[Remote] Communications Consultant 5 - Washington State Ferries

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Washington State Department of Transportation is hiring a Communications Consultant 5 for Washington State Ferries. The role leads strategic communications for major construction and electrification projects, advising leadership and project teams, informing the public about project progress and impacts, and managing media, crisis, and digital communications.

Responsibilities

• Advise WSF leadership and construction managers on public relations, reputation management, risk communication, and public information policies
• Co-lead communications for terminal electrification, new vessel construction, and other assigned projects; integrate messaging, community impacts, and reputational risks into project planning and decision-making
• Track construction schedules and coordinate with engineering and community engagement teams to communicate milestones, service disruptions, and community commitments
• Serve as project spokesperson, manage media and social media responses, highlight WSF investments, and represent the agency at public meetings and events
• Develop and coordinate reviews of project messaging, communications materials, executive briefings, and crisis communications; oversee consultant deliverables for timeliness, scope, and quality
• Coordinate system-wide public and employee communications, including emergency and crisis communications; provide rotating 24-hour on-call coverage as assigned
• Monitor media, customer feedback, and community input to identify emerging issues and misinformation, evaluate communications effectiveness, and refine strategies
• Edit and manage construction webpages in Drupal and provide backup web support; ensure accuracy, plain language, accessibility, and compliance with WSF web standards in coordination with Americans with Disabilities Act staff and subject-matter experts
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic communications advisor or embedded partner to technical professionals, project managers, and executive leadership on public infrastructure or transit initiatives
• Applied experience in proactive risk communication, reputation management, and issue mitigation during high-visibility construction or operational impacts
• Demonstrated skill in translating complex engineering, construction, and design concepts into clear, accessible language for the public, media, and elected officials
• Knowledge of public information policies and methods for evaluating communications program effectiveness
• Demonstrated competence in traditional media practices, serving as an official spokesperson, managing crisis communications, and conducting rapid fact-finding research under pressure
• Demonstrated skill in advanced writing, editing, feature story development, and public speaking across print, digital, and broadcast channels
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, navigate sensitive situations, and resolve conflicts during high-stress scenarios
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines, independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in web content management systems such as Drupal, social media platforms, and basic visual design software
• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional discretion when handling security-sensitive and confidential information
• Progressive professional experience applying strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related practices
• Relevant practical experience and professional achievements may substitute for formal post-secondary education
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through examples of acquiring knowledge, applying feedback, or adapting communications practices
• Demonstrated ability to identify the needs of others and take action to meet those needs
• Familiarity with emergency communications principles demonstrated through FEMA Public Information Officer training or experience within an Incident Command System framework
• Experience directly interfacing with senior agency executives, government officials, and local communities, including neighborhood outreach strategies
• Experience serving as an official spokesperson during construction impacts or service disruptions

Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid work options; occasional travel required for in-person meetings.
• 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.
• In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• 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.
• Comprehensive benefits package including a variety of healthcare options and a choice of state retirement programs.
• Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
• Medical flexible spending account; basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
• Washington Wellness workplace wellness programs.
• Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for child or elder care expenses.
• Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes employee health and well-being.
• New employees have the option of two employer-contributed retirement programs.
• Employees may participate in the Deferred Compensation Program, a supplemental retirement savings program.
• Eligible government or not-for-profit employees may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
• Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.
• Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at applicable rates.
• Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
• Most employees whose family or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five days of paid bereavement leave.
• Additional leave options include leave sharing and parental leave.

Company Overview