External Affairs Advisor and External Labor Liaison, Exempt

Description

Duties

Responsibilities:
Plan, organize and execute relationship-building projects and actions that enhance the Commissioner’s and DNR’s relationships with governments, partners and external labor unions. A key facet of this position will be developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with external labor unions and advising the Commissioner on any external labor related issues that have a nexus with DNR’s work.

Serve as a point of contact for key collaborators and community partners, including, but not limited to, labor unions, environmental organizations, state trust beneficiaries, businesses and community organizations. Gather, distill and present partner feedback to the Commissioner and the executive team.

Serve as a conduit to address emerging partner issues and improve coordination and communication between agency staff and external partners so that key issues are resolved in a timely and effective manner.

Identify audiences and outreach opportunities to increase awareness and impact of DNR’s program and services and build strategies to advance and sustain agency priorities.

Support the DNR Grants Director in pursuing grant and funding opportunities at the federal, state and local level.

Assist with external events and build turnout for DNR events, such as town halls.

Serve as a representative, internally and externally, of the Commissioner, including commissions, task forces, high-level policy and interagency meetings, work sessions, and meetings with elected officials, business and community leaders and the public.

Research and analyze relevant issues, in coordination with policy advisors and other executive staff, to ensure such matters are evaluated and vetted before being brought to the Leadership Team or Commissioner for consideration.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions on high profile projects.
• Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships and work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization.
• Proven experience working in or around strategic communications or public relations with a strong sense of political and media strategy.
• Ability to think strategically while implementing and executing on initiatives and appropriately influencing outcomes.
• Strong written, verbal and graphic communication skills including talking points and briefing memos, presentations and public speaking.
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation and/or regulations to determine impacts on the agency.
• Experience drafting rules and amendments to regulations and legislation.
• Critically analyze and evaluate policy proposals and partner with internal groups to drive discussion and develop strategies and approaches
• Experience coordinating with agencies through policies, programs, and/or grant development or implementation.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside, building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including business and private industry partners, Tribes, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Ability to apply a racial equity and justice lens to your work.
• Ability to understand larger historical, social, economic, and political context of natural resources and resilience issues in Washington and the United States.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts and information.
• Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Typical office setting, this position mainly works at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia.
• Some travel may be required.

• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in political science, law, public policy, business administration, communications, environmental science or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities OR at least 5 years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.