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Construction Communications Manager (CC5)

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is hiring for a communications and public relations professional looking to advance their career into a leadership role. We are looking for a manager of information to join our highly visible and complex multibillion dollar SR-520 Bridge Replacement and HOV program as the Construction Communications Manager in Seattle. This position will manage strategic communication for all major construction projects associated with the program. As the Construction Communications Manager, this position will serve as the information manager responsible for developing and successfully implementing complex public information activities in close coordination with internal and external partners. This position will consult and advise WSDOT leadership and executive management to make informed policy decisions, respond to on-site emergencies, answer media inquiries and interviews, and proactively communicate complex issues. This supervisory will also inspire, motivate, develop, and support staff in alignment with WSDOT’s mission and strategic plan. The Assistant Construction Communications Manager will play a vital role in WSDOT's successful delivery of the SR-520 program, maintaining public confidence and helping the public travel safely.

 
 What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Construction Communications Manager will:
  • Supervise a team of professional public information specialist and serve as the primary contact for SR-520 major construction projects. 
  • Plan and organize extensive public outreach activities and advise WSDOT leadership on complex policy and management issues. 
  • Identify outreach tools to include all perspectives, disciplines, and backgrounds. 
  • Advise WSDOT leadership and executive management regarding public interest and reaction to proposed programs and policies. Evaluate effectiveness of information and public outreach activities and recommend changes as warranted. 
  • Proactively develop and implement WSDOT strategic messaging to keep a variety of stakeholders informed of project progress including traditional and social media plans, Q&A’s, news releases, interviews and correspondence. 
  • Represent WSDOT in meetings and respond to frequent inquiries from the media, partner agencies, stakeholders, and the public. 
  • Serve as the information manager responsible for responding to significant emergency or crisis situations. 
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Bachelors degree in English, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or related field.
  • Four (4) years of writing, editing, translating, or equivalent experience. 
  • Current ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 or the ability to obtain certifications within 18 months of employment. 
  • Ability to travel throughout the region as needed. 
 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, transportation, medica relations, community relations, and construction. 
  • Knowledge and background in public speaking, writing, and editing. 
  • Knowledge of methods of determining needs for public information and education. 
  • Ability to advise WSDOT leadership and executive management regarding program impact. 
 
Important Notes 
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • 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. 
  • The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
 
Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
  • 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. 
 
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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
 
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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
 
Contact us: 
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-NWR-80516 in the subject line. 
 
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.