Communications Consultant 3

The Office of the Washington State Auditor is one of the best places to make a difference in your community by helping government work better. The State Auditor’s Office examines the finances of every government in Washington, making sure they comply with state laws, rules, and policies while being transparent about how they spend public money.

The office applies its independent eye to more than public dollars and cents. In addition to audits, we:

• Offer recommendations, training and resources to help improve government efficiency and effectiveness

• Conducted the first-in-the-nation examinations of how law enforcement investigates use of deadly force incidents

• Support government cybersecurity preparedness with customized services for state agencies and local governments

• Investigate potential fraud in the use of public funds and public resources

In addition to editing public audit reports, this position will also:

• Coordinate and edit cybersecurity content, including IT performance audits and non-audit material, such as PowerPoints and booklets, related to cybersecurity developed by the Center for Government Innovation.

• Serve as backup to the lead performance audit editor; proofread as needed; edit and occasionally write content for social media and other platforms as needed.

All job duties require regular consultation and collaboration with subject matter experts across the Office.

The Auditor’s Office offers a rare opportunity to work in a government environment that is high profile but also even-paced. While we have high expectations for the depth and quality of work, we are also able to manage our project schedules to sustain a healthy work/life balance.

• Review and edit audit reports and other technical documents in order to make complex subjects understandable for all audiences.

• Consult with subject matter experts; participate in creative development to ensure the material is attention-getting, informative and plain-talked.

• Presentation review within the assigned liaison area; coordinating the production of external blog posts and newsletter items as needed; editing and occasionally writing content for social media and other platforms as needed.

• Other duties as assigned, including participating and occasionally leading ad-hoc work groups on single-issue communication campaigns, which includes leading meetings, working with subject matter experts, refining written and visual material, and evaluating content effectiveness.

Required Education, Experience and Competencies

• A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field. Professional experience may be substituted for education requirement.

• At least three years’ experience developing, producing and posting materials for print and online consumption, as well as leading ad-hoc teams to create original informational campaigns for targeted audiences for a private or public sector company, cooperation, government agency or other organization.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute plans for large, complex publication projects, working with subject matter experts to set and meet internal and external deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and take personal initiative to plan and organize their own work day, assignments and tasks.

• Thorough grounding in Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Excel, and Adobe products, especially InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

**We expect to fill this position at the Communications Consultant 3 level, with the potential to be filled as a Communications Consultant 4.

Benefits of working for the state of Washington and the State Auditor's Office:

As a full-time state employee you accrue vacation and sick leave. More information can be found here regarding Washington State Employee benefits.

As a state agency employee, you will also enjoy other benefits and discounts from various companies. Here are a few:

• WGU Washington is proud to offer a special discount for Washington state employees. As a Washington state employee, you are entitled to a 5 percent discount on their/the already affordable tuition rates for your first two terms.

• Discounts on some cellular phone services

• Participation in Microsoft’s Home Use Program, which allows you to use/purchase selected Microsoft software at a reduced price.

Application Process:

To be considered, applicants must submit a completed application and provide a letter of interest stating how you meet the qualifications.

Degrees awarded outside the United States must include a credential evaluation report.

If you are a U.S. Veteran and would like to apply for Veteran’s Preference, attach a copy of Form DD214 military record showing honorable discharge.

Send your questions to the applications team at applicationsunit@sao.wa.gov.

The Office of the Washington State Auditor is an equal opportunity employer. People with a disability, who need assistance in the application or testing process, or who need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (564) 999-0947 or via the telecommunications relay service by dialing 7-1-1.