Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Seeking communication professionals with exceptional writing skills and equally strong communication planning skills to serve as key communication adviser and support to the agency’s largest division.

Job Summary:

This Communications Consultant develops, implements and coordinates agency-wide communications activities, including media relations, communications planning, and external and internal communications for six significant programs and subject areas within Insurance Services, including Claims Management, Actuarial Services, Employer Services, Health Services Analysis, Retrospective Rating and Crime Victims Compensation. The Communications Consultant serves as the lead communications adviser/public information consultant for these Insurance Services programs, as well as some projects and initiatives for the Director. In addition, they serve as a key communications adviser to the agency's executive staff, program managers and regional management staff.

As the Communications Consultant, you will:

• Plan, lead, organize and control the public information program and carry out media relations involving high-profile activities.
• Serve a key adviser to the director and top management on communications issues-management activities, including participating in the management decision-making process.
• Publicize and promote activities on a statewide basis, using a variety of media, including news releases, the Internet, fact sheets, posters, brochures, fliers, pamphlets and other informational materials.
• Coordinate activities with the Governor's communications office.
• Represent Labor & Industries as a spokesperson to the news media.
• Research issues pertaining to legislative and executive office initiatives and directives as they relate to communications and outreach.
• Work in collaboration with the communications manager supporting other Insurance Services programs.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations or closely allied field AND four years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.

Additional professional experience in information, journalism or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.

Experience in the following is highly desired:

-- Experience in implementing the use of social media.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to take complicated and technical subjects and explain them in common, understandable ways.
• Exceptional oral communications skills, including in meetings, with internal and external stakeholders and with the news media.
• Advise top management regarding program impact on the public.
• Organize, prepare and present comprehensive public information and education programs utilizing mass news media and specialty media.
• Work in partnership and collaboration with others inside the agency, including co-workers in Communication Services and managers and staff of the six Insurance Services programs and subject areas.
• Keep supervisor and co-workers informed.
• Prioritize tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
  

Application Process:

We are looking for evidence that you have the skills and abilities required for this job. The information you provide will be used to decide who will be selected for the next step in the process.

1. Fill out this version of the L&I Employment Application
2. Submit a resume
3. Include a letter of interest describing how you meet the qualification, skills and abilities for this position.
   

Submit your application materials using one of the following methods:

NOTE: We are unable to accept .ZIP attachments.

Some locations where you may access computer terminals:

• Work Source Centers.
  (See locations at: http://www.wa.gov/esd/work/localconnections.htm)
• Public libraries.
  (See locations at: http://wlo.statelib.wa.gov/libsearch.cfm)
• Department of Personnel, 600 S. Franklin, Olympia, Washington.
  

As a condition of employment the successful candidate accepting this position will be required to comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees or the Coalition.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or assessment process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 902-9152. Applicants that are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.

The State of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer