Communications Manager (WMS2)

Full Job Description

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Communications Manager to lead complex strategic communications, government relations, and public engagement efforts for the Eastern Region.

This leadership role is responsible for directing a comprehensive communications program that informs the public, supports safe and efficient transportation systems, and coordinates messaging across multiple regions and partner agencies.

The position serves as a key member of the regional leadership team, providing strategic communications and political guidance while fostering strong relationships with media, stakeholders, and elected officials.

The Communications Manager oversees public information during major incidents, emergency responses, and high-profile transportation initiatives, while ensuring consistent, timely, and effective messaging across all platforms.

This role also leads a high-performing communications team and drives initiatives that enhance public trust, community engagement, and regional coordination.What to Expect

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

• Lead and manage a team of Communications Consultants, overseeing daily operations and long-term resource planning for the program.
• Plan and implement strategic communications and community engagement initiatives while managing messaging for emergencies and construction activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with media, stakeholders, elected officials, and partner agencies to support public understanding of transportation programs.
• Advise senior leadership on communications strategies related to construction projects, emergency response, and public safety messaging.
• Direct emergency communications efforts, including participation in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordination of crisis response messaging.
• Oversee regional construction communications, including corridor coordination and management of project timelines to minimize conflicts.
• Manage communications contracts, public records responses, and compliance requirements, including Title VI reporting and DBE outreach initiatives.
• Monitor public perception and develop proactive communication strategies, including media engagement, outreach events, and internal/external messaging campaigns.
  
  

Qualifications

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

Strategic Communications Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and lead comprehensive, multi-year strategic communications and government relations programs for a complex public or private organization.

This includes establishing vision, setting measurable objectives, aligning messaging with executive priorities, and adapting strategy to changing political, operational, and media environments.

Executive Advisory & Political Acumen: Demonstrated ability to advise senior executives on high-profile, politically sensitive issues, including emergency response, major construction impacts, legislative engagement, and public controversy.

Applies to sound judgment in assessing political climate, stakeholder interests, and reputational risk to inform executive decision-making.

Crisis & Emergency Communications Management: Demonstrated experience leading crisis communications during emergency or high-risk situations.

Ability to serve as or direct Public Information Officers (PIOs), coordinate with Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), and deliver timely, accurate, life-safety messaging across multiple platforms under pressure.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development: Proven effectiveness in leading teams and fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.

Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, coach, mentor, evaluate, and hold staff accountable for performance outcomes— experience in planning and allocating resources to meet both immediate and long-range operational needs.

Stakeholder & Government Relations: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with elected officials, tribal governments, federal, state, and local agencies, media representatives, community partners, and internal stakeholders.

Experience navigating complex governmental and interjurisdictional environments to achieve strategic outcomes.

Public Engagement & Community Outreach Strategy: Demonstrated ability to design and implement inclusive public engagement strategies for complex infrastructure projects, policy initiatives, or operational programs.

Experience developing outreach materials, facilitating meetings, and ensuring compliance with Title VI and related equity requirements.

Analytical Judgment & Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to assess reputational, operational, and safety risks associated with communications decisions. Critical thinking, appropriate timing, messaging, and distribution channels are essential in this position.

Written & Verbal Communication Excellence: Demonstrated ability to clearly and persuasively communicate complex technical or policy information to diverse audiences, including the public, media, elected officials, and internal staff.

Ability to review, interpret, and draft technical and professional documents.

Regulatory & Policy Knowledge Working knowledge: of applicable RCWs, WACs, federal regulations, public records requirements, and agency policies relevant to communications and public disclosure.

Technical & Operational Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency using computer systems and communications technology to produce, manage, and distribute information, including Microsoft Office applications and digital communications tools.

Education & Professional Preparation: Demonstrated knowledge and applied expertise in strategic communications, public affairs, public administration, political strategy, journalism, emergency management, or a closely related field sufficient to: Analyze complex public policy, infrastructure, and operational issues and translate them into clear strategic messaging.

Ability to develop and implement multi-year communications strategies aligned with executive priorities and agency goals.

Knowledge and competency may be gained through professional experience, formal education, specialized training, or a combination thereof.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to be available on a 24/7 basis to respond to media inquiries and support communications during emergency or critical incidents.
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Advanced Crisis Communications Leadership: Extensive experience leading multi-agency crisis communications during disaster response or major infrastructure incidents.
• Advanced Public Information Officer Training: Completion of FEMA Emergency Management Institute Advanced Public Information Officer training or comparable advanced emergency communications certification.
• Legislative & Political Strategy Experience: Demonstrated understanding of legislative processes and experience engaging effectively with elected officials in politically complex environments.
• Senior-Level Communications Experience: Significant professional experience leading communications programs in large, complex, or highly regulated organizations.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid telework options.
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with occasional field visits to construction, maintenance, or emergency sites.

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 individual’s lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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.

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.Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-6W055 in the subject line.