Community Engagement Manager

Full Job Description

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to begin on 05/06/2026 and will be ongoing. It is in the applicants’ best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?

At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.

We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.

To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement at www.wsac.wa.gov.

At WSAC

Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities-including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.

Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity. Our Commitment to Equity

About the Program or Division

The Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529) division includes the GET Prepaid Tuition Plan (GET) and WA529 Invest.

We strive to increase college access and affordability and reduce future student debt by offering individuals and families various options to save for a student’s future higher-education expenses.

These plans promote saving to reduce future debt, therefore increasing college access and affordability.

Additionally, we are committed to centering equity in our work and increasing program participation among underrepresented communities through targeted outreach, strategic partnerships, and initiatives.

Additionally, we are committed to centering equity in our work and increasing program participation among underrepresented communities through targeted outreach, strategic partnerships, and initiatives.

The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings governs the program. The Committee is composed of the Executive WSAC Director, the State Treasurer, the Director of the Office of Financial Management, and two citizen members.

About the Position

The Community Engagement Manager leads statewide outreach and engagement efforts to increase awareness and participation in WA529 programs. This role develops outreach strategies, builds partnerships, and represents WA529 through presentations, events, and collaborations.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Community Engagement, this position supervises Community Engagement staff, manages outreach initiatives, and contributes to program strategy and continuous improvement.

This position is ideal for a relationship-focused leader who enjoys connecting with communities and advancing equitable access to education.

Working Conditions
This position is based in Olympia, Washington, and primarily involves working in an office setting using standard computer and office equipment. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This role requires a high level of flexibility to support statewide outreach and community engagement activities.

Regular travel throughout Washington, including overnight travel, is expected, and occasional out-of-state travel may be required.

Evening and weekend work is a routine part of the position, supporting events, presentations, and community partnerships.

The position also includes physical demands associated with outreach activities, such as lifting, transporting, and setting up boxes of materials and exhibit displays at events.

Work often involves managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines, with extended hours expected during peak outreach periods or as needed to meet program demands.

This is a full-time, position eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement, and is exempt from civil service regulations.

Requirements

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

Leadership & Program Management

• Supervise, mentor, and support Community Engagement staff
• Co-develop and implement the annual outreach plan.
• Manage outreach budgets, materials, and vendor relationships
• Serve on the WA529 Leadership Team
• Identify and implement improvements to outreach strategies and operations
• Oversee the procurement and management of outreach materials and promotional items, including vendor coordination, budgeting, billing, and inventory oversight.

Community & Employer Engagement

• Develop and implement statewide engagement strategies
• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, community organizations, and stakeholders
• Lead employer engagement efforts, including payroll direct deposit participation
• Plan and coordinate outreach events, presentations, and sponsorships
• Represent WA529 at community events, conferences, and professional meetings

Collaboration & Communications

• Collaborate with WSAC divisions to align outreach efforts
• Develop outreach materials, talking points, and communications
• Support marketing initiatives and research projects
• Coordinate employer communications, including newsletters
• Contribute to marketing initiatives, research projects, and procurement processes, including RFI, RFP or RFQQ support when needed

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field and three (3) years of relevant experience
  OR
• Seven (7) years of combined education and progressively responsible experience in a related field

In addition, candidates must have:

• Experience presenting or speaking to diverse audiences
• Ability to travel statewide, including overnight travel
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing program budgets
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems
• Knowledge of state government or public sector programs
• Spanish language proficiency

Core Competencies

• Leadership and staff supervision
• Strong public speaking and communication skills
• Relationship-building and partnership development
• Project management and organizational skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. A complete application package includes:

1. Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may be eliminated from further consideration.
2. Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
4. Your responses to the supplemental questions.

Please note: Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email KarenM@wsac.wa.gov

EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov.