Description

Communications Director
Recruitment #2022-11-2935
This is a Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Review of applications is ongoing and the hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.

Want to join a great team and make a difference?
Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote our efforts to lift up Washingtonians. This includes informing the public about dynamic work like wildfire response, protecting our lands and waters, and strengthening rural and urban economies.

Our public lands create incredible economic benefit and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and libraries. Under the leadership of Commissioner Franz, the agency is expanding opportunities that protect our lands and benefit our communities, including transformative investments in wildfire response, habitat restoration, carbon sequestration, clean energy, and aquatic protections. We want you to help us share how we are pushing the agency forward and maximizing the social, economic, and environmental value of public lands.

You can learn more about Commissioner Franz in these profiles: Seattle Times; The Stranger; Seattle Met.

The successful candidate will be motivated, creative, hardworking, and have a successful track record of communicating complex issues using a variety of mediums and tools.

As Communications Director, you will supervise a team of skilled communicators – from a deputy director and communications consultants to a social media manger, graphic designer, and speechwriter. Effectively managing this team will be critical to your success.

You will be responsible for crafting communications plans, identifying positive media opportunities, pitching stories, editing/writing news releases, editing/developing talking points, coordinating media interviews, and serving as an agency spokesperson when needed. You must be hungry to promote the value of this agency and highlight the leadership of Commissioner Franz .

You must have exceptional writing and editing abilities.

This position reports to the Chief of Staff and is part of the agency’s Executive Leadership Team. This position is a hybrid in-office/work-from-home schedule.

At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team that works on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly. We move fast and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the state and experience our incredible communities. Plus, awesome benefits. (Visit careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information).

Duties

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in political science, communications, journalism, marketing, or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities; or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience successfully executing high-priority, high profile communications projects using a variety of mediums and tools.
• Exceptional writing/editing skills. Demonstrated ability to write for targeted audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels.
• Strong project management, analytical and time-management skills with the ability to supervise multiple projects and support a cohesive, unified team.
• Innovative mindset with strong creative thinking and problem solving skills.
• Strong background in event planning and event management.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Ability to work nonstandard hours.
• Experience working for an elected official, candidate, or high-level executive.
• Proficient computer skills – e.g., Microsoft Office Suite.
• A valid driver’s license.

• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Working Conditions:
Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious exemption and accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status or having an approved medical or religious exemption and accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved exemption and accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Supplemental Information

Location:
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia on the state capital campus and minutes from downtown. This position is a hybrid in-office/work-from-home schedule. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• 
  To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact Carlo Davis at carlo.davis@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.