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State of Washington is hiring: Community Engagement Manager in Bay View

State of Washington, Bay View, MI, United States


About the Position
The Community Engagement Manager leads statewide outreach and engagement efforts to increase awareness and participation in WA529 programs. This role develops outreach strategies, builds partnerships, and represents WA529 through presentations, events, and collaborations.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Community Engagement, this position supervises Community Engagement staff, manages outreach initiatives, and contributes to program strategy and continuous improvement.

This position is ideal for a relationship-focused leader who enjoys connecting with communities and advancing equitable access to education.

Working Conditions
This position is based in Olympia, Washington, and primarily involves working in an office setting using standard computer and office equipment. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This role requires a high level of flexibility to support statewide outreach and community engagement activities. Regular travel throughout Washington, including overnight travel, is expected, and occasional out-of-state travel may be required. Evening and weekend work is a routine part of the position, supporting events, presentations, and community partnerships. The position also includes physical demands associated with outreach activities, such as lifting, transporting, and setting up boxes of materials and exhibit displays at events.

Work often involves managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines, with extended hours expected during peak outreach periods or as needed to meet program demands. This is a full-time, position eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement, and is exempt from civil service regulations.

Responsibilities
Leadership & Program Management

Supervise, mentor, and support Community Engagement staff

Co-develop and implement the annual outreach plan.

Manage outreach budgets, materials, and vendor relationships

Serve on the WA529 Leadership Team

Identify and implement improvements to outreach strategies and operations

Oversee the procurement and management of outreach materials and promotional items, including vendor coordination, budgeting, billing, and inventory oversight.

Community & Employer Engagement

Develop and implement statewide engagement strategies

Build and maintain partnerships with employers, community organizations, and stakeholders

Lead employer engagement efforts, including payroll direct deposit participation

Plan and coordinate outreach events, presentations, and sponsorships

Represent WA529 at community events, conferences, and professional meetings

Collaboration & Communications

Collaborate with WSAC divisions to align outreach efforts

Develop outreach materials, talking points, and communications

Support marketing initiatives and research projects

Coordinate employer communications, including newsletters

Contribute to marketing initiatives, research projects, and procurement processes, including RFI, RFP or RFQQ support when needed

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field and three (3) years of relevant experience OR

Seven (7) years of combined education and progressively responsible experience in a related field

In Addition, Candidates Must Have:

Experience presenting or speaking to diverse audiences

Ability to travel statewide, including overnight travel

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing program budgets

Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems

Knowledge of state government or public sector programs

Spanish language proficiency

Core Competencies

Leadership and staff supervision

Strong public speaking and communication skills

Relationship-building and partnership development

Project management and organizational skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov.

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