L&I Communications Consultant 4

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is seeking a Communications Consultant 4 to coordinate updates to public-facing documents and communications related to workers’ rights under the workers’ compensation system. You’ll work with Insurance Services, Graphic Design, Public Affairs and partners to update, translate, publish and distribute materials impacted by legislative changes.

Identify key messages, develop project plans, craft messages and distribution plans for digital and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Strong writing and editing abilities for diverse audiences.
• Ability to explain technical topics in plain language.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate updating, design, translation, publication, and distribution of public-facing documents and communications impacted by legislative changes.
• Identify messages, create a project plan, craft messages and a communication plan for digital and traditional media outreach; use earned media, digital media, and the agency website.
• Create and carry out distribution plans; develop talking points and background materials; coordinate with stakeholders and co-workers on communication, marketing, and education efforts.

Skills

Excellent verbal writing and editing

Plain language communication

Public communications planning

Social media writing

Collaboration and partnership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field

Job description

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: This is a 12 month non-permanent opportunity.

Job Highlights

As a Communications Consultant 4 at L&I, you’ll coordinate the work to update, redesign, and publish about 60 forms and publications related to workers’ rights under the workers’ compensation system. A new law expanded access to non-network providers and made other changes, and we need your help to make sure that workers, providers, and the public know about these critical changes. This is a non-permanent position with a 12-month term.

In this role, you’ll identify key messages, create a project plan for updating the information, craft key messages and a communication plan for digital and traditional media outreach, and make sure the messages reach the target audience using earned media, digital media, and L&I’s website.

Duties

Some Of What You’ll Do

• Work with Insurance Services, Graphic Design, Public Affairs and other partners to coordinate the updating, design, translation, publication, and distribution of all L&I public facing documents and communications impacted by legislative changes that expand rights related to workers compensation.
• Conceptualize and create content; design and create digital media content using common software tools; write and edit copy, web site content, and other publications.
• Work with contractors and our language access team to develop translated versions of material.
• Create and carry out distribution plans for newly updated publications.
• Develop talking points and other background materials.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and co-workers on communication, marketing, and education efforts.
• Conceptualize, create and strategize distribution of video, social media and other digital products to educate the public about the changes and other agency initiatives and programs, and support other communications consultants and agency programs with special projects as capacity allows.
• Identify communication goals, needs, issues, and audiences.
• Develop strategies and specific concepts for digital media that meets goals.
• Assist with the production and publication of digital media.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field and three years of writing or editing experience; or equivalent education/experience.
• Excellent verbal, writing and editing skills, including the ability to explain technical subjects in plain language.
• Skills and experience laying out text, selecting visuals, updating graphic elements, and ensuring accessibility of PDF publications.
• Demonstrated skills in social media, including video and written communications.
• Ability to write in plain language about complex topics in multiple formats.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and their impact on customers and the agency.
• Ability to work in partnership and collaboration with others.
• Ability to keep customers, supervisor, and co-workers informed.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to assess public attitudes and concerns and respond proactively.

• Required Equity Competencies:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Supplemental Information

Things You Need To Know

Although there are periodic in-person requirements, this position supports a majority teleworking schedule. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

For this position, telework is permitted part of the time. The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington.

For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.

Background Check Notice

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other Information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented bytheWashington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s [e-mail] .

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Haleigh Missildine (she/her/hers).