Southwest Region Communications Manager (WMS2)

About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! Description About WSDOT: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world\'s longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation. The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking a Communications Manager to lead the Southwest Region’s Communications and Government Relations program and guide strategic communications for some of the region’s most visible and complex transportation initiatives. The Southwest Region includes Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, Wahkiakum, Pacific, and Klickitat counties, including the Vancouver portion of the Portland/Vancouver metro area and six bi-state crossings of the Columbia River. This position exercises sole responsibility for the strategic direction of regional communications, integrating political, media, and public engagement strategies. The Communications Manager advises regional leadership on messaging for high-profile projects, emergencies, and policy initiatives, while building strong relationships with media, elected officials, partner agencies, stakeholders, and the public. This role leads a high-performing communications team and coordinates messaging across headquarters, other regions, and external partners to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely communications. By providing clear, strategic guidance and proactive engagement, the Communications Manager helps strengthen public trust, support safety, and ensures communities, stakeholders, and travelers have the information they need to make informed transportation decisions. What To Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Manager will: Lead a team of Communications Consultants, setting priorities, coaching staff, and planning resource over a multi-year horizon. Develop and implement long-range strategic communications and community engagement plans, while also managing messaging for emergencies, construction milestones, incidents, and high-visibility projects. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with media, partner agencies, businesses, elected officials, stakeholders, and the public, including cross-state coordination in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Advise regional leadership on communications strategy, including political, media, and public engagement considerations, exercising sole responsibility for regional communications decisions. Manage communications budgets and oversee consultant contracts to support strategic objectives. Serve as the region’s primary Public Information Officer for major projects, incidents, and high-profile initiatives. Monitor public perception and media coverage, lead public outreach initiatives, support Title VI reporting, and develop engagement strategies related to Complete Streets and the HEAL Act. Provide backup communications support for other regions during emergencies or staff shortages, ensuring consistent agency messaging. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: Advanced Communications Practice: Demonstrated expertise in planning, developing, and delivering effective communications for complex organizations, including journalism standards, public-sector or private-sector messaging, media relations, marketing, social media, web content, and spokesperson responsibilities. Strategic and Tactical Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications and community engagement strategies that balance long-term objectives with short-term needs, such as construction milestones, emerging issues, and emergency response. Leadership and People Management: Advanced ability to lead and support a team by assigning work, setting priorities, building strong working relationships, and fostering collaboration, accountability, and inclusion. Media, Stakeholder, and Public Engagement: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and statewide WSDOT communications teams, news media, partner agencies, elected officials, community stakeholders, businesses, and the public, and to translate complex information into clear, accessible messaging. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Proven ability to analyze communications challenges, assess risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt strategies in fast-changing or high-visibility environments. Policy and Public Trust: Demonstrated ability to support outreach efforts, align messaging with organizational policies and statutory requirements, and monitor public perception to maintain credibility and public trust. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Demonstrate Strategic Communications Expertise: Ability to develop and deliver effective communications for complex organizations, including media relations, government relations, community engagement, and emergency communications. Education or experience demonstrating these competencies will be considered. Policy Awareness: Familiarity with statewide policy initiatives such as Complete Streets and the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, including experience developing outreach strategies or communications plans that align with these programs. Community Engagement & Environmental Justice: Experience coordinating public engagement for transportation projects with an emphasis on environmental justice and involving diverse communities and stakeholders. Crisis Communications: Experience successfully leading crisis communications efforts during a multi-agency emergency response. Emergency Management Training: Completion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute’s (EMI) Advanced Public Information Officer training. Government Relations & Legislative Awareness: Knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to navigate complex political environments, including experience working with elected officials to achieve positive outcomes. Written Communication: Demonstrated ability to persuasively and clearly communicate in writing for both internal and external audiences. Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year! Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How To Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference 26DOT-SWR-4W059 in the subject line. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That\'s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state... To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees\' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems\' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Sick leave, vacation, and other benefits details are described in the posting. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Select the option that best describes your experience planning, developing, and delivering communications for complex organizations. Advanced – Independently plans and delivers comprehensive communications strategies for complex organizations, including media relations, messaging, marketing, social media, web content, and spokesperson duties. Intermediate – Develops and delivers communications content and supports media or public messaging efforts with some guidance. Basic – Limited experience contributing to communications activities or projects. None of the above 02 Briefly describe your communications experience, including the types of messaging, media relations, social media, marketing, or spokesperson responsibilities you have handled. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 03 Select the option that best describes your experience developing and implementing communications or community engagement strategies. Advanced – Develops and implements long-term communications strategies while managing short-term messaging needs such as project milestones, emerging issues, or crisis response. Intermediate – Supports the development or implementation of communications or outreach strategies with some guidance. Basic – Limited experience supporting communications planning or engagement efforts. None of the above 04 Briefly describe your experience planning or implementing communications or outreach strategies. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 05 Select the option that best describes your experience leading or supervising communications or professional staff. Advanced – Directly supervises or leads staff by assigning work, setting priorities, coaching employees, and fostering collaboration, accountability, and inclusive team culture. Intermediate – Provides lead direction, mentoring, or project coordination for team members with some supervisory responsibility. Basic – Limited experience leading or mentoring others. None of the above 06 Briefly describe your leadership or supervisory experience, including how you supported team performance and collaboration. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 07 Select the option that best describes your experience building relationships with media, stakeholders, and the public while communicating complex information clearly. Advanced – Regularly collaborates with media, agencies, stakeholders, and the public, translating complex information into clear messaging and maintaining strong professional relationships. Intermediate – Participates in stakeholder engagement and communications with some guidance. Basic – Limited experience working with media, stakeholders, or the public. None of the above 08 Briefly describe your experience working with media, community stakeholders, or partner organizations and how you communicated complex information to them. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 09 Select the option that best describes your experience aligning communications with organizational policies and maintaining public trust. Advanced – Ensures communications align with policies and statutory requirements while monitoring public perception and supporting transparency and trust. Intermediate – Supports communications that follow established policies and guidelines with some oversight. Basic – Limited experience applying policy or regulatory considerations in communications work. None of the above 10 Briefly describe your experience aligning communications with policies or organizational requirements and addressing public perception or trust. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 11 Select the option that best describes your experience managing communications during emergencies or high-profile projects. Advanced – Independently leads strategic communications during emergencies or high-visibility projects, coordinating media, stakeholders, and the public, and making timely decisions with significant impact. Intermediate – Participates in communications planning or response for emergencies or high-visibility projects with some guidance; supports decision-making and media engagement. Basic – Limited experience supporting emergency communications or high-visibility projects. None of the above – No relevant experience. 12 Briefly describe a situation where you coordinated strategic communications during a crisis or high-visibility project, including how you managed media, public perception, and stakeholder engagement. If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”. 13 This position may require responding to media inquiries and supporting communications during emergency or critical incidents, which may occur outside normal business hours and may require traveling to incident locations on short notice. Are you able to meet this requirement? Yes No 14 Do you have the ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain? Yes No 15 How did you learn of this employment opportunity? Indeed LinkedIn Direct Email Notification WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc) Career Fair Monster WorkSource Handshake AASHTO NACTO COMTO APWA "NOW HIRING" banner/sign Radio advertisement WSDOT Employment Site Careers.wa.gov governmentjobs.com Other (specify below) 16 If You Selected 'Other' On The Previous Question, Please Specify How You Learned Of This Employment Opportunity In The Space Provided Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr