ESD 113- Communications Specialist

Best to apply by 11/09/2026.

ESD 113 learns from and cares for our staff, schools, students, families, and the land, works alongside communities to build pathways that expand opportunity, and acts with collective purpose to advance educational justice.

Job Details:

This is a full time position, 260 days/year, 8 hours/day.

Benefits include Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance; FSA/DCAP; Life/AD&D Insurance; LTD Insurance; EAP; Retirement; DCP; Annual Leave, Sick Leave Holiday Pay and Personal Leave.

In order to be considered for this position you must provide a resume, cover letter and a communications portfolio.

Portfolio Instructions:

Your communications portfolio must include the following:

• (2) graphic design samples
• (5) photos or 1 video
• (2) professional writing samples
• (1) social media campaign

Submit only work that you created. Include files or links to each item in your portfolio. Provide a brief, 3-5 sentence summary of each item that reflects who it was for, what it was meant to achieve, when it was created, and how it was distributed.

If you collaborated with someone else on these items, describe each collaborator's role and responsibilities, as well as the parts you completed yourself. All samples must be submitted in English, unless otherwise specified.

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.

Purpose Statement

The job of Communications Specialist is done for the purpose/s of sharing stories that matter, building brand recognition, and creating accessible, high-quality communications materials through writing, editing, graphic design, photography, videography, social media, and website support.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes, interprets, and summarizes complex data from various sources for the purpose of improving communication effectiveness and reaching target audiences.
• Applies agency branding and style guidelines for the purpose of building consistent recognition and professional credibility across all communications.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with the Communications Department and assigned clients, for the purpose of accurate, consistent communications that strengthen agency credibility and trust.
• Captures and professionally edits photography, videography, and audio recordings for the agency and assigned clients for the purpose of creating engaging audiovisual storytelling.
• Collaborates with internal programs, for the purpose of aligning communications with broader organizational goals.
• Completes tasks accurately with general supervision for the purpose of delivering high-quality projects to assigned clients.
• Contributes to newsletters and announcements for the purpose of keeping audiences informed and engaged with organizational priorities and updates.
• Creates and remediates complex digital documents and content for the purpose of ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and making information available to all users regardless of ability.
• Creates graphics and visual elements using Adobe in Design, Illustrator, and Photoshop aligned to style guidelines and accessibility standards for the purpose of enhancing communication materials, and supporting brand identity, and building consistent recognition and professional credibility across all communications.
• Designs and maintains accessible websites with user experience best practices for the purpose of helping audiences quickly find what they need.
• Designs, implements, and analyzes ad campaigns for the purpose of reaching and engaging client audiences, tracking ROI, and optimizing future campaigns.
• Develops and presents training to the Communications Department for the purpose of continually improving team skills and effectiveness.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive communication plans for internal clients for the purpose of providing high-quality, measurable services.
• Gathers background information through research, interviews, and surveys for the purpose of strengthening communication outcomes and audience engagement.
• Incorporates feedback for the purpose of improving individual performance, building strong working relationships, and supporting the success of the department.
• Leads video projects, including pre-production, production, and post-production tasks, for the purpose of telling high-quality stories.
• Maintains accurate and complete records and documents in compliance with the Washington State Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule for the purpose of ensuring proper classification, retention, and disposal of all agency documentation in accordance with state regulatory requirements.
• Maintains and archives digital assets, for the purpose of organizing and preserving content for future use.
• Plans and implements agency and assigned client social media strategy and posts for the purpose of building community connections and strengthening awareness of programs and services.
• Proofreads, reviews, and provides comprehensive feedback on projects for the purpose of improving quality, accuracy, and alignment with branding and style guidelines.
• Serves as a primary communications point of contact for assigned clients for the purpose of keeping all parties informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycles.
• Serves the agency and assigned clients through advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty, and fairness for the purpose of upholding industry standards for equitable and ethical conduct.
• Stays current on communications technologies and best practices for the purpose of continually improving skills and effectiveness.
• Travels intermittently, up to 5 consecutive days or more, for the purpose of fulfilling project requirements and performing the essential functions of the position.
• Uses project management tools with fidelity for the purpose of meeting deadlines and maintaining clear communication with project team members.
• Writes and edits content aligned to brand standards, style guidelines, and accessibility standards for the purpose of connecting families and communities to educational opportunities and services.

Other Functions

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them to complete their work activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: application of pertinent laws, codes, policies, and regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; and vocational training resources.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: providing leadership, direction, and team building; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds; working independently under time constraints to meet deadlines and schedules; organizing and communicating information and concepts setting priorities; working as part of a team; analyzing situations and making accurate decisions; working with multiple projects; dealing with frequent interruptions and changing work priorities; working with detailed information and maintaining accurate records maintaining confidentiality; and facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 10% walking, 20% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience:

Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency:

A degree in English, communications, graphic design, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field and at least three years of full-time, professional communications experience preferred.

Required Testing:

None Specified

Continuing Educ./Training:

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Certificates and Licenses:

Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies preferred

Certificated Remote Pilot preferred

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

FLSA Status:

Non Exempt

Approval Date:

5/21/2019

Revised Date:

7/22/2026

Pay Grade:

53