Web Content and Communications Manager

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) seeks a Web Content and Communications Manager to oversee the agency’s web content, governance, accessibility, and analytics from our Olympia headquarters. Hybrid work can be negotiated.

You will guide website strategy, coordinate content redesigns, ensure accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA), manage CMS operations, and train staff to build clear, plain-language content aligned with agency priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, digital media, journalism, or related field and five years of related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, editing, and writing skills.
• Experience editing work of others, with a knowledge of Plain Talk.
• Strong experience in web site management and the use of content management systems.
• Strong understanding of how to structure web pages for accessibility.
• Experience with the strategic use of metadata and analytics tools such as Google Analytics and Siteimprove.

Responsibilities

• Guide the structure, voice, and priorities of the website to ensure content is clear and user-centered.
• Prioritize content based on agency goals, user needs, and analytics.
• Plan and coordinate website content redesign efforts to improve usability and access.
• Assess site performance, usability, and content gaps to inform redesign priorities.
• Partner with IT on templates, navigation, and information architecture.
• Facilitate input from staff, partners, and others.
• Write, edit, and review content for clarity, accuracy, and alignment.
• Establish and maintain content standards, the Website Style Guide, and workflows.
• Ensure consistent use of metadata, taxonomy, and SEO best practices.
• Audit and refresh content regularly and promote plain language.
• Oversee day-to-day CMS operations and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with IT on system functionality and website improvements.
• Train and support a distributed network of web editors.
• Develop guidance, tools, and ¿how-to¿ resources.
• Provide hands-on support and problem-solving for staff creating web content.
• Build strong working relationships with program staff and leadership.
• Partner with agency accessibility experts to implement accessibility plan across web content.
• Ensure web content meets WCAG 2.2 AA and policy requirements through review and guidance.
• Support staff in understanding their role in accessibility.
• Analyze webpages, documents, and content assets to assess engagement and effectiveness.
• Use data to guide decisions and continuously improve reach and understanding.
• Share insights with leadership and staff.
• Provide communications strategy guidance to leadership and teams.
• Plan, develop, and implement strategic communications plans.
• Write and edit press/news releases and announcements, articles, and newsletters.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Editing

Writing

CMS experience

SEO & metadata

Plain language

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/digital media/journalism or related field

Tools

Google Analytics

Siteimprove

Job description

View the complete description on our Jobs page.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is a state agency governed by a nine-member, governor-appointed board. With oversight from our board, SBCTC administers the Community and Technical College Act. We work closely with community and technical colleges and other partners to support student success, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen Washington's communities, industries, and workforce.

The Web Content and Communications Manager position reports to the SBCTC Communications Director. The position oversees web content management, including quality assurance, analytics, and web accessibility. It also supports strategic communications, content development, and outreach efforts that advance the priorities of the agency and college system. The incumbent plays an essential role in how our audiences experience and engage with SBCTC.

This position is an administrative exempt position headquartered in Olympia, Washington; however, some hybrid work can be negotiated.

Website strategy, content, and accessibility

• Guide the structure, voice, and priorities of the website to ensure content is clear and user-centered
• Prioritize content based on agency goals, user needs, and available data and analytics

Web content redesign

• Plan and coordinate website content redesign efforts, including navigation, templates, and content structure, to improve usability and access
• Assess site performance, usability, and content gaps to inform redesign priorities
• Partner with IT on templates, navigation, and information architecture
• Facilitate input from staff, partners, and others

Web content quality and governance

• Write, edit, and review content for clarity, accuracy, and alignment
• Establish and maintain content standards, the Website Style Guide, and workflows
• Ensure consistent use of metadata, taxonomy, and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices
• Audit and refresh content regularly to keep it current and useful
• Promote and apply plain language principles

Web maintenance and continuous improvement

• Oversee day-to-day website and content management system (CMS) operations and issue resolution (e.g., broken links, accessibility errors)
• Collaborate with IT on system functionality, performance, and website improvements
• Manage website tools (e.g., Trumba)

Web resources and support

• Serve as the primary resource for staff creating web content, building capacity in plain language and accessibility
• Train and support a distributed network of web editors
• Develop guidance, tools, and ¿how-to¿ resources
• Provide hands‑on support and problem‑solving
• Build strong working relationships with program staff and leadership

Website accessibility

• Partner with agency accessibility experts to implement SBCTC¿s accessibility plan across web content
• Ensure web content meets accessibility standards (e.g., website content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA) and agency policy requirements through review, guidance, and support of workflows
• Support shared accountability by helping staff understand their role in creating accessible content

Data and analytics (Siteimprove)

• Analyze webpages, documents, and other content assets to assess engagement and effectiveness
• Use data to guide decisions, monitor performance, and continuously improve reach, engagement, and understanding
• Share insights and recommendations with leadership and staff

Communications

• Alongside the Communications Director, provide communications strategy consultation and guidance to leadership, teams, and colleges
• Plan, develop, and implement strategic communications plans
• Write and edit press/news releases and announcements, articles, special interest pieces, presentations, publications, newsletters, talking points, and more
• Support and maintain consistency with SBCTC Style Guide and brand standards, templates, voice, and messaging

Other duties as assigned

• Support policy and legislative communications as requested
• Carry out additional duties as needed or requested

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, digital media, journalism, or related field and five years of related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, editing, and writing skills
• Experience editing work of others, with a knowledge of Plain Talk
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work in a deadline-driven environment while keeping a sense of perspective and humor
• Strong experience in web site management and the use of content management systems
• Strong understanding of how to structure web pages for accessibility
• Experience with the strategic use of metadata
• Familiarity with content management systems and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Siteimprove)
• Ability to remain patient and helpful with others who are on a learning curve

Instead of a traditional cover letter, please share a brief proposal for the following scenario:

You are the new Web Content and Communications Manager for SBCTC and are responsible for leading the content redesign of the SBCTC website. In 1-2 pages, describe the five (5) priorities you would tackle first and explain why.

There is no single right answer. We are interested in understanding your thought process and approach to content strategy, user experience, plain language, accessibility, partner engagement, and collaboration. Please do not create mockups or visual designs. A high-level proposal is all that's needed.

Submitted applications are the property of SBCTC and will not be returned.

Prior to new hire, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Candidates who are offered a job with SBCTC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. SBCTC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.

Contact

Pamela J. Kelly
Human Resource Consultant 4
[e-mail]
360-704-4301