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State of Washington

DSHS ESA Senior Communication Manager

State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502


Salary:

$98,316.00 - $126,528.00 Annually

Location :

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type:

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment:

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number:

2024-09964

Department:

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division:

ESA

Opening Date:

09/05/2024

Closing Date:

9/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Join the Economic Services Administration (ESA) as our new

Senior Communication Manager . If you have a dedication for clear, impactful communication and a desire to make a difference, we want you on our team. You will serve as the administration's leader in communication strategies, using innovative approaches to effectively and broadly communicate ESA's mission, vision, and unifying goal to reduce poverty.

As a member of ESA's Leadership Team, you will report to the Deputy Assistant Secretary and partner with division directors and other leadership team members to ensure our 4000 staff are informed and aligned with ESA's mission and vision. This role supports the Administration's 2025 unifying goal and statewide poverty reduction efforts by creating effective communication strategies for internal and external audiences.

Also, you will supervise a communications consultant who manages the day-to-day internal communications for ESA. As ESA's communications strategic advisor, you will develop, implement, monitor, and continuously refine a comprehensive, statewide communication plan, partnering with an ESA-wide team of subject-matter experts and the DSHS Office of Communications.

This Olympia-based role will utilize a hybrid telework structure from any WA state location. Occasional travel will be necessary for this role, including attending ESA Leadership Team monthly meetings in Olympia.

Some of what you will doStrategically lead the ESA Communications Team, exploring diverse communication channels to enhance public awareness of ESAPrepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material for ESA's leadership team membersProvide skilled communication guidance to the Assistant Secretary and leadership team when communicating and presenting specific policies and program recommendations to business partners, such as the Governor, legislators, funders, and community partnersLead the development of impactful and visually engaging presentations that incorporate plain-talkWork with the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Manager to ensure our communication materials represent the community and the people we serveDevelop a comprehensive suite of communication tools to enhance ESA's internal initiatives and support external efforts, aligning with the 2025 goal and effectively communicating program challenges and successesCollaborate on and distribute information for special projects that incorporate evidence-based, research-based, or promising practices, aimed at improving public assistance program outcomes and reducing intergenerational poverty for ESA and its partner agenciesWho should apply Professionals with 12* years of communications experience; work experience should include:

Developing and executing communication strategies aimed at achieving measurable impact, with a focus on outcomes for diverse persons, children, families, and communities across various demographics and geographic locationsDesign, refine, and present engaging content to varied audiences in prominent public forumsCultivating positive relationships and ensuring active engagement, building trusting and cooperative networksThinking in terms of desired outcomes, not just reactive, quick solutions* A master's degree in communications, journalism, social sciences, social work, public health, applied statistics, or related discipline will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of above work experience.Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

Technical: Proficient in SharePoint and other communication technologiesDiversity and Inclusion: Deep understanding that innovation and excellence stem from diversity in identity, thought, and lived experiencesEquity Awareness: Recognition of real inequities, evidenced by barriers to access and opportunities for people in Washington stateSystemic Barriers Insight: Awareness that poverty often results from pervasive, intergenerational systemic barriers, not character or personal choicesCommitment to Anti-Racism: Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and advancing equity and inclusion through workLifelong Learning: Engagement in critical self-reflection and lifelong learning related to dimensions of diversity; finding ways to turn ideas into reality through effective planning, partnering, and resourcingInclusive Communication: Ensuring all audiences see themselves reflected in developed materialsDrives Results: Fosters a performance-based culture of continuous improvement, emphasizing data-informed decision-making, scientific problem-solving, customer satisfaction, and resource optimization, while encouraging a safe environment for experimentation

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

This job is classified as a Washington Management Services 2.

Interested?

Please list 3 professional references and contact information on your application and include your current resume, a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role, and a writing sample (not to exceed 500 words).

Questions?

Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 09964. To learn more about DSHS, go to .

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorksSupplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:

If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

HolidaysFull-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for

exempt

employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement LeaveMost employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional LeaveLeave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022