Communications Manager for Multimodal Development and Delivery (WMS3)
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 Communications Manager for Multimodal Development and Delivery (M2D2). This position will serve as the primary communications strategist for M2D2, leading the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive strategies that support WSDOT’s business objectives and accountability and transparency goals. The Communications Manager is part of a team of eight division directors responsible for delivering multimodal transportation programs, projects and services to provide transportation that works for everyone. In this role, you will ensure consistent, timely, and effective messaging while proactively identifying and preparing for communication needs and opportunities associated with complex, high-profile, or controversial initiatives. By coordinating across internal teams and external partners, the Communications Manager for M2D2 upholds WSDOT’s “No Surprises” philosophy and fosters public trust and confidence in agency decisions. This position requires advanced professional competence, sound judgment, and the ability to develop and implement innovative and highly effective solutions in complex and sensitive situations. A strong candidate will bring executive-level communications advising experience, demonstrated strategic communications planning and facilitation expertise, exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to measure and adapt communication strategies to achieve results.
What to Expect
The Communications Manager for M2D2 leads strategic communications for M2D2 policies, programs, services, and projects with statewide and agencywide impact and serves as a trusted advisor to executives and senior leaders. Reporting to the Assistant Secretary of M2D2, this position partners closely with division leadership and communications teams across headquarters, regions, and project offices to plan, coordinate, and deliver accurate, timely, and strategic messaging to the traveling public and key partners.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the M2D2 Communications Manager will:
- Independently plan, develop and implement communication strategies.
- Serve in a lead role with other professional communications staff in M2D2 divisions.
- Manage and implement communications plans for special projects, including public and media relations.
- Convene work groups and gather feedback to develop cross-division communication plans.
- Research and analyze agency policies, practices and standards to develop M2D2 messaging, talking points, speeches and presentation materials for executive staff.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the agency in response to media, other agencies or public requests for information and under challenging circumstances, including emergency situations.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Strategic Planning, Outreach & Performance Measurement
- Proficiency in planning, implementing, and evaluating communications and outreach strategies, including identifying key messages, audiences, objectives, and performance measures, while aligning with organizational priorities and goals.
- Expertise in public relations, media relations, and strategic communications in large, complex organizations, including developing and implementing communication strategies for high-profile, sensitive, or crisis situations.
- Skill in reputation, risk, and issues management and translating complex or technical information for diverse audiences
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with media, elected officials, partners, and internal teams, representing the organization with professionalism and credibility as a spokesperson and subject matter expert.
Executive Advising & Leadership
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executives and senior leaders, providing strategic guidance and sound judgment in sensitive, high-impact, or high-visibility circumstances.
- Skilled in leading, mentoring, and guiding communications staff and multidisciplinary teams to align with organizational messaging and achieve results.
Public, Government, & Media Engagement Expertise:
- Understanding of organizational operations, governance structures, and policy processes, and their impact on effective communication across divisions, projects, and partners.
- Skills to produce clear, accurate, and compelling written and verbal communications.
- Proficient with digital tools to distribute information and support outreach initiatives.
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:
- Strategic Communications Experience & Leadership: Progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, including organization-wide strategy development and executive advising.
- Spokesperson & High-Visibility Communications Expertise: Experience serving as a strategic communications advisor or spokesperson for a large, highly visible organization or agency.
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Management Expertise: Experience leading professional communications staff or managing cross-functional communication teams.
- Large-Scale Program Communications Skills: Experience and skill developing and implementing communications strategies for large-scale programs or initiatives.
- Public, Government, & Media Engagement Expertise: Experience engaging with elected officials, community partners, and media on sensitive or high-profile issues.
- Advanced Complex, Multi-Team Project Communications Knowledge: Familiarity with the communications needs of complex, multi-team projects or initiatives.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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, 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-0W706 in the subject line.