Internal Communications Consultant - Communications Consultant 5 - Project - 2025-09119

Title- Internal Communications Consultant

Classification- Communications Consultant 5

Job Status- Full-Time / Project

Appointment Length- 18 months – January 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027

WDFW Program- Director’s Office – Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE)

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station a minimum of three (3) days per week.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Mule deer sunset – Photo Credit: David J. Hutson

Are you passionate about communications strategies to help teams stay informed, connected, and safe at work? 

As an Internal Communications Consultant, you’ll play a key role in keeping staff across the agency up to date with clear, timely, and effective internal communications. 

You’ll lead the development of the agency’s internal communications strategy, deliver important safety and wellness messages, and ensure employees have the information and resources they need to work confidently. 

You’ll also advise on and implement strategies that enhance collaboration and coordination across programs and regions, giving staff and supervisors the critical information they need, when they need it. 

What to Expect-

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

Lead agency internal communications:

• Review all existing agency communications methods and create an Executive Management Team (EMT)-approved strategic communications plan for disseminating all agency internal communications.  

• Advise agency leadership on internal communications policies, priorities, and issues.

• Plan, develop, and manage an inclusive internal communications program that delivers consistent, clear, and culturally relevant information to all WDFW staff.

• Develop and implement communication strategies and plans that strengthen staff understanding of safety directives and training requirements, support organizational changes, and increase overall employee engagement and well-being. 

• Ensure content follows plain talk standards, is accessible to diverse audiences, and is visually clear and on-brand in partnership with the marketing and creative media team.

Produce engaging content for internal communications:

• Write, edit, and publish engaging content for WDFW staff using the most effective channels for reach and impact.

• Lead, coordinate, and support communications strategies and content development for key agency activities, including coffee chats, program meetings, safety initiatives, and other organization-wide events. 

• Provide guidance and support to programs on content related to employee engagement surveys, change management initiatives, and other internal communications projects. 

• Respond to a variety of internal communications requests from programs and regions by consulting, writing, editing, and distributing timely and accurate content.

Serve on safety committees and lead communications during emergency or high-profile internal incidents:

• Serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) under the FEMA Incident Command Structure during emergency or high-profile internal events, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinate messaging to staff and media in alignment with external communications and agency protocols. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. 

Schedule:

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel required.

Customer Interactions:

Contact with internal and external customers/clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or closely related field.

AND all of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) years of professional experience with the collection, organization, and distribution of information to the public or internal audiences, journalism, and/or public relations.

• Five (5) years of professional experience with writing, editing, and strategic communications, including experience developing internal communication plans, crafting organizational messages, and producing content for multiple platforms (e.g., email newsletters, intranet, presentations, video scripts). 

• Two (2) years of professional experience building collaborative partnerships.

• Two (2) years of professional experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and content management systems (e.g., Drupal, SharePoint).

• Two (2) years of professional experience with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).

• Professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations may substitute for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Two (2) years or more of professional experience in the following: 

• Internal communications and employee engagement.

• Advising executives regarding policy/program impact on staff and the public.

• Working in crisis communications.

• Photography and videography (including creating, editing, publishing, and software).

• FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS) and related emergency response trainings.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-09119.

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