Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5)
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Apply to Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) at State of WashingtonJob details
- Location
- Lacey, Washington
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $74,748 - $100,488/yr
- Posted
- today
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Communications Manager (Communications Consultant 5) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.
This is a temporary position that will end 12 months from date of hire. Note: this may be extended based on funding availability.
Location:
- Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- One to two days per week of on-site attendance is required
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by August 12, 2026.
Position Duties
What you will do:
• Serve as the program’s primary spokesperson, managing media relations, preparing leadership and subject matter experts for interviews, and representing Ecology at public meetings, briefings, and events.
• Write, edit, and oversee high-quality communication products—including news releases, key messages, social and digital content, web materials, speeches, and strategic documents—translating complex environmental and policy information into clear, accessible messages.
• Direct the program’s web content strategy, ensuring digital information is accurate, user-centered, and aligned with agency standards for accessibility and plain language.
• Provide communications leadership across internal and external partnerships, collaborating closely with SEA and OCB leadership, Communications Program staff, outreach professionals, and interagency partners to align messaging and support statewide initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor a Communications Consultant 3, setting priorities, reviewing work products, and supporting professional development to meet program communication needs.
• Advise program managers and agency leadership on communication strategy, policy considerations, public involvement approaches, and response strategies for sensitive or time-critical issues.
• Ensure timely, clear communication during high-visibility or urgent situations, providing support outside regular business hours when needed to maintain transparency and public trust.
Minimum Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience: professional-level experience in journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility, writing/editing or other relevant fields.
Experience must include demonstrated competence in all of the following skill sets:
- Ability to develop and implement communication plans, translate complex technical or policy topics for public audiences, and determine appropriate communication channels and methods for diverse stakeholders.
- Skilled in writing and editing clear, accurate, accessible and compelling materials—including news releases, web content, talking points, speeches, and social media—tailored to varied audiences and platforms.
- Ability to serve as an agency spokesperson; work effectively with reporters; prepare leadership and staff for interviews; and represent the program at public meetings, briefings, or events.
- Ability to use web content management processes, apply best practices for organizing and presenting online information, and coordinate with web teams to maintain accurate, user focused digital content.
- Ability to collaborate across internal and external partners and deliver accurate, time-sensitive public information during urgent or high-pressure situations.
- Experience managing a small team, or mentoring/coaching experience.
Education: involving major study injournalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 8 years of experience.
- 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
- 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree in above mentioned field.
- 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree in above mentioned field.
Desired Qualifications:
- An understanding of the principles and practices of equity and environmental justice.
- An understanding of how to develop accessible documents.
Other Qualifications
Ecology 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.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
- A writing sample you created.
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [email protected]
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Joenne McGerr at [email protected]
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program
The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits
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.
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.
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 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.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Supplemental Questions
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
- Yes
- No
- Two years
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years
- Six years
- Seven years
- Eight years or more
- None of the above
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (AA degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
- None of the above
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- None – I have no experience creating communication plans.
- Foundational – I have assisted with communication plans or drafted basic materials when given clear direction.
- Intermediate – I have developed portions of communication plans and can translate moderately complex topics for specific audiences.
- Advanced – I independently create and implement full communication plans, tailoring key messages and selecting appropriate communication channels for diverse interested parties.
- Expert – I lead strategic communication planning for complex or high-profile topics, coordinate with multiple partners, and ensure messaging is clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate.
- None – I have no experience writing or editing professional materials.
- Foundational – I can draft or edit basic content such as announcements, summaries, or internal communications.
- Intermediate – I regularly write and edit materials including web content, newsletters, or social media posts with some independence.
- Advanced – I produce high-quality materials such as news releases, speeches, talking points, and public-facing content with minimal guidance.
- Expert – I consistently create polished, high-impact materials across multiple platforms, tailor complex information for distinct audiences, and edit others’ work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and strong messaging.
- None – I have no experience interacting with media or representing an organization publicly.
- Foundational – I have provided background information or supported others who interact with media.
- Intermediate – I have occasionally responded to reporter inquiries or represented a program at small meetings or events.
- Advanced – I frequently serve as a spokesperson, prepare leaders for interviews, and represent an organization at public meetings or briefings.
- Expert – I manage complex media interactions, deliver clear and timely information during sensitive situations, and confidently represent leadership and programs at high-visibility events.
- None – I have no experience managing digital or web content.
- Foundational – I can make basic updates to digital content when provided instructions or templates.
- Intermediate – I regularly update, organize, and maintain digital content, ensuring information is current and usable.
- Advanced – I independently manage web content across multiple sections, apply best practices for layout and accessibility, and coordinate updates with staff.
- Expert – I oversee complex digital content strategies, ensure compliance with accessibility and branding standards, troubleshoot issues, and guide others in maintaining accurate and user-focused content.
- None – I have no experience providing communications during urgent or high-pressure situations.
- Foundational – I have assisted with communications efforts when others lead during time-sensitive or challenging situations.
- Intermediate – I can produce timely updates or coordinate with partners when situations require moderately quick responses.
- Advanced – I actively collaborate with internal and external partners to produce coordinated, accurate communications during urgent or high-pressure events.
- Expert – I lead communication efforts during high-stakes or rapidly evolving situations, ensuring timely information delivery and strong coordination across multiple partners.
- None – I have no experience leading or mentoring others.
- Foundational – I have provided occasional guidance or informal coaching to colleagues.
- Intermediate – I regularly mentor or coach others and may have led small project teams.
- Advanced – I supervise or lead a small team, providing direction, feedback, and support to ensure high-quality work.
- Expert – I have extensive experience managing small teams, developing staff professionally, and building collaborative, high-performing work environments.
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov