Communications Consultant 5

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is seeking a Communications Consultant 5 (CC5) for its Director's office in Olympia, WA. This role is part of an innovative and collaborative team focused on supporting the Communications Division's mission. Key responsibilities include facilitating media relations, producing publications, developing and executing communication plans, and managing internal (intranet) and external (website) communications. The position plays a crucial role in supporting the Board's mission, goals, and policies by proactively engaging in media relations and executing statewide communication strategies on behalf of the entire agency. The WSLCB emphasizes a culture of excellence in customer service, open communication, transparency, accountability, data-driven decisions, and process improvement, with a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

Requirements

Eight (8) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.
An Associate's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field AND four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field AND two (2 ) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Accountability: Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness necessary to achieve excellent results. With little oversight, develop innovative solutions to a variety of issues. Make timely decisions although faced with limited data or resources. Accept own role when expectations are not met, and respond quickly to resolve issues with other.
Communication: Convey clear, timely persuasive messages that positively influence the thought and actions of others.
Strong writing skills including the AP writing style.
Listening well to all individuals and accurately conveying their ideas to others.
Clearly and effectively communicating with individuals and groups within and outside of the WSLCB.
Responding to the various styles and needs of the individuals and groups with whom he/she is communicating and effectively clarifying messages when asked to do so.
Presenting ideas effectively in formal and informal situations.
Keeping his/her supervisor and co-workers informed of need-to-know items; sharing complete and accurate information with others.
Communicating the intention and rationale behind decisions and /or actions.
Serving Customers: Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the WSLCB, develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to our customers’ challenges.
Build and Maintain Relationships: Earn the trust, respect and confidence of co-workers and customers through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. Build and maintain working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation.
Contribute to an environment that honors diversity and uses diverse perspectives to meet the agency’s mission and goals.

Nice To Haves

Currently top performers and dedicated to the success of the organization.
Proven record of producing results under pressure.
Demonstrate strong writing skills.
Receive top accolades from references.

Responsibilities

Serves as the agency Communication Consultant.
Serves as back up spokesperson to the press, radio, television media and general public.
Writes and issues media releases, advisories and listserv policies.
Produces supporting communication materials for news events and announcements.
Analyzes plans and executes communications events (such as press conferences) involving the Board and executive members.
Coordinates, collects and prepares timely distribution of WSLCB information to the media.
Strives to provide excellent customer service to the news media and others.
Provides information in a credible, truthful manner that reflects the highest level of integrity for the WSLCB Communications Team and the agency as a whole.
Protects the privacy of records not available to the public via public records request.
Leads, coordinates and prepares publications such as annual and special reports for broad publication.
Collaborates with other divisions to produce brochures, fact sheets and other materials to target audiences and for broad distribution.
Posts and maintains materials on the website; Creates and posts content that can be translated whenever possible.
Regularly suggests, writes and issues content for the intranet that is read by all employees.
Identifies LCB relevant news from online news sources and issues links or summaries for WSLCB Board and staff.
Organizes and produces website content using usability standards for a broad audience.
Crafts comprehensive communications plan for reaching diverse audiences; Communicates the plan with the Board and other internal channels.
Serves as backup to Graphics Design Senior for update website and intranet.
Works closely with the agency Public Health Liaison, Rules Team, Tribal Liaison, agency divisions, and others to create strategic and professional education materials for diverse audiences.
Serves as backup to Communications Director at Executive Management Team, Leadership Team, or other meetings as requested.
Advises WSLCB staff and management regarding public reaction to proposed programs and/or policies.
Determine need and type of information and education programs to tell the WSLCB story to employees, stakeholders and general public.
Supports executive leadership in communicating to key audiences including: the Governor, Legislature, stakeholder groups and the general public. Support includes research, talking points, PowerPoint presentations, video scripting and other.
Serves as the agency communications lead for agency projects as assigned: Under this role, the CC5 will independently fulfill the ongoing communications needs for the agency and its employees.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee’s career development with the WSLCB)
Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work
Free parking