Communications Manager- North Central Region

About WSDOT
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 seeking a Communications Manager to lead North Central Region communications. The role provides region‑wide government relations, strategic communications, media relations, community engagement, and political strategy to the Region Administration and Regional Administration Areas. The Communications Manager has sole responsibility for strategic planning and communication with elected officials, the public, the media, and internal and external audiences, using various communication tools.

The Communications Manager is a member of the North Central Region's Leadership Team, which sets policy and strategic direction for the region. The position contributes to WSDOT’s delivery of major transportation projects, maintenance, operations, preservation, and planning within the North Central Region.

The North Central Region, encompassing the four counties of Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan and small parts of several other counties, includes multiple National Highway System corridors that are vital to the movement of freight, people, goods, and services throughout Washington.

What to Expect
This position is primarily office‑based, with occasional visits to field construction, maintenance, or emergency sites. A day shift Monday through Friday is required, but 24/7 availability is required to respond to media calls or emergencies. The role requires driving to project or emergency sites and frequent travel throughout the North Central Region, with occasional statewide meetings. Travel outside the state is rare. The individual is expected to live within or near the region and be available to respond at any time, with in‑person presence typically required one to two days per week or more as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of Communications Consultants, managing day‑to‑day workload and planning resource needs for the Region Communications and Government Relations Program.

Independently plan and lead strategic communications and community engagement plans, projecting five or more years in advance, and manage communications for emergencies, short‑term construction milestones, and issues.

Build collaborative relationships with news media, local, state, and federal agency partners, stakeholders, businesses, elected officials, and the public to facilitate understanding of agency projects, planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance activities.

Develop and manage consulting contracts for additional communications resources.

Serve as the primary public information officer for the region’s most visible and complex projects.

Monitor internal and external communications media to gauge public perception of the agency, region, specific projects, or emergency and winter event response.

Develop and lead outreach events including county fairs, community events, and internal and external region events.

Coordinate and prepare the region’s Title VI reporting requirements.

Collaborate with the Region Planning Office on strategic plans for external communications over a 1–3 year horizon to achieve goals under Complete Streets and the HEAL Act.

Qualifications

Strategic Communications Leadership

– Demonstrated ability to develop and lead comprehensive, multi‑year strategic communications and government relations programs for a complex public or private organization.

Executive Advisory & Political Acumen

– Ability to advise senior executives on high‑profile, politically sensitive issues, including emergency response and legislative engagement.

Crisis & Emergency Communications Management

– Experience leading crisis communications during emergency or high‑risk situations.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

– Proven effectiveness in leading teams and fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

– Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with elected officials, tribal governments, federal, state, and local agencies, media, community partners, and internal stakeholders.

Public Engagement & Community Outreach Strategy

– Ability to design and implement inclusive public engagement strategies for complex infrastructure projects.

Analytical Judgment & Risk Management

– Ability to assess reputational, operational, and safety risks associated with communications decisions.

Written & Verbal Communication Excellence

– Ability to communicate complex technical or policy information to diverse audiences.

Regulatory & Policy Knowledge

– Working knowledge of relevant regulations and agency policies related to communications.

Technical & Operational Proficiency

– Proficiency with computer systems and communications technology, including Microsoft Office and digital tools.

Education & Professional Preparation

– Progressive professional communications experience demonstrating increasing responsibility for strategy, executive advising, and program leadership.

Driver’s License Requirement

– Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state‑owned vehicle for regional travel.

Growth Mindset

– Commitment to learning and growth.

Service‑Oriented

– Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Required: Availability on a 24/7 basis to respond to media inquiries and support communications during emergencies or critical incidents, including travel to incident locations on short notice.

Required: Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Crisis Communications Leadership – Extensive experience leading multi‑agency crisis communications during disaster response or major infrastructure incidents.

Legislative & Political Strategy Experience – Understanding of legislative processes and engagement with elected officials in complex environments.

Senior‑Level Communications Experience – Significant professional experience leading communications programs in large, complex, or highly regulated organizations.

Benefits

Work‑Life Balance – Commitment to ensuring staff experience the rewards of public service while maintaining a routine that suits individual lifestyles.

Paid Leave – 12 paid holidays and up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees.

Tuition Assistance – Options for reimbursement and government discounts at participating colleges and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.

Comprehensive Benefits – Health care options, state retirement programs, and additional benefits available through the State Benefits portal.

Equal Opportunity Statement
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, or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process may contact the recruiter listed for accommodations.

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