Workforce Services Communications Manager

The ideal candidate for this role brings a thoughtful, proactive approach to communication and thrives in a fast‑moving environment. You are skilled at building relationships, navigating diverse stakeholder needs, and translating policy and program information into compelling, accessible communications. In addition, you lead with integrity, center equity, and bring a steady, solutions‑oriented approach to your work. The ideal candidate is confident advising executives, skilled at managing sensitive issues, and experienced in representing an organization publicly.

As the Workforce Services Division (WSD) Communications Manager, you will lead strategic and tactical communications for programs that serve job seekers, employers, and the statewide Work Source system. You will be a key member of the central Communications Office and an active participant in WSD’s leadership team. Your work ensures that the division’s priorities, services, and initiatives are clearly communicated to the public, partners, and stakeholders.

You will also serve as the primary media contact for WSD, working closely with  the agency’s Communications Director and colleagues across ESD. This role directly supports ESD’s mission to promote economic resilience and prosperity by ensuring that Washingtonians have clear, accurate, and accessible information about workforce services and resources.

• Lead development of strategic and tactical external communications plans for WSD programs and the statewide Work Source system.
• Serve as the division’s principal communications advisor to executives, program leaders, and partners.
• Develop, administer, and direct complex public information and outreach efforts aligned with agency goals.
• Identify target audiences and craft communication strategies using data, analytics, and customer insights.
• Provide strategic oversight for  and related web properties, ensuring usability, accessibility, and content quality.
• Coach and collaborate with WSD staffheaders on communication planning and execution.
• Write and review a wide range of external communications, including newsletters, updates, reports, social media content, video scripts, and outreach materials.
• Ensure compliance with agency writing, branding, and accessibility standards.
• Organize and lead meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to public information and communications.
• Represent WSD in leadership meetings, cross‑agency work groups, advisory committees, and community forums.
• Coordinate with the Governor’s Office on communications related to WSD programs, as needed.
• Evaluate communication strategies and recommend improvements based on data, research, and stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain relationships with local governments, state agencies, and public/private partners to support communications efforts.
• Lead resource development and execution of annual workplans for the Work Source Brand and Media (BAM) group.
• Respond to media inquiries and serve as spokesperson for WSD and the statewide Work Source system.
• Assist with planning and executing news conferences, publicity events, and other public‑facing engagements.

To request a detailed position description, .

• Eight (8) years of equivalent education experience.
• Experience includes information, journalism or public relations.

• Associate’s degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field and
• Six (6) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field and
• Four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations. Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education.

• ): public speaking & media relations competency:
  Effectiveness in representing the organization externally.
• Strategic planning & public relations expertise: Proficiency in designing and executing communication strategies.
• Consultation & leadership skills: Abili…