Communications Administrator (WMS2) - Internal

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

This position exercises latitude and discretion, making decisions which are guided by departmental policies where precedents for judgments and actions are not always clear and where analysis requires critical thinking and operational effectiveness on a strategic level. This position is directly accountable for managing and overseeing communications operations. This position manages and ensures the effective day-to-day operations of the Communications Office by providing leadership to a team of communications professionals in the delivery of high quality, customer focused service. 

As the Communications Administrator this position is responsible for multiple distinct bodies of communications work to include but not limited to; communication consultation, internal communications management, strategic external communications, media and public relations, crisis communications, brand management, internal training and development, technology management, organizational change management and leading communication regarding equity, diversity and inclusion with the agency EDAI subject matter experts. Additionally, this position acts as the back-up to the Communication Consultants in their absence to include the Communications Director.

 

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for an Internal full-time permanent WMS Band 2 position within the Director Office. This position is located in Olympia, Washington and is not represented. 

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $56,472 - $103,632 annually. 

Include, but are not limited to:

Communication Consultation

• Provide mentoring, strategic guidance, and leadership to communications staff.
• Advise and consult within assigned areas of responsibility regarding enterprise projects, agency and division initiatives, agency strategic measures in support of the agency's mission.
• Make decisions and provide consultation regarding effective communications and outreach, strategy and best practices that can be tracked through key performance indicators.
• Communicate ideas and information with all levels of management and stakeholders, both orally and in writing using communication vehicles that will maximize the reach and understanding of message.
• Provide leadership within the Communications Office to ensure agency compliance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Communication and Design—along with the Title II and Title III regulations.

Manages Professional Level Communication Staff

• Develop staff skills and abilities; establishing performance standards, expectations, and facilitate processes for continues improvement throughout the year.
• Monitor staff performance; Hold assigned staff accountable to work standards by coaching and mentoring; take action to distinguish performance standards; effectively communicates performance information with staff in a timely manner, fosters a culture of ongoing open communication within the department.
• Develop, draft, and implement results-based performance expectations, sets priorities, and conducts performance evaluations of assigned communications staff.
• Coordinate, communicate, document and report out on communications performance measures, procedures, and standards.

Communication Planning of Agency/Organizational Changes

• Lead vision and strategy development; create a clear and concise vision for the desired future state of the agency and crafts a comprehensive communications strategy for various initiatives to achieve that vision.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the progress and impact of the change initiatives and regularly monitor and evaluate performance against KPIs.
• Identify potential obstacles and challenges that may arise during the change process and develop strategies to mitigate these risks to include but not limited to identifying stakeholders' concerns, addressing resistance, and adapting the change approach.

Communication Strategy Development

• Play a pivotal role in devising and executing communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify communication needs, conducting research to understand target audiences, and crafting comprehensive plans to reach them effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate the success of communication initiatives, making data-driven adjustments as necessary to optimize impact.

Content Creation and Management

• Write, edit, and curates’ content for websites, social media platforms, newsletters, press releases, and other communication mediums.
• Develop engaging narratives, producing multimedia materials, and ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
• Oversee content scheduling, distribution, and performance tracking, maintaining a cohesive and impactful online presence for the organization.

Internal Communication Coordination

• Develop and implement strategies to keep staff informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage internal communication channels such as intranet portals, email newsletters, and staff meetings.
• Collaborate with department heads and HR to ensure consistent messaging regarding policies, procedures, and organizational changes.
• Foster a culture of transparency and open communication, they will contribute to a positive work environment and employee satisfaction.

Brand Management and Reputation Enhancement

• Work to protect and enhance the organization’s brand identity through strategic communication initiatives.
• Monitor online mentions and social media conversations, responding to inquiries and feedback, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.
• Reinforce a positive brand image, the Communications Administrator will help build trust and credibility with stakeholders, donors, and the public.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in community relations, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, or related field.

AND

• At least four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience including overseeing geographically dispersed employees and conflict management.
• Additional professional experience in information, journalism, public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.
• Experience developing creative assets using Adobe Creative Suite applications such as but not limited to InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• Working knowledge of Washington’s agricultural landscape and industry.
• Knowledge of Washington State procurement processes, and experience writing requests for proposals, evaluating proposals, contract negotiations, and contract management and monitoring.
• Fluent speaking and writing in both English and Spanish.
• Experience working on a statewide community relations and outreach effort.
• High-level skill in both oral and written communication with consumers, professional staff, managers, and legislators. Must have ability to collaborate with other divisions, administrations and business partners and work with diverse groups and facilitate meetings and group discussions.
• Experience developing and cultivating relationships with staff, peers, partners, stakeholders, steering committees, sponsors, and executive management.

Salary : $56,472 - $103,632