State of Washington
DSHS OOS Media Relations Manager
State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
Salary :
$90,624.00 - $121,836.00 Annually
Location :
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
2024-11320
Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division:
OOS
Opening Date:
10/04/2024
Closing Date:
10/24/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An Exciting Opportunity to tell the DSHS Story Awaits You in the Office of Communications and Government Affairs!
The Department of Social and Health Services has an exciting new opportunity for a Media Relations Manager.
Are you a creative communicator with a nose for ferreting out hard-to-tell stories? Do you want to influence how the state's largest social service agency is seen by its employees and by the community? Join our top-notch team of professionals as Media Relations Manager in the Department of Social and Health Services' Office of Communications and Government Affairs as we work to fulfill our mission to partner with people to access support, care and resources.
We are looking for a dynamic, experienced, culturally competent communications professional to play a key role in the agency's success. By ensuring staff have timely and accurate information about the agency's plans and programs, you'll help them understand and unite around the DSHS Secretary's priorities. You will help shape how Washington residents and the rest of the world view the agency and how it provides services to its customers and communities. Reporting to the Senior Director of the Office of Communications and Government Affairs, you'll be a member of a team of experts in media relations, social media, and web services. You must have a willingness to learn, the ability to absorb and understand new information quickly and to work independently and under tight deadlines on high-profile issues.
If you are an enthusiastic person who is able to work efficiently, effectively, and confidently under tight deadline pressure on controversial, high-profile issues and you are also able to plan, organize, manage, and carry out long-term, strategic communications plans, projects, and campaigns, we welcome your application.
Some of What You'll Do:Offer DSHS leadership, including the Secretary and senior managers, and staff professional communication guidance, including strategic and crisis communications direction, action, and follow-through.Develop messaging (including talking points, news releases and other products) for the Secretary and senior executives for presentation to employees in written and video form.Work with communicators across the agency to ensure messaging is consistent across all mediums and for all units and divisions of DSHS.Ensure internal messaging to staff is consistent with external messaging to our clients, legislators, tribes, stakeholders, and the public.Coordinate the external communication response to crisis situations that affect organizational perception and reputation.We're Looking for professionals who have the following:
A bachelor's degree or higher involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field.ANDFive years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations may be substituted, year for year, for education.General Knowledge of:
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills as well as the journalistic ability to help people tell their stories.Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the confidence to deal with senior executives and work on communication techniques with them.Creative ability to devise communication strategies.Ability to leverage social media strategy as well as digital and video communications techniques to advance the agency's message.Demonstrated mastery of current best practices in journalism and public relations.Working knowledge of the operation and functions of print and electronic news organizations and familiarity with the news media statewide.Expertise in communicating for the web - internet and intranet.Effective management techniques, including the ability to serve as a catalyst for rejuvenation and enthusiasm.This role is a flex/hybrid role with two in-office days per month to collaborate with team members. Some occasional in-state and overnight travel may be required.To ApplyPlease provide the following:
Completed online application.A chronological resume.Cover letter describing how your background and skills align with the requirements for this role.A writing sample that shows your ability to write effectively for a media audience.
Our Department of Social and Health Services mission 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.
Questions
about job 11320? Please contact raoa@dshs.wa.gov. You may also call us at (360) 972-6206
Supplemental 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
$90,624.00 - $121,836.00 Annually
Location :
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
2024-11320
Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division:
OOS
Opening Date:
10/04/2024
Closing Date:
10/24/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An Exciting Opportunity to tell the DSHS Story Awaits You in the Office of Communications and Government Affairs!
The Department of Social and Health Services has an exciting new opportunity for a Media Relations Manager.
Are you a creative communicator with a nose for ferreting out hard-to-tell stories? Do you want to influence how the state's largest social service agency is seen by its employees and by the community? Join our top-notch team of professionals as Media Relations Manager in the Department of Social and Health Services' Office of Communications and Government Affairs as we work to fulfill our mission to partner with people to access support, care and resources.
We are looking for a dynamic, experienced, culturally competent communications professional to play a key role in the agency's success. By ensuring staff have timely and accurate information about the agency's plans and programs, you'll help them understand and unite around the DSHS Secretary's priorities. You will help shape how Washington residents and the rest of the world view the agency and how it provides services to its customers and communities. Reporting to the Senior Director of the Office of Communications and Government Affairs, you'll be a member of a team of experts in media relations, social media, and web services. You must have a willingness to learn, the ability to absorb and understand new information quickly and to work independently and under tight deadlines on high-profile issues.
If you are an enthusiastic person who is able to work efficiently, effectively, and confidently under tight deadline pressure on controversial, high-profile issues and you are also able to plan, organize, manage, and carry out long-term, strategic communications plans, projects, and campaigns, we welcome your application.
Some of What You'll Do:Offer DSHS leadership, including the Secretary and senior managers, and staff professional communication guidance, including strategic and crisis communications direction, action, and follow-through.Develop messaging (including talking points, news releases and other products) for the Secretary and senior executives for presentation to employees in written and video form.Work with communicators across the agency to ensure messaging is consistent across all mediums and for all units and divisions of DSHS.Ensure internal messaging to staff is consistent with external messaging to our clients, legislators, tribes, stakeholders, and the public.Coordinate the external communication response to crisis situations that affect organizational perception and reputation.We're Looking for professionals who have the following:
A bachelor's degree or higher involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field.ANDFive years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations may be substituted, year for year, for education.General Knowledge of:
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills as well as the journalistic ability to help people tell their stories.Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the confidence to deal with senior executives and work on communication techniques with them.Creative ability to devise communication strategies.Ability to leverage social media strategy as well as digital and video communications techniques to advance the agency's message.Demonstrated mastery of current best practices in journalism and public relations.Working knowledge of the operation and functions of print and electronic news organizations and familiarity with the news media statewide.Expertise in communicating for the web - internet and intranet.Effective management techniques, including the ability to serve as a catalyst for rejuvenation and enthusiasm.This role is a flex/hybrid role with two in-office days per month to collaborate with team members. Some occasional in-state and overnight travel may be required.To ApplyPlease provide the following:
Completed online application.A chronological resume.Cover letter describing how your background and skills align with the requirements for this role.A writing sample that shows your ability to write effectively for a media audience.
Our Department of Social and Health Services mission 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.
Questions
about job 11320? Please contact raoa@dshs.wa.gov. You may also call us at (360) 972-6206
Supplemental 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