Deputy Communications Director (WMS 2)

About the Department

Deputy Communications Director (WMS 2)
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce, and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Communications Team provides comprehensive communications services for the agency, including media relations, digital communications, graphic design and branding, agency reports, website services and internal communications. The team contributes to the agency’s mission of strengthening communities by ensuring communication is clear, concise, written in plain language and accessible to all.

The Deputy Communications Director reports to the Communications Director and manages and coordinates responses to high-profile media issues, including supervision of the Media Relations Manager, and supervises a team of two communicators focused on delivering communications services to the agency’s Energy Division and the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness Division.

The Deputy Communications Director is also the chief tactician for the agency’s response to high-profile media issues, leading the day-to-day operations of media relations activities. The position is also responsible for developing customer focused systems for delivering communications services to Commerce’s five primary divisions (Housing, Community Services, Economic Development, Local Government and Energy). The position will be the primary liaison with division leadership and, serving as a central content hub, be responsible for division external communications and storytelling approaches.

In the absence of the Communications Director, it has signature authority for budgetary management, personnel management and oversight for the agency’s Communications Division.

Position Duties

• Media Relations: Leads, manages and coordinates response to high profile media inquiries and issues likely to draw media attention and advises leadership on appropriate approaches and tactics. Develops systems and procedures for placing earned media stories in local and national publications, seeking media exposure for Commerce’s important work.
• Media Events planning: Lead and coordinate the planning of public and press events for agency leadership and division program rollouts.
• Division Communications: Supervises, leads, manages, a team comprised of the Media Relations Manager (CC5) and two division lead communicators (CC4) assigned to Commerce’s Energy Division and Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness Division. Serves as the primary liaison between the Communications Division and division leadership regarding communications needs and initiatives.
• Systematic Approach to Service Delivery: Develops new structures for the delivery of communications services to divisions, writing service delivery agreements for divisions, creating the framework for division-focused communications planning calendars resulting in a steady flow of content and setting expectations for how division lead communicators are expected to interface with their divisions to deliver services.
• Strategic Guidance: Provide strategic guidance for divisions on significant briefing documents, news releases, speeches, presentations, web content, and other materials that represent the agency to the public, legislators, and/or deal with controversial issues.
• Improve Commerce Communications Tactics and Processes: Analyze the extent of public understanding of Commerce programs and evaluate effectiveness of information and public relations activities. Develop messaging and communications plans that achieve continuous improvement to our
external information delivery systems, determine if new processes or tools are necessary to increase audience engagement with Commerce communications products.
• Special Projects: Leads special projects on behalf of the Communications Director and executive management, actively collaborating with agency staff and leadership on the development and implementation of special communications initiatives that reflect the agency’s priorities and strategic goals.
• Strategic and Advanced Planning: Assists the Communications Director with carrying out strategic planning activities, aligning with the agency’s strategic goals and plan, and assists in advanced planning for key Communications Division initiatives.
• Performance Management: Assure appropriate and optimum use of Communications resources and enhanced effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Manage and develop direct reports and team members, identify opportunities for mentoring and cross-training.
• On-boarding: Leads onboarding activities for all new communications division members and leads off-boarding activities for team members who are departing.
• Budget tracking: Monitor division budget expenses and recommend or advise against expenditures for projects, equipment, training or travel.

Minimum Qualifications

9 years of combined experience and education as described below:
Experience must include two or more of the following areas:
• Engagement and collaboration with community members, partners, local governments, external partners and internal staff.
• High level facilitative and collaborative marketing skills.
• Demonstrated advanced leadership skills.
• Experience in understanding key legislative, intergovernmental and interest group process and relationships in Washington State.
• Professional experience with graphic design, publishing and multi-media communications strategy.
• Professional experience with marketing and advertising strategy.
• Professional experience with trends and methods for the Internet, including design, development and management.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.

A minimum of 2 years of supervisory or lead experience, experience may include the following:
• Directing and managing a team, overseeing budgets, workflow, and projects, including directing and evaluating the work of others.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, journalism, business, public administration or closely aligned field

Examples of how to qualify:
• 9 years of experience
• 8 years of experience and one year of education
• 7 years of experience and two years of education
• 6 years of experience and three years of education
• 5 years of experience and four years of education
• 4 years of experience and five years of education
• 3 years of experience and six years of education

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in political science, communications, journalism, business, public administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in communications, public affairs, journalism principles and practices.
• Previous newsroom experience either as a reporter, assignment desk or producer.
• Previous track record of managing direct reports effectively.

Required Position Competencies:
• Excellent verbal and written communication experience, including mastery of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, and production of communication deliverables for a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Ability to Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, relevant agency partners, external partners, collaborators, relevant parties, and local, state, and federal government staff and officials.
• Ability to negotiate effectively and persuade others to support the organization's mission.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, develop creative solutions, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Public speaking and presentation skills, advocating for an organization’s position to various audiences.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in external and internal communications. Support the state’s and Commerce’s goals for a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrates a commitment to social and racial justice.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: [email protected] - please reference the job number in your message.

Other Qualifications

Work from Anywhere in Washington State 
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at [email protected].
 
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity 
The Washington State Department of Commerce 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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at [email protected].  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
               
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.

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

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov