Communications Specialist (Exempt)

Communications Specialist (Exempt)

Salary
$44,000.00 – $60,000.00 Annually
Location
Pierce County – Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Exempt
Department
Puget Sound Partnership
Job Number
2017-09916
Closing
11/13/2017 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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The Puget Sound Partnership leads the region’s collective effort to restore, protect, and sustain Puget Sound. We align the work of our partners around a shared vision and science-driven, prioritized strategies. We ensure smart investments that help to allocate resources efficiently and effectively. By striving to remove financial, regulatory, and resource barriers for our partners, we serve as a catalyst for success in restoring health to Puget Sound.

More information on the Partnership is available at our website: www.psp.wa.gov.
As the Communications Specialist, you will provide agency-wide support.  You will be responsible for supporting all agency communication projects and programs, including development, maintenance, and updates of online and print products and tools.
We are a small, passionate, mission-driven, team-oriented, and fast-paced organization with an exceptional interdisciplinary staff.  We are looking for experienced and exceptional people to join our team and help lead Puget Sound to recovery.

If you enjoy networking and protecting our environment, we encourage you to apply!
Duties
You will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to the design, development, production, support, and maintenance of the agency’s intranet, multimedia, and print collateral.   You will be working with the communications lead and senior designer to assist in planning, management, and implementation of the agency-wide strategic communications plan. You will also perform administrative functions such as establishing program goals and priorities and implementing communication policies and standards.

Some of what you will enjoy doing will include to:

  • Assist in developing effective communication strategies and plans
  • Manage internal communications (memos, newsletters, intranet etc.)
  • Manage the intranet and agency social media channels
  • Monitor relevant news sources and maintain a database of news story links
  • Copy edit the agency website and print materials in accordance with house style guide and standards
  • Provide content management and project coordination for communication initiatives
  • Assist in drafting content (such as press releases) for media or the agency website
  • Assist in organizing initiatives and planning events
  • Foster relationships with internal and external partners and audiences
  • Assist in communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership
  • Assist in updating content on the agency website
  • Assist in supporting the Legislative Director during legislative sessions
  • Maintain the agency’s brand and publication standards; ensure adherence to agency design standards
  • Consult with professional staff regarding communication projects, programs, and events; work with professional staff to support them in their work
  • Serve as back-up media contact in the absence of the communications lead
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor degree in public relations, communications, or relevant field
  • 1 year of experience as a communications specialist
  • 1 year of experience in web design, content production, copywriting, and editing
  • Proficient with HTML and WordPress
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative suites
  • Outstanding organizational and planning skills
  • Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills
  • Adept at the use of social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter

PREFERRED:

  • 3 years of experience in a relevant communications position
  • Experience with media relations or serving as a public information officer
  • Passion for Puget Sound recovery and experience with the Puget Sound recovery community
  • Videography and photography experience
  • Experience with InDesign

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Communicates Effectively: Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels. Actively listens and checks for understanding. Adjusts to fit the audience and the message. Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization. Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions. Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner.

Collaborates: Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives. Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas. Partners with others to get work done. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments. Gains trust and support of others. Promotes high visibility of shared contributions to goals.

Customer focus: Gains insight into customer needs, among both staff and partners. Identifies opportunities that benefit the customer. Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships.

Instills trust: Follows through on commitments. Expresses self in a credible and transparent manner. Models high standards of honesty and integrity. Shows consistency between words and actions.

Manages ambiguity: Deals comfortably with the uncertainty of change. Effectively handles risk. Can decide and act without the total picture. Is calm and productive, even when things are up in the air. Deals constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes. Adapts quickly to changing conditions.

Optimizes Work Processes: Identifies and creates the processes necessary to get work done.  Separates and combines tasks into efficient and simple workflows.  Seeks ways to improve processes, from small adjustments to complete reengineering.  Focus on continuous improvement.

Supplemental Information
 

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
  • A 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 (3) professional references with current telephone numbers.
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
  • The initial screening will be based solely on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.
  • A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the “duties summary” section of the application.
  • By submitting materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or jobs@des.wa.gov.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
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
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Public Relations, Communications, or a relevant field?

  • Yes
  • No
02
How many months of experience do you have as a Communications Specialist?

  • I do not have this experience
  • 1-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 or more months
03
How many months of professional experience do you have in web design, content production, copy writing, and editing?

  • I do not have this experience
  • 1-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 or more months
04
Please select all that apply to you:

  • Proficient with HTML
  • Proficient with WordPress
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Proficient with Adobe Creative suites
  • Adept at the use of social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic social media and communications plans
  • Familiarity with social media analytical tools
  • Familiarity with the use and maintenance of house style guides
  • Familiarity with science terminology and the basic concepts of Puget Sound recovery
  • None of these apply
05
Check all that apply that you have experience with:

  • Understanding of biological terminology and concepts as they relate to Puget Sound recovery and protection (college coursework in the biological sciences)
  • Experience with media relations or serving as a public information officer
  • Videography and photography experience
  • Experience with InDesign
  • None of these apply

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