Workforce Services Communications Manager

Full Job Description

The ideal candidate for this role brings a thoughtful, proactive approach to communication and thrives in a fast-moving environment.

You are skilled at building relationships, navigating diverse stakeholder needs, and translating policy and program information into compelling, accessible communications.

In addition, you lead with integrity, center equity, and bring a steady, solutions-oriented approach to your work.

The ideal candidate is confident advising executives, skilled at managing sensitive issues, and experienced in representing an organization publicly.

As the Workforce Services Division (WSD) Communications Manager, you will lead strategic and tactical communications for programs that serve job seekers, employers, and the statewide WorkSource system.

You will be a key member of the central Communications Office and an active participant in WSD’s leadership team.

Your work ensures that the division’s priorities, services, and initiatives are clearly communicated to the public, partners, and stakeholders.

You will also serve as the primary media contact for WSD, working closely with the agency’s Communications Director and colleagues across ESD.This role directly supports ESD’s mission to promote economic resilience and prosperity by ensuring that Washingtonians have clear, accurate, and accessible information about workforce services and resources.

Requirements

Some of what you will do:

• Lead development of strategic and tactical external communications plans for WSD programs and the statewide WorkSource system.
• Serve as the division’s principal communications advisor to executives, program leaders, and partners.
• Develop, administer, and direct complex public information and outreach efforts aligned with agency goals.
• Identify target audiences and craft communication strategies using data, analytics, and customer insights.
• Provide strategic oversight for WorkSourceWA.com and related web properties, ensuring usability, accessibility, and content quality.
• Coach and collaborate with WSD staff on communication planning and execution.
• Write and review a wide range of external communications, including newsletters, updates, reports, social media content, video scripts, and outreach materials.
• Ensure compliance with agency writing, branding, and accessibility standards.
• Organize and lead meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to public information and communications.
• Represent WSD in leadership meetings, cross-agency workgroups, advisory committees, and community forums.
• Coordinate with the Governor’s Office on communications related to WSD programs, as needed.
• Evaluate communication strategies and recommend improvements based on data, research, and stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain relationships with local governments, state agencies, and public/private partners to support communications efforts.
• Lead resource development and execution of annual workplans for the WorkSource Brand and Media (BAM) group.
• Respond to media inquiries and serve as spokesperson for WSD and the statewide WorkSource system.
• Assist with planning and executing news conferences, publicity events, and other public-facing engagements.

Qualifications

Required:

Option 1:

• Eight (8) years of equivalent/education experience.
• Experience includes information, journalism or public relations.
  

Option 2:

• Associates degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field and
• Six (6) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.

Option 3:

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field and
• Four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.
  Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.
  

The required experience includes:

• Public Speaking & Media Relations Competency: Effectiveness in representing the organization externally.
• Strategic Planning & Public Relations Expertise: Proficiency in designing and executing communication strategies.
• Consultation & Leadership Skills: Ability to advise and guide leadership in communication strategies.
• Administrative & Program Management Competency: Proficiency in setting objectives and overseeing communication programs.
• Research & Analysis Skills: Ability to assess public engagement and identify informational needs.
• Program Evaluation Expertise: Proficiency in assessing and enhancing communication initiatives.
• Advisory & Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret public sentiment and advise leadership accordingly.
• Collaborative Communication Skills: Effectiveness in coordinating communication initiatives across departments.
• Training & Facilitation Competency: Proficiency in educating and empowering personnel on communication practices.
• Flexibility & Adaptability Skills: Ability to handle dynamic responsibilities and evolving priorities.
  

Required equity competencies:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.

Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field.

A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.

Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Additional Information

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship.

We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities.

Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Katie Swanson, 360-742-8208 or the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711 prior to the recruitment closing.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

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