Communications Consultant 4 | Toll Division
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT's Toll Division and Regional Transit Coordination Division, in Downtown Seattle, are currently seeking to add a Communications Consultant 4 to our team. The overall objective of this role is to use communication to enhance public understanding regarding tolling and provide communication support for Sound Transit projects being constructed on WSDOT right of way.
- In this position you will create and lead extensive media and public outreach campaigns as well as strategically respond to media and public inquiries. Working for a public agency that oversees major infrastructure projects, you will also respond to frequent inquiries from the public and customers and assist with diverse needs in a timely, effective professional and creative manner.
- Additionally, you will prepare various communications materials including presentations, reports, correspondence, website language, fact sheets and folios, surveys etc.
You will also provide communications support for WSDOT's Regional Transit Coordination Division. Specifically, you will serve as a liaison between WSDOT and their transit agency partners assisting with their communication and public outreach needs for transit projects impacting WSDOT facilities.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant 4 will:
- Research and identify pertinent projects and emerging issues affecting tolling and develop appropriate communications strategies and response.
- Recommend messaging and course of action to WSDOT executives and managers, write and implement communications plans and monitor public responses to WSDOT projects and messaging.
- Coach others regarding relevant public policies and procedures, strategic communications messages, and communications standards.
- Provide communications support for internal communications, and teleworking initiatives and transition to a hybrid, modern work environment.
- Be available to respond to support communication efforts outside of business hours and take turns on-call phone.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Experience communicating clearly and concisely through written materials and editing the work of others.
- Experience with feature writing, editing, composition and layout of educational and promotional publications, English grammar, AP style, and graphic arts and printing methods.
- The ability to understand complex technical transportation and financial issues and translate them into clear, understandable information for the public.
- The ability to establish and foster positive working relationships with diverse agency colleagues, external stakeholders, customers, the community, and news media.
- Experience managing and editing webpages, spreadsheets, and electronic distribution systems.
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work in rapidly changing environments.
- Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, transportation, media relations, inclusive community relations, and construction.
- The ability to transport materials that weigh up to 40lbs.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Knowledge of user centered design principles.
- Valid driver’s license.