Workforce Services Communications Manager

About the Position

The Workforce Services Division (WSD) Communications Manager leads strategic and tactical communications for programs that serve job seekers, employers, and the statewide Work Source system. As a key member of the central Communications Office and an active participant in WSD’s leadership team, you will ensure 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 WorkSource
  
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• 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 staff 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.

• Option 1:
  Eight (8) years of equivalent/education experience in information, journalism, or public relations.
• Option 2:
  Associate’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a closely allied field, plus six (6) years of professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations.
• Option 3:
  Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a closely allied field, plus 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.

The required experience includes:

• Public Speaking & Media Relations Competency
• Strategic Planning & Public Relations Expertise
• Consultation & Leadership Skills
• Administrative & Program Management Competency
• Research & Analysis Skills
• Program Evaluation Expertise
• Advisory & Analytical Skills
• Collaborative Communication Skills
• Training & Facilitation Competency
• Flexibility & Adaptability Skills

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents:
Resume and Cover Letter. Edit out any personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers. Do not include photographs or external links.

Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses such as “see attachments” may be considered incomplete.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage people of all gender identities, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and more to apply. Services are available to individuals with disabilities.

Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement through the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System; paid leave; and many other benefits. For full details, view the job posting or the State HR website.