Deputy Public Affairs Manager

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a senior leadership role within L&I’s Web & Communication Services Division, reporting to the Public Affairs Manager. This position serves as a trusted advisor to division and agency leadership, leads communication strategy for the agency’s largest division (Insurance Services), and manages an outreach program designed to prevent workplace injuries among young workers. This position represents L&I on high-profile media and public affairs issues, coordinating closely with the Governor’s office communications staff on media relations and issues of statewide significance. This role is ideal for an experienced communicator who thrives in a vibrant, collaborative environment and wants to continue growing as a leader while helping shape the public conversation around issues that affect workers and employers across Washington state.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field.
At least five years’ experience as a reporter, editor, marketing professional, creative content producer, public information officer, or related position at a large public or private entity.
Demonstrated ability to think critically, plan strategically, and exercise sound judgement while managing complex or sensitive issues.
Ability to navigate complex political and stakeholder environments while maintaining productive relationships.
Being sensitive and proactive to public attitudes and concerns.
Working effectively and collaboratively with staff, external partners and stakeholders.
Ability to write clearly and effectively, to develop comprehensive communications strategies; to provide effective communications advice to top management; to manage short-term and long-term projects, and to effectively lead and serve on teams.
Experience in a leadership position and supervising others.
Experience creating and/or managing creation of digital media strategy and content.
The ability to take action and to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Responsibilities

Advise the Public Affairs Manager and serve as spokesperson or advisor on their behalf when needed.
Anticipate emerging issues, assess risks and develop communication strategies that support both immediate and long-term agency priorities.
Lead and develop a 3–5-person team of communication professionals while building the division’s digital media capabilities and expertise.
Plan and execute communication, outreach, education, marketing, and public engagement efforts that engage workers, employers, and stakeholders.
Manage special projects, including the agency's Plain Language strategy.
Serve as strategic communication advisor to the Insurance Services leadership team, helping guide messaging, establish goals, and guide data-informed decisions.
Advise division and agency leadership on public opinion related to sensitive workers' compensation issues, public concerns, and policy decisions.
Help develop information for external audiences, including legislators and stakeholders.
Act on behalf of the Public Affairs Manager when needed, representing the agency publicly with the media.
Lead communication strategies for controversial and high-profile issues, advising agency leadership on messaging, public perception, and reputational risk.
Direct and supervise an experienced team of several Communication Consultant 5 professionals, guiding their work in developing communication plans, messages, and tactics aligned with the agency's mission and strategic plan.
Evaluate and strengthen the agency’s use of traditional and digital communication channels, determine the right messages reach the right audiences, and continually build the digital media skills and effectiveness of the Public Affairs team.
Oversee and analyze the quality and effectiveness of Insurance Services Division communications, ensuring strategies are consistently implemented across all programs and resources are used appropriately.
Oversee the Injured Young Workers Speaker Program, establishing goals, tracking success metrics, and evaluating effectiveness to recommend improvements.
Identify opportunities to advance the agency's mission through earned media, web content, social media, marketing, advertising, and emerging communication channels.
Help organize and lead team meetings, video and photo shoots, speaker presentations, and special events.
Develop staff skills and capabilities, ensuring they can deliver clear, accurate, and timely information to both external and internal audiences.
Implement the agency's Plain Language strategy, helping lead the agency's implementation of Executive Order 23-02, collaborating with program representatives to review and update key documents, and championing plain language practices across the agency through training and internal outreach.