Communications Specialist

Full Job Description

Why work for OFM
The Office of Financial Management OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you’ve found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!

The job opportunity
We are seeking a Communications Specialist to support the organization’s communication needs by developing print publications, web content, social media materials, and news media across four program areas, including AmeriCorps, Washington Climate Corps Network, Community Emergency Response Team, and the Washington State Volunteer Awards. You will be responsible for managing expectations, timelines, details, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.

Success in this position requires strong collaboration with subject matter experts representing a range of specialties, writing backgrounds, and learning and communication styles.

The role emphasizes adaptability, clear communication, and an inclusive approach to ensure content is accessible, effective, and aligned with diverse audience needs.

Requirements

What you’ll work on

• Research, write, edit, publish, and distribute media releases, newsletters, fact sheets, and public education materials related to Serve Washington work and events.
• Coordinate media and public relations for Serve Washington, providing staff with resources and talking points for interviews and other external affairs.
• Craft and design brochures, flyers, invitations, recruitment materials, and other documents to promote the work of Serve Washington.
• Work with the Serve Washington team to develop an annual report that showcases the previous year’s work for stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage of Serve Washington programs; provide insights to the leadership team as needed.
• Manage the Serve Washington social media presence, including content creation, posting and engagement.
• Manage, build content and update the Serve Washington and WCCN websites; ensure content reflects the most current and relevant information.
• Oversee the administration of the Serve Washington brand book, ensuring compliance across the divisional workstreams.

Qualifications

What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated professional experience developing and implementing strategic communications, media relations, and public information efforts in a communications, public relations, or related role.
• Strong understanding of state communication principles, media relations, public relations, and crisis communication strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• High level of creativity and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative communication solutions.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong project management skills.
• Capability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at working under pressure and handling crisis communication.
• Experienced with software products, i.e., Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and graphics - Canva.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications.
• Knowledge of organizations engaging in related work to Serve Washington’s mission.
• Knowledge or familiarity with publications or communications channels to promote or expand the reach of Serve Washington’s mission.
• Strong ability to connect and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build organizational and program support relationships.
• Graphic design
• Photography/videography

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please share it with us or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience aligns with them.

Additional Information

What we offerAt OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger.

To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.Please visit our Recruitment site for a full list of employee benefits.

Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, paid vacation days, and sick leave (Part-time employees accrue leave based on the number of hours worked.)
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology to screen your application. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.

Questions: OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.

The Office of Financial Management 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 with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.