Communications & Outreach Coordinator (CC4)

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d

About The Position

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is seeking an experienced Communications & Outreach Coordinator in Olympia, Washington. The WSTC is a seven-member body appointed by the Governor that provides a public forum for transportation policy development, holds monthly meetings, sets state highway tolls and ferry fares, assesses statewide transportation systems, issues the state’s 20-year transportation plan, and conducts studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.

The coordinator develops and implements communications across multiple platforms to explain the WSTC’s role in statewide transportation policy, education and engagement, ferry-fare and toll-rate setting, and other initiatives. The position supports the strategic development, design, and management of digital and print communications, and creates content for the Commission’s website and social media. The coordinator also supports engagement with the Legislature, local elected officials, the public, media, partner agencies, and other external organizations.

The role manages communications, outreach, and public engagement; supports virtual and hybrid Commission meetings; responds to media and public inquiries; and coordinates legislative activities. The Commission describes an open-door culture, opportunities to work directly with Commissioners and staff at all levels, and support for employee development and growth. Flexible schedule options, including telework for eligible positions, are available.

Requirements

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex policy and technical information clearly and concisely, apply plain-language principles, and tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, partner agencies, legislators, and members of the public using inclusive and culturally responsive engagement practices.
• Extensive experience organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, managing competing deadlines, coordinating logistics, and maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with digital communication platforms, website content management systems, social media content creation and management tools, virtual meeting tools and equipment, and standard office applications.
• Knowledge of electronic records management and established retention procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, adapt to changing priorities, and collaborate effectively while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and accountability.
• Knowledge of public-sector processes and legislative and policy information, including interpreting and summarizing complex information accurately and communicating it effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate communication and engagement effectiveness using feedback, performance metrics, and available data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented approach and willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship-building, collaboration, and effective engagement with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, content development, audience engagement, and digital communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Commission’s general communications, outreach, and public engagement efforts.
• Write press releases about monthly WSTC meetings, ferry-fare and toll-rate setting activities, and other initiatives.
• Manage and produce content for WSTC social media channels using Canva and other digital tools.
• Manage virtual and hybrid monthly WSTC meetings using Zoom, and collaborate on meeting operations and logistics.
• Develop content for the WSTC website.
• Engage with stakeholders and manage the public email inbox, including responding to messages.
• Respond to media requests and facilitate interviews with agency subject matter experts.
• Conduct ongoing outreach, engagement, and relationship-building with partner agencies, regional and local jurisdictions, trade and modal associations, and legislative partners.
• Conduct statewide public outreach and education about WSTC initiatives.
• Coordinate and support WSTC legislative activities.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule options, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs and government discounts at participating colleges.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed