Associate Director, Communications and Outrea

Washington State Bar Association.•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director for the Communications and Outreach Department serves as a crucial link between high-level strategic planning and the daily execution of integrated communication and outreach campaigns. This role supports the Washington State Bar Association's (WSBA) mission, goals, and core initiatives, aiming to enhance the organization's reputation and brand. Working closely with the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer, this position ensures that messages and campaigns are effectively disseminated throughout the organization and department. The Associate Director directly manages a team responsible for utilizing key WSBA communication channels, including the website, social media, blog, and bulk email system. This is a high-visibility and diplomatic role, involving interaction with WSBA leaders, the Washington Supreme Court, the legal community, media, national counterparts, and international delegations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English or marketing (or a related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
7 years of experience in a management level role in communications with direct reports.
Expertise in developing and implementing strategic communication plans with measurable results.
Experience producing and integrating content across various media, such as newsletters, blogs, and speeches.
Experience with managing media relations, public relations, or other organizational communications.
Experience working with boards and volunteers.
3 years of supervisory experience directly managing team performance, daily operations, and employee relations, or equivalent experience.
Ability to think broadly and strategically while executing tactically, paired with clear, professional written and oral communication for diverse audiences.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders with responsiveness and clarity.
Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize time and work, manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated strong attention to detail and accuracy across all aspects of this position.
Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment and ethics.
Strong editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to create, refine, and integrate content across multiple media platforms—including newsletters, blogs, and speeches.
Impeccable judgment and diplomacy as well as alignment with the WSBA’s values: Championing justice, expanding inclusive systems and practices, and serving the legal community and Washingtonians with excellence.
Crisis communications and issues-management skills.
Understand both high-technology and high-touch strategies to deliver meaningful messages and build relationships with various stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn and use new software and technology platforms, including content management systems and the use of social media as a strategic communication tools.
Fluent in leading-edge public relations practices and storytelling.
Must be able to regularly work WSBA’s business hours in an office type environment (remote or in office).
Possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer.
Ability to lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Must be able to use standard computer and office equipment (e.g., copiers, scanners, printers, phones, fax, etc.).
Must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.
Must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Crisis Communication Certificate Program (PRSA).
Experience and/or knowledge of the legal profession.
Experience working with a board of a membership organization, and/or in public service or a nonprofit, purpose-driven environment.
Advanced crisis communications and issues-management skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as a thought partner for organizational leaders and department managers, providing a communications perspective on decisions and actions.
Drive strategy to lead the department and its managers in staying abreast of best practices, policies, processes, and guidelines.
Directly manage the Communications and Outreach Team, including setting and adhering to an annual budget, managing and mentoring team members, and conducting regular check-ins.
Help develop department/team systems and workflows that enhance collaboration, organize information, and ensure alignment.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, mission-driven culture by planning department meetings, retreats, and team-building events.
Serve as the designated proxy and second-in-command for the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer, overseeing departmental leadership, media strategy, media relations, and executive messaging.
Partner with the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer to translate organizational and departmental goals into cohesive communication plans.
Collaborate with colleagues in other departments to understand and support their key programs and initiatives.
Ensure communication plans and messaging cascade effectively across the department’s teams and channels.
Guide content strategy and timelines for various channels and platforms, including the website, social media, newsletters, magazine, blog, and outreach initiatives.
Craft compelling messages and stories, including executive speeches, internal and external presentations, and magazine articles.
Build and maintain relationships with county bar leaders and ensure two-way communication between WSBA leaders and county-bar leaders.
Project manage high-profile events annually, including the 50-year service member lunch and summit.
Provide support for events, such as speech writing and run-of-show planning.
Project manage the annual member awards process, chairing the Board of Governors Awards Committee and implementing a communication campaign.
Develop public, member, and staff communications strategy and messaging in consultation with the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with influential media covering the legal profession, and with local, statewide, and national media.
Monitor media inquiries and "hits" and provide an ongoing log for WSBA leaders.
Work in collaboration with the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer to ensure timely responses to media inquiries.
Counsel and collaborate with WSBA leadership for media statements and comment.
Proactively outreach to the media and general public for WSBA core initiatives.
Stay up to date on crisis communication best practices and work with WSBA leaders to keep emergency plans and processes current.
Serve as department representative on cross-departmental teams for operational planning.
Partner with Human Resources to develop strategies for LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Be adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
Responsible for carrying out disaster recovery measures with the COMM department in the event of a WSBA declared disaster.
Serve as a designated event liaison for offsite or after-hours WSBA events.

Benefits

State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans.
Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick/PSSL, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave).
Transportation incentives, based on primary work selection requirements.
Allowance to set up a home office, based on a primary remote work selection.
Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program.
Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.
Access to a discounted pet insurance program.