Communications & Outreach Coordinator (CC4)

About the Transportation Commission The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is a seven-member body of citizens appointed by the Governor for six-year terms. In addition, the WSDOT Secretary and a representative from the Governor’s Office serve as ex officio members. The WSTC provides an open public forum for transportation policy development, holding monthly meetings in Olympia and around the state. As the State Tolling Authority, the WSTC adopts state highway tolls and sets ferry fares. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state, issues the state’s 20-year statewide transportation plan, and conducts special studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.

The Opportunity The WSTC is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Communications & Outreach Coordinator, located in Olympia, WA. The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will develop and implement engaging communications across multiple platforms that highlight the unique role the WSTC serves in statewide transportation policy development, education and engagement, as well as its work in ferry-fare and toll-rate setting.

The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will also support the strategic development, creative design, and management of digital and print communications, and develop content for the WSTC’s website and social media platforms. This position will support the organization’s engagement with the State Legislature, local elected officials, the general public, and the media, and help establish and promote strong working relationships with external groups and organizations.

The ideal candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, a desire for understanding how things connect and interrelate, and possess a passion for collaboration, relationship-building, and public outreach.

What to Expect The Washington State Transportation Commission is committed to employee development and has an open-door culture where you will have the opportunity to work directly with Commissioners and staff at all levels, along with leaders in external agencies and organizations. The WSTC actively promotes opportunities for expanding and growing your skills and responsibilities and provides opportunities for growth and promotion within the organization.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications & Outreach Coordinator will:

• Manage the Commission’s general communications, outreach efforts, and public engagement efforts.
• Write press releases publicizing monthly WSTC meetings, ferry-fare and toll-rate setting activities, and other initiatives.
• Manage and produce content for the WSTC’s social media channels using Canva and other digital tools.
• Manage virtual and hybrid WSTC monthly meetings using Zoom, and collaborate to implement WSTC meeting operations and logistics
• Develop content for the WSTC website.
• Engage with stakeholders, managing the public email inbox, including responses.
• Respond to media requests and facilitate interviews with agency subject matter experts
• Carry out continual outreach and engagement efforts and relationship building with partner agencies, regional and local jurisdictions, trade and modal associations, legislative partners, etc.
• Conduct public outreach and education efforts statewide on WSTC initiatives.
• Coordinate and support WSTC legislative activities.

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

• Communication: Advanced skills and experience in written and verbal communication, including conveying complex policy and technical information clearly and concisely, applying plain language principles, and tailoring messages to diverse audiences.
• Public Engagement & Relationship Building: Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, partner agencies, legislators, and members of the public, using inclusive and culturally responsive engagement practices.
• Project & Meeting Coordination: Extensive experience in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, managing competing deadlines, coordinating logistics, and maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Technology & Information Management: Proficiency in digital communication platforms, website content management systems, social media content creation and management tools, virtual meeting tools and equipment, and standard office applications; knowledge of electronic records management and established retention procedures.
• Critical Thinking, Collaboration, & Accountability: Demonstrated skill in analyzing information, exercising sound judgment, solving problems, adapting to changing priorities, and collaborating effectively while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and accountability.
• Legislative & Policy Knowledge: Knowledge of public-sector processes and legislative and policy information, including interpreting and summarizing complex information accurately and communicating it effectively.
• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated skill in evaluating communication and engagement effectiveness using feedback, performance metrics, and available data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Teamwork & Independence: Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship-building, collaboration, and effective engagement with diverse audiences.
• Social Media Proficiency: Proficiency in social media platforms, content development, audience engagement, and digital communication strategies.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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.
• WSTC 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 WSTC

• 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 individual’s lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Growth Opportunity – WSTC actively supports professional growth and development and encourages employees to seek opportunities to enhance their skill sets, incentivizing the growth of responsibilities within the organization.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 – WSTC 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.

How to Apply This recruitment is being managed by the WSDOT, on behalf of the WSTC. 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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

The Transportation Commission 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. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSTC 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 26WSTC-HQ-1819e in the subject line.