Communications Consultant 4

At the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), we protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions.

The Washington Saves program aims to enhance financial security and promote retirement savings among Washington residents by providing a simple, accessible, and portable savings solution for workers.

The Communications Consultant 4 (CC4) will serve as the lead for outreach, stakeholder engagement, and educational initiatives for the Washington Saves (WA Saves) program. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, and ensuring that outreach efforts are culturally competent and reach historically excluded communities. Working closely with the Program Manager, the CC4 will lead public engagement efforts to promote the program, increase participation, and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Some of What You Will Do:

• Participate in planning, organizing, and implementing outreach and communication activities for the WA Saves program and participate in strategic planning for public outreach efforts.
• Inform current and potential stakeholders about the program’s services, policies, and products to advance the goals of WA Saves.
• With supervisory check-ins, independently develop and coordinate public engagement and information policy activities with other governmental agencies, WA Saves Board members, and various internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Identify and develop targeted communication strategies for key audiences including employers, employees, policymakers, and community partners, and provide information and updates about the WA Saves program. 
• Support the program’s efforts to reach historically excluded communities and build new partnerships through culturally competent outreach practices.
• Foster relationships with internal and external partners to promote awareness and engagement with the WA Saves program.
• Perform original writing and editing for a variety of communication materials, including press releases, blogs, newsletters, social media posts, and web content.
• Coordinate with other state agencies, community organizations, and industry groups to promote the WA Saves program.
• Monitor relevant news sources and maintain a database of news story links to identify emerging issues and public perceptions related to the program.  
• Draft and edit speeches, articles, and presentations for the WA Saves Program Manager and other program leadership.
• Select, edit, format, and proofread materials for program reports, legislative updates, and public-facing documents.
• Assist in the development of communication policies and procedures to ensure consistent messaging and adherence to brand standards.
• Provide communication support during legislative sessions, including preparing testimony and legislative updates. 

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

• Accomplished/advanced professional experience in community outreach, project management, communications or a closely related field.

• Adaptable to varying and differing audiences.

• Political savvy and discernment - must exhibit the ability to shift and see multiple sides.

• Strong verbal, listening and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., standard office equipment, including a computer and office telephone system. 

• Proficiency in social media, photo, and video editing software.

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field and three years of writing/editing/translating experience; or equivalent education/experience.

• Dual Language: oral and written fluency in a language other than English.

Benefits of working for DFI include:

• Medical, dental, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Telecommuting up to three days per week and flexible work hours.
• Healthy work-life balance.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI’s in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful. 
• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

About Our Agency:
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department's 200-plus employees within its 5 divisions - Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.

The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences.  We employ and serve diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, and veterans. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.  

Official Work Station:
The DFI employs a hybrid work schedule of office and telework; your specific work schedule will be determined by your supervisor. Your official work station will be the Tumwater headquarters office.

Application Process:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically on Careers.wa.gov. Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide all required application materials may result in disqualification.
 
 Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references* (provide contact name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title)

*A professional reference is someone who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have sufficient professional references, please include non-professional references, such as educators or other professional associates.

Note:  Application review may begin immediately. DFI reserves the right and may exercise the option to close this recruitment and make a hiring decision at any time. It may be to the applicant’s advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.

Background Investigation:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including credit history and criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Contact Information:
Tom Grant/360-725-7817 
Recruiting@dfi.wa.gov

Salary : $5,117 - $6,876