Communications Consultant 4

Posting number: 26DOT-ER-61366

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Eastern Region

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Transportation, Marketing, Communications

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 seeking a collaborative Communications Consultant 4 to contribute to the strategic communications and community engagement efforts for transportation projects and programs throughout the Eastern Region (ER), including high-profile and high-impact initiatives. Reporting to the ER Communications Manager, this position will develop and implement proactive communication strategies, inclusive community engagement plans, and culturally responsive outreach that strengthen relationships with agency partners, local communities, tribal governments, and elected officials while supporting environmental justice and WSDOT's strategic priorities. This role serves as a trusted advisor to agency leadership, providing communications expertise, evaluating outreach effectiveness, and recommending innovative approaches that build public trust and support informed decision-making. Strong candidates will possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and experience fostering 

meaningful engagement with diverse communities.

What to Expect

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

• Conduct daily strategic communications efforts; interpret policies and drafts communications related to policy decisions.
• Serve as media contact for the ER on projects, other high-profile/high-impact projects, and during emergencies.
• Research, write, edit, produce, and distribute newsletters, brochures, media releases, websites, briefing papers, correspondence, mass mailings, media lists, speeches, presentations, and other communications tools as needed.
• Edit and maintain agency webpages; design and direct extensive, inclusive, collaborative, and transparent community engagement communications resources and materials. 
• Establish and sustain professional relationships with various internal and external WSDOT partners.  
• Represent WSDOT in meetings with partner agencies and influential stakeholders; facilitate engagement and achieve support for agency projects, programs, and initiatives. 
• Consult and advise upper-level management and participate in decision-making. 
• Guide decision-making with internal agency teams, external organizations, and consultant team parties related to public engagement and environmental justice communications in regional projects and programs.
• Act as the lead communicator at any public meeting, open house, stakeholder meeting or other events. 

Qualifications

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

Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Leadership

• Demonstrated advanced competency in planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive strategic communication and public affairs initiatives for complex, high-visibility issues.
• Ability to assess political, organizational, and community impacts and determine appropriate communication strategies across multiple platforms and audiences.

Community Engagement & Environmental Justice Practice

• Demonstrated experience designing and leading inclusive, culturally responsive community engagement efforts, including engagement with historically underserved, disadvantaged, and limited-English-proficiency populations.
• Ability to apply environmental justice principles and inclusive engagement requirements to transportation project communications.

Media Relations & Public Messaging

• Advanced skill in serving as a media spokesperson, including preparing for and responding to media inquiries, press events, and emergent issues.
• Demonstrated ability to craft clear, accurate, and compelling messaging under tight deadlines and public scrutiny.

Professional Writing, Editing & Content Development

• Advanced competency in professional writing, editing, proofreading, and content development across multiple formats, including web, print, digital, and presentations.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of English grammar, AP style, messaging standards, and accessibility considerations, with strong attention to detail.

Judgment, Decision-Making & Adaptability

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and adapt communication strategies in politically sensitive, high-pressure, or rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to independently assess risk, recommend solutions, and advise leadership.

Collaboration, Consultation & Influence

• Ability to build trust and maintain productive working relationships with internal teams, executive leadership, partner agencies, elected officials, tribal governments, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience consulting with leadership and participating in strategic decision-making processes.

Service Orientation & Growth Mindset

• Demonstrated commitment to meeting the needs of internal and external customers through responsive, solution-focused communication.
• Actively seeks learning opportunities, feedback, and continuous improvement in communication practices.

The following qualifications are also required: 

• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Advanced Relationship Management & Conflict Navigation: Demonstrated ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships in high stress, politically sensitive, or conflict-driven environments.
• Visual, Digital & Graphic Communications: Knowledge of or demonstrated experience using visual and digital communication tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, GIS-based tools, Microsoft Office 365, and multimedia platforms. Ability to apply visual storytelling principles to enhance public engagement and understanding.
• Social Media Strategy & Analytics: Experience managing or contributing to social media platforms, using analytics and engagement data to evaluate effectiveness and inform communication strategies. Familiarity with Online engagement tools and survey platforms.
• Multimedia Production: Demonstrated skills or experience in photography, videography, and video editing to support outreach, storytelling, and public engagement activities.
• Organization, Prioritization & Workload Management: Ability to organize, prioritize, and deliver high-quality work while managing multiple deadlines, competing priorities, and diverse stakeholders.
• Transportation, Government & Political Environment Knowledge: Experience or understanding of transportation and construction communications, government operations, public outreach, media relations, and political processes.
• Crisis Communications & Emergency Response: Experience coordinating or leading communication efforts during emergencies or crisis situations. FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) Emergency Responder certification or the ability to obtain.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes 

• This position requires carrying an on-call phone and serving as the agency spokesperson on a 24/7 basis. 
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Occasional extended or nighttime hours may be required.
• 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 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61366 in the subject line.