Communications & Outreach Coordinator (CC4)

About the Transportation Commission The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is a seven-member body of citizens appointed by the Governor for six-year terms. In addition, the WSDOT Secretary and a representative from the Governor’s Office serve as ex officio members. The WSTC provides an open public forum for transportation policy development, holding monthly meetings in Olympia and around the state. As the State Tolling Authority, the WSTC adopts state highway tolls and sets ferry fares. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state, issues the state’s 20-year statewide transportation plan, and conducts special studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.

Description
About the Transportation Commission
The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is a seven-member body of citizens appointed by the Governor for six-year terms. In addition, the WSDOT Secretary and a representative from the Governor’s Office serve as ex officio members. The WSTC provides an open public forum for transportation policy development, holding monthly meetings in Olympia and around the state. As the State Tolling Authority, the WSTC adopts state highway tolls and sets ferry fares. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state, issues the state’s 20-year statewide transportation plan, and conducts special studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.

The Opportunity
The WSTC is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Communications & Outreach Coordinator, located in Olympia, WA. The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will develop and implement engaging communications across multiple platforms that highlight the unique role the WSTC serves in statewide transportation policy development, education and engagement, as well as its work in ferry-fare and toll-rate setting.

The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will also support the strategic development, creative design, and management of digital and print communications, and develop content for the WSTC’s website and social media platforms. This position will support the organization’s engagement with the State Legislature, local elected officials, the general public, and the media, and help establish and promote strong working relationships with external groups and organizations.

The ideal candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, a desire for understanding how things connect and interrelate, and possess a passion for collaboration, relationship-building, and public outreach.

What To Expect
The Washington State Transportation Commission is committed to employee development and has an open-door culture where you will have the opportunity to work directly with Commissioners and staff at all levels, along with leaders in external agencies and organizations. The WSTC actively promotes opportunities for expanding and growing your skills and responsibilities and provides opportunities for growth and promotion within the organization.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications & Outreach Coordinator will:

Manage the Commission’s general communications, outreach efforts, and public engagement efforts.

Write press releases publicizing monthly WSTC meetings, ferry-fare and toll-rate setting activities, and other initiatives.

Manage and produce content for the WSTC’s social media channels using Canva and other digital tools.

Manage virtual and hybrid WSTC monthly meetings using Zoom, and collaborate to implement WSTC meeting operations and logistics

Develop content for the WSTC website.

Engage with stakeholders, managing the public email inbox, including responses.

Respond to media requests and facilitate interviews with agency subject matter experts

Carry out continual outreach and engagement efforts and relationship building with partner agencies, regional and local jurisdictions, trade and modal associations, legislative partners, etc.

Conduct public outreach and education efforts statewide on WSTC initiatives.

Coordinate and support WSTC legislative activities.

Qualifications

Communication: Advanced skills and experience in written and verbal communication, including conveying complex policy and technical information clearly and concisely, applying plain language principles, and tailoring messages to diverse audiences.

Public Engagement & Relationship Building: Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, partner agencies, legislators, and members of the public, using inclusive and culturally responsive engagement practices.

Project & Meeting Coordination: Extensive experience in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, managing competing deadlines, coordinating logistics, and maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Technology & Information Management: Proficiency in digital communication platforms, website content management systems, social media content creation and management tools, virtual meeting tools and equipment, and standard office applications; knowledge of electronic records management and established retention procedures.

Critical Thinking, Collaboration, & Accountability: Demonstrated skill in analyzing information, exercising sound judgment, solving problems, adapting to changing priorities, and collaborating effectively while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and accountability.

Legislative & Policy Knowledge: Knowledge of public-sector processes and legislative and policy information, including interpreting and summarizing complex information accurately and communicating it effectively.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated skill in evaluating communication and engagement effectiveness using feedback, performance metrics, and available data to identify opportunities for improvement.

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/have

Teamwork & Independence: Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.

Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship-building, collaboration, and effective engagement with diverse audiences.

Social Media Proficiency: Proficiency in social media platforms, content development, audience engagement, and digital communication strategies.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

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.

WSTC 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 WSTC

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 individual’s lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.

Growth Opportunity – WSTC actively supports professional growth and development and encourages employees to seek opportunities to enhance their skill sets, incentivizing the growth of responsibilities within the organization.

Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 – WSTC 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.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26WSTC-HQ-1819e 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.

Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

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.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

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

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