Content and Editorial Specialist (CC4)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Teleworking opportunities

Job summary

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a skilled communications professional to join the Office of Communications & Outreach as a Content and Editorial Specialist (Communications Consultant 4).

In this role, you will serve as the agency’s lead writer and editor, helping shape the agency’s voice, strengthen editorial consistency, and ensure communications are clear, accurate, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• AP style, plain language, and editorial standards are required.
• Ability to collaborate with leadership and subject matter experts.
• Experience writing, editing, and translating for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, proofread, and approve agency communications and digital content.
• Lead web content strategy and management for public-facing and internal sites.
• Develop editorial guidance and training to improve writing across the agency.

Skills

Lead writer

Editor

AP style proficiency

Plain language

Editorial standards

Collaboration across programs

Education

Seven years of experience

Bachelor’s degree in English/communications/journalism

Associates degree in English/communications/journalism

Job description

The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer and editor with experience in content strategy, digital communications, and web content management. They demonstrate proficiency in AP style, plain language, and editorial standards, along with strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate across diverse programs to deliver clear, accurate, and consistent agencywide communications.

Position overview:

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a skilled communications professional to join the Office of Communications & Outreach as a Content and Editorial Specialist (Communications Consultant 4). In this role, you will serve as the agency’s lead writer and editor, helping shape the agency’s voice, strengthen editorial consistency, and ensure communications are clear, accurate, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse audiences.

The Office of Communications & Outreach develops and implements communication strategies that increase awareness, understanding, and the use of ESD and WorkSource services and programs.

As a Content and editorial Specialist, you will collaborate with communications professionals, leadership, and subject matter experts across the agency to strengthen communication practices, provide editorial guidance, maintain writing standards, and support the development of effective digital and written content.

This position is based in Olympia, Washington, and requires the successful candidate report to the designated work location as required.

In this role, you will lead agencywide editorial efforts, support digital content strategy, and contribute to communications initiatives that advance ESD’s mission and strategic priorities.

• Serve as the agency’s lead writer and editor, developing and maintaining editorial standards, including AP style, plain language, and consistent agency voice and tone.
• Write, edit, proofread, and approve agency communications, including webpages, press releases, newsletters, legislative reports, briefings, blogs, and digital media content.
• Lead web content strategy and management efforts, ensuring public-facing and internal websites provide accurate, accessible, timely and well-organized information.
• Collaborate with agency leadership, communications professionals, and subject matter experts to develop communication strategies, improve content quality, and support high-priority agency initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training, coaching, and editorial guidance to strengthen writing, editing, and plain-language communication practices across the agency.

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

• Seven (7) years of equivalent education/ experience.
• Experience includes writing/editing/translating.

Option 2:

• Associates degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and
• Five (5) years of writing, editing, and translating experience.

Option 3:

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and
• Three (3) three years of writing, editing, and translating experience.

Required equity competencies:

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

The required experience includes:

• Research & Program Evaluation Skills:Ability to assess public understanding and recommend improvements.
• Adaptability & Multitasking Skills:Flexibility to handle evolving responsibilities.
• Media Relations & Content Dissemination Skills:Proficiency in managing communication with mass media.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

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

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

**This Organization Participates in E-Verify**

Benefits:

• Many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities.