Communications Director (WMS4)
State of WashingtonDescription
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 world's 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 seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications Director to lead the agency’s comprehensive communications programs and serve as a key executive resource. In this role, you will lead WSDOT’s internal and external communications, providing direction and oversight for media relations, public information, branding, graphics, and enterprise digital platforms. This position serves as the primary point of contact for agency programs, regions, modes, and major projects, while coordinating closely with the Governor’s Office communications staff to ensure alignment of key initiatives and messaging. A major focus of this role is delivering communications that are timely, consistent, high-quality, and customer focused. The Communications Director will regularly report to and advise the executive leadership team on strategic communications opportunities and challenges. Strong candidates will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, collaboration, and expertise in enterprise communications, digital engagement, and stakeholder coordination. If you thrive in a fast-paced work environment where your day can range from advising on a graphics question to strategizing how to communicate statewide a sensitive issue, we encourage you to apply!
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Director will:
- Manage communication resources, people, money, and time with defined goals and objectives and a commitment to performance measurement and evaluation.
- Collaborate effectively with WSDOT teams and provide leadership and strategic vision and direction.
- Assure the Communications Office achieves long-term goals, aligning them constructively with the External Relations Division and WSDOT's objectives and mission.
- Be responsible for the quality and utility of WSDOT's involvement with news media includes outreach to the media, as well as response to inquiries.
- Design, coordinate and prepare other WSDOT employees and WSDOT consultants who may appropriately speak for WSDOT.
- Create, support and supervise the development of communications materials.
- Lead and coordinate agency wide crisis communications response.
- Direct the preparation of agency-wide and major program publications for media or public distribution.
- Supervise staff at headquarters, administer the office budget and assist other managers in the direction, evaluation and support of communications staff reporting.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Leadership & People Management
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop professional staff; build strong teams; and facilitate collaborative solutions across diverse workgroups.
- Advanced proficiency in contemporary people-management practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, delegation, and staff development.
- Ability to provide clear direction, set expectations, and drive high-quality results in a complex, fast-moving environment.
Strategic Communication Expertise
- Broad and current understanding of professional Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, and media relations.
- Substantial experience leading crisis and issue management efforts in a highly visible environment.
- Professional mastery in written, verbal, and presentation communications across internal and external audiences.
Decision Making & Judgment
- Exceptional ability to make timely, sound decisions in situations with limited precedent and high potential impact on the public, stakeholders, and agency operations.
- Skilled in balancing competing priorities and exercising strategic judgment under pressure.
Relationship Management & Influence
- Ability to develop and sustain strong, productive relationships across the organization and with external partners, stakeholders, media, and the public.
- Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate in a wide variety of settings and with diverse audiences, including executives, technical staff, customers, and community partners.
Program, Policy, and Organizational Management
- Skilled in interpreting, developing, and implementing policies and procedures.
- Ability to translate strategic plans into clear goals and operational objectives.
- Strong organizational awareness and ability to guide cross-functional initiatives effectively.
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 have:
Advanced Communication & Industry Expertise
- Highly advanced knowledge of Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field which can be gained through education and/or extensive professional experience.
- Broad understanding of transportation issues and the ability to apply that knowledge to communication strategies.
Strategic Resource & Budget Management
- Demonstrated ability to balance competing demands and make decisions with budget implications.
- Experience planning, managing, and tracking program or project budgets
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- 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.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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, 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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. NOTE: This information may 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 listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-0W164e in the subject line.