Public Relations Officer [02281]



Public Relations Officer [02281]

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2020-02281

Department

Dept. of Commerce

Opening Date

03/19/2020

Closing Date

4/21/2020 4:06 PM Pacific

Description


**This position will remain open until filled. The hiring authority may make a hiring decision at any time.  Initial screening will begin March 26, 2020.  It is to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Do you have a passion for storytelling?  Are you someone who can simplify technical program information and create a visual journey for our communities?

The Department of Commerce is looking for someone to tell our story externally to legislators, policymakers, and community members.  This person will design, produce and coordinate content intended for an external audience to tell the story of Commerce's 100-plus community programs, ranging from renewable energy and economic development to affordable housing, crime victim services, infrastructure, and land use planning.

Reporting to the agency director, this position produces and coordinates content and design intended for an external audience to tell the story of our community programs.This position directs a matrixed team who create a full range of communications, marketing products, and services, including strategic communications planning, issues management, executive communications, media relations, public outreach, speech strategy and development, website development and management, graphic design, and publications.  It is also responsible for developing and executing statewide communication plans and public information and education. 

At the Department of Commerce, we are creative, collaborative and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and own our work.

Duties

Direct the development, delivery and evaluation of external communication strategies.  Provides direction to the director and executive leadership on news media, public relations, and marketing/outreach strategies and actives.
 
Responsible for the quality and utility of Commerce's involvement with news media; this includes outreach to the media a well as response to inquiries, and involves – either directly with the respect to staff members reporting to this position or in matrix liaisons with managers of others – designating, coordinating and preparing other agency employees and consultants who may appropriately speak for Commerce.  Also includes responsibilities for monitoring the media for issues.
 
Provides direct and timely information to and be a link with Governor's Communication Office; provides communication plans and strategies for issues, incidents, policies and goals; provides graphic design and content for print, broadcast and online media; and provides accurate, timely information to print, broadcast and online news media.
 
Supervises and directs content on the Commerce website and social media accounts.
 
Reviews content of external communications to ensure consistency with overall agency communication goals.
 
Establishes and maintains effective professional relationships with news media reporters, editors, opinion writers and managers.
 
Manages external and internal communications around lawsuits involving the agency.
 
Develop, execute and direct the external communications activities for the agency: develop and implement an external communications strategy for the agency's integrated messages as well as individual divisions, programs, issues and covering special events (i.e. international trade missions, agency-sponsored conferences, etc.) and communicating our agency story internally and externally.
 
Work with agency divisions to communicate successes and projects to the public through proactive public relations. 
 
Act as liaison to the Governor's communications office handling Commerce related media calls and preparing talking points for the Governor's Office upon request.
 
Provide leadership in message development and implementation for Key Issue Management, Crisis Communication, Website Management, Executive Speech Writing, Publication Management and Brand Identity. 
 
Responsible for transforming policy or legislative concepts into talking points, articles and speeches on short notice.
 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in political science, communications, business, public administration or related disciplines.
  • 7 years of professional experience in managing communications with strong technical skills demonstrated through a wide-ranging portfolio of communication products and broad past experience that might encompass communications themes in public affairs, news media, and/or politics.
  • Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Professional experience with multi-media (text, image, audio, video, and animation) communications including graphic design and publishing.
  • Experience understanding key legislative, intergovernmental and interest group process and relationships in Washington State.
  • Professional experience with marketing and advertising strategy.
  • Professional experience with trends and methods for the Internet, including the design, development and management of social media.
  • Experience leading talented, professional staff. 

Agency Core Competencies:

Customer Service - Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
Integrity - Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.
Leadership - Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others.
Accountability - Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
Teamwork - Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
Position Specific Competencies:
Listening Skills - Listens attentively to others, asks clarifying questions, actively listens, stays open to other viewpoints, and manages distractions and interruptions.
Planning - Develops realistic plans, sets goals, aligns plans with company goals, plans for and manages resources, creates contingency plans, coordinates/cooperates with others.
Problem Solving - Breaks down problems into smaller components, understands underlying issues, can simplify and process complex issues, understands the difference between critical details and unimportant facts.
Productivity - Manages a fair workload, volunteers for additional work, prioritizes tasks, develops good work procedures, manages time well, handles information flow.
Quality - Is attentive to detail and accuracy, is committed to excellence, looks for improvements continuously, monitors quality levels, finds root cause of quality problems, owns/acts on quality problems.
Results Focused - Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes 

Supplemental Information

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application and answering the supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
 

  • letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
  • A current resume detailing experience and education; and
  • A list of at least three professional references.
 
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2652 or Lindsey.Henderson@Commerce.wa.gov. 
 
Who we are:

At Commerce, we're a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit.  We're a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer's needs to fulfill them.  Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). Our parking is free and many of our employees bike year round.   

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with strengthening communities.  We administer a diverse portfolio of programs and services, and we support several state boards and commissions.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor's priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.


Where we work:
 
Commerce's main office is located in Olympia; however we also have locations in downtown Seattle and Spokane.  
 
Olympia
 
As the state's capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children's Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!
 
Spokane

Spokane is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest and is the second most populous city in Washington. The Spokane River runs through the city and beautiful Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. An array of enjoyable outdoor activities are right out our back door; including ski resorts, white-water rafting, camping areas, hiking trails, lakes, and the Centennial trail. Amazed by the arts?  Show some love to your artistic side with a trip to the Spokane Region.  Broadway performances, intriguing art galleries, world-class museums and powerful stage performances are waiting to be discovered.
 
Seattle

Being surrounded by greenery year round has earned the Seattle the nickname of the Emerald City. Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty with a wide variety of outdoor attractions within the city such as Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park. Feel like getting away from the city? Seattle is centrally located surrounded by the Puget Sound and miles of hiking trails within driving distance. Seattle is home to a variety of attractions to include the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and historic Pioneer Square. Art and Culture more your style? Seattle is home to more than 100 theater companies, the Seattle Symphony, as well as museums and galleries. Sports enthusiast? Seattle is home to professional football, soccer and baseball teams as well as a variety of collegiate sports to choose from.
 
Additional Information:
 
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. 

The Washington State Department of Commerce 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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
  • High School Graduation or equivalent
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Master Degree or higher
  • None of the Above
02
Please select the answer that best describes your professional level experience managing communications with strong technical skills demonstrated through a wide-ranging portfolio of communication products and broad past experience that might encompass communications themes in public affairs, news media, and/or politics:
  • I do not have this experience
  • Fewer than 7 years
  • 7 years
  • 8 years
  • 9 years
  • 10 years
  • 11 years
  • 12 or more years
03
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
04
Which of the following best describes your professional experience with multi-media (text, image, audio, video, and animation) communications including graphic design and publishing:
  • I do not have this experience.
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 or more years
05
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
06
Select the answer that best describes your experience in understanding key legislative, intergovernmental and interest group process and relationship in Washington state:
  • I do not have this experience
  • Less than two years
  • 2 to 3 years
  • 4 to 5 years
  • 6 or more years
07
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
08
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
  • Department of Commerce website
  • Department of Commerce employee
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
09
The WA State Dept. of Commerce (Comm) Nepotism policy prohibits relatives or household members from working in any capacity that may create a conflict of interest. Answering "YES" to the following question will not automatically exclude you from employment opportunities. Are you related to or residing with any current Comm employee(s)? If so, please provide the employees name(s).

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact