Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program. This is a temporary position that will end 12 months from date of hire, with potential for extension based on funding availability. The position is located at the Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA, and requires the employee to live within a commutable distance. This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, with one to two days per week of on-site attendance required. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead high-impact, agency-wide communications efforts within Ecology’s Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program and the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB). In this role, you will guide strategic internal and external communications that help Washington communities understand, engage with, and influence some of the most complex environmental issues facing the state. You will partner closely with program leadership, technical experts, and executive-level decision-makers to shape communication strategies that explain the work Ecology does, why it matters, and the science behind it. You will serve as the SEA Program’s lead spokesperson, providing clear, accurate, timely information across multiple channels—including news media, digital and social media, web platforms, public events, and crisis-response communications. You will independently develop high-quality written products, translate technical and politically sensitive information for diverse audiences, and ensure our communications meet plain-language, accessibility, and equity expectations. As a member of the SEA Program Management Team, you will help set program priorities and strengthen public understanding of Ecology’s environmental stewardship through innovative, strategic, and audience-centered communication.

Requirements

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education in journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility, writing/editing or other relevant fields.
Demonstrated competence in developing and implementing communication plans.
Ability to translate complex technical or policy topics for public audiences.
Ability to determine appropriate communication channels and methods for diverse stakeholders.
Skilled in writing and editing clear, accurate, accessible and compelling materials—including news releases, web content, talking points, speeches, and social media—tailored to varied audiences and platforms.
Ability to serve as an agency spokesperson; work effectively with reporters; prepare leadership and staff for interviews; and represent the program at public meetings, briefings, or events.
Ability to use web content management processes, apply best practices for organizing and presenting online information, and coordinate with web teams to maintain accurate, user focused digital content.
Ability to collaborate across internal and external partners and deliver accurate, time-sensitive public information during urgent or high-pressure situations.
Experience managing a small team, or mentoring/coaching experience.
Education involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field.

Nice To Haves

An understanding of the principles and practices of equity and environmental justice.
An understanding of how to develop accessible documents.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic internal and external communications for the SEA Program and Office of Chehalis Basin, developing and implementing comprehensive public information and public involvement strategies that support agency priorities.
Serve as the program’s primary spokesperson, managing media relations, preparing leadership and subject matter experts for interviews, and representing Ecology at public meetings, briefings, and events.
Write, edit, and oversee high-quality communication products—including news releases, key messages, social and digital content, web materials, speeches, and strategic documents—translating complex environmental and policy information into clear, accessible messages.
Direct the program’s web content strategy, ensuring digital information is accurate, user-centered, and aligned with agency standards for accessibility and plain language.
Provide communications leadership across internal and external partnerships, collaborating closely with SEA and OCB leadership, Communications Program staff, outreach professionals, and interagency partners to align messaging and support statewide initiatives.
Supervise and mentor a Communications Consultant 3, setting priorities, reviewing work products, and supporting professional development to meet program communication needs.
Advise program managers and agency leadership on communication strategy, policy considerations, public involvement approaches, and response strategies for sensitive or time-critical issues.
Ensure timely, clear communication during high-visibility or urgent situations, providing support outside regular business hours when needed to maintain transparency and public trust.