Communications Consultant 4 (Multiple Positions)

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Communications Consultant 4s to create, lead, direct and implement communications campaigns and respond to public and media inquiries with minimal supervision with Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (TMC) in support of WSDOT’s mission. This position performs communications work for WSDOT Traffic, Maintenance and Operations as well as emergency projects throughout the Northwest Region. This position serves as an agency spokesperson and participates in a standby Public Information Officer (PIO) rotation to provide after-hours communications support. This position is responsible for responding to frequent inquiries from community groups, reporters and stakeholders and must coordinate messaging for internal and external audiences in a timely, effective, professional and creative manner. This position prepares WSDOT managers, staff members and executives for interviews and speaking engagements with diverse audiences. This position contributes directly to WSDOT’s successful delivery of the Northwest Region maintenance and preservation program, maintaining public confidence and helping the public travel safely. This position is critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment with focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What to Expect

The typical working schedule is Monday through Friday, covering one of two TMC shifts: 6AM – noon or 12 PM – 6PM, with the balance of an eight-hour workday supporting duties outside of the TMC. This role requires occasional night, weekend and holiday hours during weather events, emergencies and as part of a standby PIO rotation. This standby rotation will include covering one or more holidays. This position is required to report to the TMC in person.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant 4 will:

• Perform frontline communications work within the Transportation Management Center (TMC), engaging with media outlets during emergencies and roadway incidents.
• While working the daily Public Information Officer (PIO) shift in the TMC, track traffic collisions and other disruptions that may impact the traveling public.
• Manage communication regarding planned and unplanned closures affecting traffic, maintenance, operations and construction.
• Lead communications for traffic, maintenance and operations in the Northwest Region; effectively lead work implementation; craft and implement short and long-term communications plans to meet external and internal audiences.
• Communicate clearly and concisely through written materials; edit the work of others; share knowledge and techniques for writing news and feature style publications; edit, compose, and layout educational and promotional publications; use English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and diction. 
• Respond to inquiries from the media in accordance with WSDOT best practices. 
• Develop and publish content for agency social media accounts, coordinating posts with other communications consultants.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Strategic Communication and Public Engagement

• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop and deliver clear, consistent and engaging communications across multiple platforms.
• Effectively tailors messaging to diverse audiences, promotes transparency and reinforces a positive public perception of agency programs and initiatives.

Writing, Editing, and Content Development

• Exhibits advanced skill in writing, editing and reviewing communication materials to ensure accuracy, clarity and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Produces high-quality written, visual, and multimedia content including press releases, social media posts, project webpages and video that translates complex information into accessible, engaging language.

Media Relations and Public Representation

• Demonstrates confidence and professionalism when representing the organization in media and live interview settings.
• Effectively translates complex technical or transportation topics into clear, understandable information that builds public trust, promotes accountability and supports strategic communication goals.

Visual and Multimedia Communication

• Applies creative and technical expertise in videography, photography and visual storytelling to enhance the clarity and impact of agency communications.
• Develops engaging visual materials that align with brand standards, support project messaging and effectively communicate complex information through multimedia formats.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with technical experts, leadership and external partners.
• Coordinates communication strategies across programs and disciplines to ensure consistency, accuracy and alignment with organizational objectives. 

Respectful Workplace

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Expertise in public speaking, graphic arts and printing methods and materials.
• Proficiency in a range of software including CMS/Drupal, as well as experience utilizing still and video cameras to support WSDOT messaging and goals.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment will be used to fill two permanent positions in the NWR out of Shoreline, WA. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacated positions. 
• This position is not eligible for telework, hybrid or remote work.
• 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. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• 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.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

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 explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-13102em in the subject line.