Regional Communications Manager - WMS Band 2 - Permanent - 2026-07546

Title – Regional Communications Manager Classification - WMS Band 2 Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program – Director’s Office – Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spotting Bears – Photo Credit: Mike Brawley

As the Regional Communications Manager, you will provide strategic communications leadership across Washington, helping shape how WDFW communicates with communities, partners, stakeholders, and the public.

You will lead a team of regional communications staff and develop strategies that build trust, strengthen relationships, and support WDFW’s mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

This is an opportunity to shape communications on high-profile issues and translate complex science, management decisions, and agency priorities into clear, meaningful, and consistent information for the public.

Through your leadership, you will strengthen WDFW’s relationships and reputation across Washington while supporting greater public understanding of fish and wildlife conservation and WDFW’s contributions.

Photo Caption: Bull Elk – Photo Credit: Debbie Smith

What to Expect -

As our Regional Communications Manager, you will provide strategic communications leadership for WDFW and guide meaningful engagement across Washington. Key responsibilities include:

Coordination:

• Support regional communications staff in providing consistent, coordinated communications and customer service across WDFW, the media, and external audiences.
• Foster collaboration among regional communications specialists to troubleshoot, brainstorm, and remedy challenges that pop up around communications and outreach in the regions.
• Deliver guidance from CAPE leadership and support coordination within CAPE and other WDFW Programs on communication policies, standards, and expectations.
• Explore ways to maintain WDFW’s relevancy for the public in the regions and continue to reach new audiences in innovative ways.

External Communications:

• Develop and implement regional strategic communications and outreach planning efforts that prioritize available resources and optimize impact and results.
• Guide the development of various communication materials, including fact sheets, talking points, brochures, web content, social media posts, short videos, and news releases.
• Serve as a spokesperson for WDFW on high-profile or complex issues and provide backup support to the agency’s Strategic Communications Manager.
• Provide leadership for regional outreach activities that build relationships with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support regional communications specialists in planning, coordinating, and conducting outreach activities to ensure activities are coordinated, strategically aligned, and consistent with agency priorities.
• Develop strategic communications and outreach efforts to highlight outdoor activities on WDFW-managed lands and water access areas.

Content approval:

• Review communications and outreach materials developed by regional communications specialists, including blog posts, news releases, videos, and social media.

Administration and Management:

• Manage regional communications staff, which includes supervising, setting clear expectations, and conducting performance evaluations.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Most duties are performed in an office setting.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work, including approximately 2 to 3 meetings or events per month outside of normal business hours.

Travel Requirements: Infrequent overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing, Design, Political Science, or a closely related field.

AND all of the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) years of highly responsible, professional experience working in strategic communications with civic leaders, non-profit organizations, the government, media, or business leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience building collaborative relationships with communities, partners, organizations, or other groups and working effectively with the public.
• Supervisory experience, including the ability to inspire, coach, and lead staff.
• Ability to motivate and lead multi-program teams and external coalitions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Master’s degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Design, Marketing, Political Science or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated leadership experience building collaborative relationships with communities, partners, organizations, or other groups and working effectively with the public.
• Experience in natural resource management communications, crisis communications, and communication and outreach plan development.
• Demonstrated ability to identify strategic target audiences and to develop and activate promotional strategies and communication campaigns to move those audiences to a desired outcome.
• Proficiency in data presentation utilizing both visualization and story-telling techniques to provide compelling arguments.
• Experience as a Public Information Officer.
• Bilingual skills.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].

• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.• Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.

• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)

• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-07546.

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