Communications Consultant 4

Communications Consultant 4

Salary

$64,512.00 - $86,688.00 Annually

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-SWR-41492

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Southwest Region

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 4 to serve as one of Southwest Region's senior communication leaders supporting transportation programs, projects, and operations. In this role, you will develop and deliver strategic communications that keep the public, partners, and stakeholders informed while promoting transparency, trust, and meaningful engagement.

Serving as a trusted communications advisor, you will provide timely, accurate and accessible information that helps shape public understanding of complex transportation issues. Your work will support safe and reliable transportation, informed decision-making, and effective emergency communications. Join WSDOT in advancing our mission to improve communities and strengthen economic vitality through clear, impactful communication.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant will:

• Lead strategic communications for Southwest Region transportation programs, projects, and operations by developing, implementing, and evaluating communication plans, messaging, and outreach strategies that support agency priorities and informed decision-making.
• Advise regional leadership, project teams, and agency partners on communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, media relations, public involvement, and communications risks; coach staff for media interviews, public meetings, and speaking engagements.
• Serve as the regional communications representative and agency spokesperson by responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and delivering timely, accurate, and consistent information to the public and media.
• Develop, write, edit, and distribute communication materials, including news releases, presentations, speeches, briefing materials, website and social media content, and other public-facing communications using agency standards and plain language principles.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, tribal governments, local governments, elected officials, transportation partners, businesses, and the public while planning and facilitating public meetings, presentations, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Research, analyze, and monitor transportation issues, stakeholder concerns, public sentiment, and communication trends to identify risks and opportunities, evaluate communication effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
• Develop, manage, and maintain digital communications, social media, web content, multimedia products, and analytics to ensure information is accurate, accessible, engaging, and compliant with agency standards.
• Manage communications consultant contracts and coordinate communication activities across internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality deliverables, consistent messaging, effective customer responses, and alignment with WSDOT priorities.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer by coordinating emergency communications, developing timely and accurate public messaging, advising leadership during incidents and supporting incident response through a rotating standby communications role.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Strategic Communications: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies, public information efforts, stakeholder engagement activities, or outreach programs that support organizational objectives.
• Information Delivery: Advanced ability to create, edit, and deliver clear, effective written, verbal, digital, and multimedia communications for diverse audiences, including communicating complex, technical, or sensitive information.
• Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Professional Writing: Advanced skills in professional writing, editing, and message development using plain language principles and audience-focused communications.
• Program Communications: Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement communications strategies for transportation, construction, infrastructure, public works, or government programs.
• Media Relations: Ability to serve as an agency media spokesperson.
• Emergency Communications: Experience or training in emergency communications.
• Certification: FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) certification.
• Digital Communications: Proficiency in web, social media, and digital communications.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41492 in the subject line.

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. Thats 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

01

Describe your experience developing and implementing communications strategies, public information efforts, community engagement activities, or outreach programs that support organizational objectives.

02

Describe your experience creating, editing, and delivering written, verbal, digital, or multimedia communications for diverse audiences, including communicating complex, technical, or sensitive information.

03

Describe your experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners to support organizational goals.

04

What best describes your level of experience developing and implementing communications strategies or public information plans?

• • I have led the development and implementation of comprehensive communications strategies that included audience analysis, messaging, outreach activities, evaluation measures, and coordination with multiple partners.
• • I have independently developed communications plans, key messages, outreach materials, or engagement strategies to support organizational programs, projects, or initiatives.
• • I have assisted with developing communications strategies, public information materials, or outreach activities under the direction of others.
• • I have supported communications activities by providing information, coordinating logistics, or assisting with content development.
• • I have limited or no experience developing communications strategies or public information efforts.

05

What best describes your experience developing, editing, and delivering professional written communications using plain language and audience-focused messaging?

• • I regularly develop and edit complex communications materials, such as executive briefings, news releases, public statements, speeches, reports, or strategic messaging for high-visibility audiences.
• • I independently create and edit professional communications materials, including correspondence, newsletters, presentations, fact sheets, or web content.
• • I have experience contributing to written communications by drafting content, editing materials, or adapting information for different audiences.
• • I have assisted with preparing written materials using established templates, guidance, or approved messaging.
• • I have limited or no experience developing or editing professional communications materials.

06

What best describes your experience developing communications strategies for transportation, construction, infrastructure, public works, government, or similar programs?

• • I have led communications strategies for complex public-sector programs, infrastructure projects, or initiatives involving partners, technical information, and public engagement.
• • I have developed communications materials or outreach strategies for public-sector programs, projects, or services involving technical or community-focused information.
• • I have supported communications activities for programs or projects by preparing materials, coordinating outreach, or assisting with community engagement.
• • I have limited experience supporting communications for programs or projects but have transferable communications experience in another area.
• • I have no experience developing communications for programs, projects, or initiatives.

07

What best describes your experience serving as a spokesperson or responding to media inquiries?

• • I have served as an organizational spokesperson, managed media inquiries, coordinated interviews, prepared talking points, and provided responses on sensitive or high-profile issues.
• • I have regularly responded to media inquiries, supported interviews, or prepared spokesperson materials such as talking points, statements, or briefings.
• • I have assisted with media relations activities by gathering information, coordinating responses, or supporting spokesperson efforts.
• • I have limited experience interacting with media but have experience preparing public-facing communications.
• • I have no experience supporting media relations or spokesperson activities.

08

What best describes your experience developing and managing digital communications, including websites, social media, or multimedia content?

• • I have managed digital communication strategies, analyzed engagement data, and developed multimedia content across multiple platforms to support organizational goals.
• • I have independently created, published, and maintained digital content, including websites, social media posts, graphics, photography, video, or other multimedia products.
• • I have assisted with developing or publishing digital communications content using established tools and processes.
• • I have limited experience supporting digital communications activities or creating online content.
• • I have no experience developing or managing digital communications content.

09

What best describes your experience supporting emergency communications or public information activities during urgent or time-sensitive events?

• • I have led emergency communications efforts, coordinated public information responses, or served in a Public Information Officer (PIO) capacity during emergency or crisis situations.
• • I have supported emergency communications by preparing public information materials, coordinating messaging, or assisting with incident response activities.
• • I have participated in emergency communications training, exercises, or related activities.
• • I have limited exposure to emergency communications but have experience working in time-sensitive communications environments.
• I have no experience with emergency communications activities.

10

Which statement best describes how you approach learning, improvement, and meeting the needs of internal and external customers?

• • I proactively seek feedback, identify opportunities for improvement, apply new knowledge, and anticipate stakeholder needs to improve services and outcomes.
• • I actively seek opportunities to expand my skills, incorporate feedback, and adjust my approach to better support customers and organizational goals.
• • I participate in learning opportunities and apply new information when guidance or resources are provided.
• • I learn new skills and adjust processes when required to complete assigned responsibilities.
• • I have limited experience seeking feedback, developing new skills, or adapting approaches to meet changing needs.

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

12

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov