Communications Consultant 5 - Washington State Ferries

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic construction communications supporting a generational transformation of Washington’s ferry system. This position helps connect customers, communities, and agency partners with the purpose and progress of major investments in vessel electrification and essential infrastructure improvements. Through clear, proactive communication, this role builds public trust, prepares passengers for construction impacts, and supports safe, reliable ferry operations throughout these critical improvements. Join a collaborative team dedicated to keeping the public informed while advancing a more sustainable, resilient ferry system for the communities we serve. As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Communications Consultant 5 will:

• Advise WSF leadership and construction managers on public relations, reputation management, risk communication, and public information policies.
• Co-lead communications for terminal electrification, new vessel construction, and other assigned projects; integrate messaging, community impacts, and reputational risks into project planning and decision-making.
• Track construction schedules and coordinate with engineering and community engagement teams to communicate milestones, service disruptions, and community commitments.
• Serve as project spokesperson, manage media and social media responses, highlight WSF investments, and represent the agency at public meetings and events.
• Develop and coordinate reviews of project messaging, communications materials, executive briefings, and crisis communications; oversee consultant deliverables for timeliness, scope, and quality.
• Coordinate system-wide public and employee communications, including emergency and crisis communications; provide rotating 24-hour on-call coverage as assigned.
• Monitor media, customer feedback, and community input to identify emerging issues and misinformation, evaluate communications effectiveness, and refine strategies.
• Edit and manage construction webpages in Drupal and provide backup web support; ensure accuracy, plain language, accessibility, and compliance with WSF web standards in coordination with Americans with Disabilities Act staff and subject-matter experts.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

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

• Strategic Communications Advising: Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic communications advisor or embedded partner to technical professionals, project managers, and executive leadership on public infrastructure or transit initiatives.
• Risk Communication and Reputation Management: Applied experience in proactive risk communication, reputation management, and issue mitigation during high-visibility construction or operational impacts.
• Technical Communications: Demonstrated skill in translating complex engineering, construction, and design concepts into clear, accessible language for the public, media, and elected officials.
• Public Information and Program Evaluation: Knowledge of public information policies and methods for evaluating communications program effectiveness.
• Media and Crisis Communications: Demonstrated competence in traditional media practices, serving as an official spokesperson, managing crisis communications, and conducting rapid fact-finding research under pressure.
• Writing and Public Speaking: Demonstrated skill in advanced writing, editing, feature story development, and public speaking across print, digital, and broadcast channels.
• Relationship Building and Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, navigate sensitive situations, and resolve conflicts during high-stress scenarios.
• Organization and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines, independently and collaboratively, across remote, office, and active field or maritime sites.
• Digital Communications Tools: Proficiency in web content management systems such as Drupal, social media platforms, and basic visual design software.
• Confidentiality and Professional Discretion: Demonstrated ability to exercise professional discretion when handling security-sensitive and confidential information.
• Independent Travel: Ability to travel independently to project locations, field sites, and community meetings.
• Applied Communications Experience: Progressive professional experience applying strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related practices; relevant practical experience and professional achievements may substitute for formal post-secondary education.
• Growth Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through examples of acquiring knowledge, applying feedback, or adapting communications practices.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to identify the needs of others and take action to meet those needs.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Emergency Communications: Familiarity with emergency communications principles demonstrated through FEMA Public Information Officer training or experience within an Incident Command System framework.
• Executive and Community Engagement: Experience directly interfacing with senior agency executives, government officials, and local communities, including neighborhood outreach strategies.
• Construction and Service Disruption Media Relations: Experience serving as an official spokesperson during construction impacts or service disruptions.

Important Notes

• This position offers remote, hybrid, or in-office work options, with occasional travel required for in-person meetings.
• 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.
• 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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90940 in the subject line.