Communications & External Affairs Program Specialist (EMPS 3)

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications & External Affairs Program Specialist (Emergency Management Program Specialist 3) is a civilian senior emergency management and communications professional at the Washington Military Department’s Camp Murray location. Under the direction of the Communications Director, the position leads and coordinates complex emergency management and public information activities across the department. Military service affiliation is not required. The role leads State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Public Information and Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF 15) External Affairs operations before, during, and after activations. It develops and coordinates timely, accurate, accessible emergency information; supports coordinated communication among government and nongovernmental partners; and may lead or support Joint Information Center or Joint Information Systems operations. The specialist also develops communications products for internal and external audiences and serves in the Communications Director’s absence as a spokesperson and adviser to leadership. The position is based at Camp Murray and may be eligible for some telework, with in-person work and meetings required as operational needs dictate. Standard hours are either Monday through Friday, eight hours per day, or a four-day, ten-hour schedule with Monday or Friday off. Work hours are established with the supervisor and fall between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During SEOC or Joint Field Office activations, the incumbent may work at an alternate location on rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends, in a fast-paced and stressful environment. Travel of up to 5% may be required, rarely including overnight stays.

Requirements

Two years of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 2; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and four years of professional-level experience in one or more of the listed qualifying fields.
Two years of professional experience in public information/relations, journalism, or communications; this experience may overlap with the experience listed above.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute year for year for the education requirement.
A master’s or Ph.D. degree may substitute for one year of the experience requirement.
Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth, with the ability to reflect, learn, and adapt behavior to improve individual and organizational effectiveness.
Service-oriented approach, with the ability to understand and respond to others’ needs, remove barriers, and contribute to equitable, responsive service delivery.
Knowledge of public information and strategic communication principles, including media relations, news operations, risk communication, traditional and digital media platforms, and effective communication with diverse audiences.
Skills and abilities in communication development, emergency management and incident response, critical thinking and decision-making, strategic communication, digital communication, written and verbal communication, media and stakeholder relations, and public outreach and engagement.
Successfully complete the appropriate employment background checks; be willing to sign releases of information and have no access to investigative materials and files.
Hold a valid Washington State driver’s license and meet REAL ID requirements for base access upon hire.
Be willing to work on a military-controlled access installation and meet Camp Murray access and background-check requirements, including possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License or other REAL ID-compliant identification.

Responsibilities

Lead State Emergency Operations Center Public Information and ESF 15 External Affairs operations before, during, and after SEOC activations.
Develop, coordinate, and disseminate accurate, timely, accessible emergency public information that supports incident objectives.
Ensure appropriate staffing, readiness, training, and operational effectiveness of ESF 15 during SEOC activations.
Coordinate messaging with state, local, Tribal, federal, and nongovernmental partners to support consistent, unified communication.
Monitor information, media, and emerging issues; correct misinformation and advise on communication risks.
Lead or support Joint Information Center and Joint Information Systems operations as required to maintain coordinated statewide public information.
Help ensure communication products comply with accessibility, legal, and policy requirements.
Participate in planning, incident action processes, and after-action reviews to improve communication capabilities.
Assist the Communications Director in developing key messages, talking points, fact sheets, press releases, web content, email alerts, newsletters, social media content, briefing materials, and other communications products for internal and external audiences.
Serve in the Communications Director’s absence as spokesperson and advise leadership on public information strategies, outreach, and legislative-related communications.