emergency Management Program Specialist 3

Camp Murray, WA

Under the direction of the Washington Military Department (WMD) Communications Director, this position serves as a senior emergency management and communications professional responsible for leading and coordinating complex emergency management and public information activities across the department. This is a civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.

About the Washington Military Department

Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference. Whether that's partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top-notch talent, or supporting at-risk kids at our Washington Youth Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home. To learn more about the Washington Military Department, please visit: www.mil.wa.gov

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.

Duties

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

• Leads State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Public Information and ESF 15 External Affairs operations before, during, and after SEOC activations.
• Develops, coordinates, and disseminates accurate, timely, accessible emergency public information that supports incident objectives.
• Ensures appropriate staffing, readiness, training, and operational effectiveness of ESF 15 during SEOC activations.
• Coordinates messaging with state, local, Tribal, federal, and nongovernmental partners to ensure consistent, unified communication.
• Monitors information, media, and emerging issues; correct misinformation and advise on communication risks.
• Leads or supports Joint Information Center (JIC)/Joint Information Systems (JIS) operations as required to maintain coordinated statewide public information.
• Helps ensure all communication products comply with accessibility, legal, and policy requirements.
• Participates in planning, incident action processes, and after-action reviews to improve communication capabilities.
• Provides the Communications Director with help to develop key messages, talking points, fact sheets, press releases, web content, email alerts, newsletters, social media content, briefing materials, and other communications products for internal and external audiences.
• Serves in the absence of the Communications Director, acting as spokesperson and advising leadership on public information strategies, outreach, and legislative-related communications.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 2, OR A Bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in emergency management, public information/relations, journalism, communications, homeland security, disaster mitigation planning, emergency communications systems, financial management (grant management, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, scientific environmental analysis or planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, and/or urban planning. Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement. A Master's or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

AND

Two years of professional experience in public information/relations, journalism, or communications. Note: This experience may be gained currently with the experience listed above.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrated ability to reflect, learn, and adapt behavior to improve individual and organizational effectiveness.
• Service Oriented: Demonstrate a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others. Demonstrated ability to understand and respond to the needs of others, remove barriers, and contribute to equitable responsive service delivery.
• Knowledge of: Public information and strategic communication principles, including media relations, news operations, risk communication, traditional and digital media platforms, and effective methods form communicating with diverse audiences.
• Skills and Abilities to: Communication Development Emergency Management/Incident Response Critical Thinking & Decision Making Strategic Communication Digital Communication Written and Verbal Communication Media and Stakeholder Relations Public Outreach and Engagement.

Supplemental Information

Compensation: Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.
• Driver's License: Valid to drive in the State of Washington. Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.
• Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation. Camp Murray utilizes the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.
• Work Hours: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day, or a four-day per week schedule, 10 hours per day, with either Mondays or Fridays off. The actual work hours will be established between the employee and supervisor and will start no earlier than 6:00am and end no later than 6:00pm.
• Telework: This position may be eligible for some telework. The incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance between remote and in person work based on operational need and employee preference. Reporting to the workstation for work activities and participating in in-person meetings is required.
• Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Travel: Some travel up to 5% - May be rarely required for overnight stays.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is 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 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 of three (3) professional references. Please include at least two (2) past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable. For each reference include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number, Email Address. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document. A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application. Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions, are completed in full. This recruitment may be utilized to fill additional Emergency Management Specialist 3 vacancies within 60 days after the recruitment closing date.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Geri Harding at geri.harding@mil.wa.gov

Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

The Washington Military Department 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: geri.harding@mil.wa.gov, Call: (253) 512-7384, or 711