This Communications Manager position offers a unique opportunity to lead high-impact, agency-wide communications efforts within Ecology’s Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program and the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB). In this role, you will guide strategic internal and external communications that help Washington communities understand, engage with, and influence some of the most complex environmental issues facing the state. You will partner closely with program leadership, technical experts, and executive-level decision-makers to shape communication strategies that explain the work Ecology does, why it matters, and the science behind it.
You will serve as the SEA Program’s lead spokesperson, providing clear, accurate, timely information across multiple channels—including news media, digital and social media, web platforms, public events, and crisis-response communications. You will independently develop high-quality written products, translate technical and politically sensitive information for diverse audiences, and ensure our communications meet plain-language, accessibility, and equity expectations. As a member of the SEA Program Management Team, you will help set program priorities and strengthen public understanding of Ecology’s environmental stewardship through innovative, strategic, and audience-centered communication.
What you will do:
- Lead strategic internal and external communications for the SEA Program and Office of Chehalis Basin, developing and implementing comprehensive public information and public involvement strategies that support agency priorities.
- Serve as the program’s primary spokesperson, managing media relations, preparing leadership and subject matter experts for interviews, and representing Ecology at public meetings, briefings, and events.
- Write, edit, and oversee high-quality communication products—including news releases, key messages, social and digital content, web materials, speeches, and strategic documents—translating complex environmental and policy information into clear, accessible messages.
- Direct the program’s web content strategy, ensuring digital information is accurate, user-centered, and aligned with agency standards for accessibility and plain language.
- Provide communications leadership across internal and external partnerships, collaborating closely with SEA and OCB leadership, Communications Program staff, outreach professionals, and interagency partners to align messaging and support statewide initiatives.
- Supervise and mentor a Communications Consultant 3, setting priorities, reviewing work products, and supporting professional development to meet program communication needs.
- Advise program managers and agency leadership on communication strategy, policy considerations, public involvement approaches, and response strategies for sensitive or time-critical issues.
- Ensure timely, clear communication during high-visibility or urgent situations, providing support outside regular business hours when needed to maintain transparency and public trust.
For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:
Experience: professional-level experience in journalism, public relations/information, news media, digital/social media, marketing, digital accessibility, writing/editing or other relevant fields.
Experience must include demonstrated competence in all of the following skill sets:
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Ability to develop and implement communication plans, translate complex technical or policy topics for public audiences, and determine appropriate communication channels and methods for diverse stakeholders.
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Skilled in writing and editing clear, accurate, accessible and compelling materials—including news releases, web content, talking points, speeches, and social media—tailored to varied audiences and platforms.
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Ability to serve as an agency spokesperson; work effectively with reporters; prepare leadership and staff for interviews; and represent the program at public meetings, briefings, or events.
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Ability to use web content management processes, apply best practices for organizing and presenting online information, and coordinate with web teams to maintain accurate, user focused digital content.
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Ability to collaborate across internal and external partners and deliver accurate, time-sensitive public information during urgent or high-pressure situations.
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Experience managing a small team, or mentoring/coaching experience.
involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, news media, digital/social media, English, marketing, humanities, or closely allied field.
Examples of how to qualify:
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8 years of experience.
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7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
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6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
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5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
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4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree in above mentioned field.
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2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree in above mentioned field.
Desired Qualifications:
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An understanding of the principles and practices of equity and environmental justice.
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An understanding of how to develop accessible documents.
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
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Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
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Resume
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A writing sample you created.
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
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Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or [email protected]
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If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
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For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Joenne McGerr at [email protected]
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If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program
The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
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