Communications Consultant | Fish Passage

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is seeking a Communications Consultant 5 in Olympia, Washington to support the agency’s fish passage delivery program. This position plans, develops, and implements strategic communications that align with delivery needs and agency goals. The communications consultant works on the fish passage delivery team to produce clear, professional marketing and communication materials using both traditional and digital media and collaborates closely with headquarters (HQ) and regional staff.

This role serves as the program’s communications representative, ensuring proactive, coordinated fish passage program messaging across the agency while relaying broader agency communication strategies back to program staff.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant 5 will:

• Develop, lead, and facilitate fish passage program communication
• Plan, develop, and implement information campaigns and public relations strategies and tactics related to WSDOT’s fish passage delivery work.
• Develop agency public information policy and activities with other agencies and boards.
• Serve as the fish passage communications subject matter expert across the agency by staying informed about current strategies, barrier correction progress, design and construction work, and more.
• Act as the fish passage delivery media spokesperson and representative.
• Prepare others and create or review materials for presentations or meetings and respond to media or other agency or public requests.
• Closely collaborate and communicate with other programs including region communications as necessary.
• Perform and/or support legislative communication efforts for fish passage delivery and other policies affecting or involving fish passage delivery.
• Serve as information manager responsible for developing and managing complex information activities, including the development of policies, goals and objectives and resources; determines appropriate information methods and techniques to carry out public information activities.
• Develop and lead communication policy, guidance, and materials for the fish passage program across HQ and regions.
• Provide leadership and guidance to professional communications staff across HQ and regional offices in developing consistent and strategic fish passage messaging.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required
:

• Strategic Communication & Messaging: Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate clear, accurate, and strategic messaging across multiple platforms, including websites, newsletters, press releases, interviews, and professional correspondence, in alignment with organizational goals.
• Written, Verbal & Public Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through clear, well-organized writing, verbal communication, and public presentations tailored to the needs of varied audiences.
• Content Development & Management: Demonstrated ability to produce, edit, and manage a wide range of communication materials, such as media content, videography, press releases, webpages, and communication plans, ensuring quality, consistency, and timeliness.
• Audience Awareness & Message Adaptation: Demonstrated ability to tailor communication approaches for diverse audiences, including the ability to explain complex or controversial topics clearly, accurately, and diplomatically.
• Editing & Style Standards: Demonstrated ability to apply copy-editing standards, style guides, and quality-control practices to ensure…