Strategic Communications Lead for Ferry Infrastructure

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the State of Washington Dept. of Transportation, seeks a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic construction communications for the ferry system’s electrification and infrastructure projects.

The role focuses on connecting customers and communities with project progress, managing public information, and coordinating messaging across multiple channels, including media and public meetings. A hybrid/remote work option is available.

Qualifications

• Strategic communications advising to technical professionals, project managers, and executives.
• Proactive risk communication, reputation management, and issue mitigation during high-visibility projects.
• Translate complex engineering concepts into clear public-facing language.
• Knowledge of public information policies and program evaluation methods.
• Experience as an official spokesperson and crisis communications professional.
• Advanced writing and public speaking across multiple channels.
• Ability to build relationships and navigate conflicts in high-stress situations.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across remote, office, and field locations.
• Proficiency with Drupal, social media, and basic visual design tools.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Willingness to travel independently to project sites and meetings.
• Progressive experience in strategic communications or related practices; formal education optional.
• Demonstrated growth mindset and service-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Advise leadership and construction managers on public relations, risk communication, and policies.
• Co-lead communications for major projects; align messaging with community impacts and reputational risk.
• Track schedules and coordinate with engineering and engagement teams for milestones and disruptions.
• Serve as project spokesperson; manage media responses and represent the agency at events.
• Develop reviews of messaging, briefs, and crisis communications; oversee consultant deliverables.
• Coordinate system-wide communications, including emergency and on-call coverage.
• Monitor media and feedback to refine strategies and address misinformation.
• Edit construction webpages in Drupal; ensure accuracy, accessibility, and plain language.
• Uphold strategic priorities and agency values in leadership actions.

Skills

Strategic communications

Risk communication

Technical communications

Public information

Media & crisis communications

Writing & public speaking

Relationship building

Organization & collaboration

Digital communications tools

Confidentiality & discretion

Independent travel

Applied communications

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Tools

Drupal CMS

Social media platforms

Visual design software

Job description

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the State of Washington Dept. of Transportation, seeks a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic construction communications for the ferry system’s electrification and infrastructure projects.

The role focuses on connecting customers and communities with project progress, managing public information, and coordinating messaging across multiple channels, including media and public meetings. A hybrid/remote work option is available.