Director of Communication and External Relations - PESB

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Communication and External Relations provides strategic guidance to the Executive Director and agency members to engage the public, strengthen external partnerships, and promote the value and visibility of the Professional Educator Standards Board’s work. The Director builds collaborative relationships with internal teams and leads effective, equity-centered communications that support agency needs and goals. The role ensures communications with educators, paraeducators, preparation programs, school districts, Educational Service Districts, educational organizations, policymakers, the public, and Tribal Nations are clear, accurate, accessible, and culturally responsive. In close partnership with the agency’s Tribal Liaison, the Director incorporates Tribal perspectives, protocols, and priorities into communications, outreach, and public engagement. The Director also leads and supports campaigns for multiple audiences, including campaigns supporting legislative advocacy. Responsibilities span agencywide communications, public relations and legislative support, digital communications, and Executive Director and board meeting support. The role is based in Olympia, Washington, and may be eligible for a partial teleworking schedule within Washington State. The position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director and is exempt from civil service laws and not represented by a bargaining unit. State employees must live in Washington during employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
Five or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate across cultural, linguistic, and community differences and to engage in courageous conversations about race, equity, and Tribal Sovereignty.
Experience working respectfully and productively with education organizations, policymakers, Tribal Nations, constituencies, and other partners.
Understanding of Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government consultation protocols.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in team environments.
Ability to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends, and travel to board meetings across the state approximately 6–8 times a year.
Significant experience providing strategic communications guidance for complex policy initiatives.
Proficiency in website and document accessibility guidelines to ensure ADA compliance.
Must live in Washington State during employment; telework is available within the state.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
Seven or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
Ability to create graphics to illustrate complex ideas or work with graphic artists to achieve that end.
Proficiency in print and online publishing applications, including Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience working in education (P-12 or higher education) or in public or state service.
Passion for the mission of PESB, including its commitment to equity and honoring Washington’s diverse communities and Tribal Nations.
Demonstrated ability to employ a range of problem-solving strategies with self and others for organizational advancement.

Responsibilities

Write, edit, and design agency communications materials, including one-pagers, reports, FAQs, and presentations, ensuring they are accurate, accessible, culturally responsive, aligned with key messages, and appropriate for diverse audiences.
Create and maintain internal communications policies, processes, and training, including guidance on culturally responsive communications practices.
Develop key messages and talking points, lead audience analysis, implement communications plans, and identify opportunities for greater engagement and outreach.
Provide media and outreach guidance for agency meetings and conferences; develop materials and recommend promotional strategies to increase visibility, registration, and participation among diverse audiences and Tribal Communities.
Work with the Legislative Policy Team to translate complex policy, rulemaking, and certification or credentialing information into accessible language.
Align agency materials with ADA requirements and accessibility best practices.
Support the Tribal Liaison in maintaining relationships with Tribal education departments, Tribal Colleges, and Tribal leadership on educator standards and requirements, the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum, Tribal-based educator pathways, and workforce development.
Develop and implement campaigns for multiple audiences to support legislative advocacy for agency initiatives.
Advise the Executive Director and staff on communications strategy, framing, positioning, and research for legislative priorities, applying an equity and Tribal Relations lens.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with educational organizations, policymakers, Tribal Nations, and other partners and constituencies.
Ensure consistent messaging in legislative materials, including fact sheets, talking points, and presentations.
Track media coverage, write press releases, coordinate interviews, identify story opportunities, and maintain positive press relationships.
Serve as the first point of contact and agency spokesperson for media inquiries.
Advise and assist the Executive Director and staff on public information matters, including research, providing information, and developing messages.
Support the Tribal Liaison in establishing and maintaining government-to-government relationships with Washington’s Tribal Nations consistent with the Centennial Accord and related Tribal Consultation policies.
Manage graphic design for agency materials, including one-pagers, reports, FAQs, and presentations.
Manage the design and execution of social media content in collaboration with agency teams, applying best practices, engagement tactics, user-experience strategies, accessibility requirements, and plain-talk principles.
Manage agency social media tools and profiles, including the content calendar, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Medium, and YouTube.
Lead the design, management, and maintenance of internal and external websites, ensuring alignment with the agency style guide, accessibility requirements, and user-experience priorities.
Manage contracts related to website design, management, and maintenance.
Research and identify stakeholder engagement and networking opportunities for the Executive Director and support partnership-building through communication platforms.
Draft talking points, correspondence, presentations, and other materials at the Executive Director’s direction.
Support board meetings, public hearings, and rulemaking processes by clearly communicating opportunities for public and Tribal input.
Develop, support, consult on, or review presentations and materials for the Executive Director and staff.
Attend all PESB board meetings to manage media opportunities and support the Executive Director, staff, and board members.
Provide technical support for in-person and virtual meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.