Communications Manager

EXEMPT JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Communications Manager

Salary Range $61,500-82,500 (this includes the 7/1/24 COLA increase)

Recruitment closes July 7, 2024

Join our Engagement Team at the State Board of Education (SBE) in a pivotal role as Communications Manager. As part of our commitment to authentically engage with students, families, and communities across the state in shaping education policy, we are expanding our team to include dynamic individuals like you. Our aim is to move beyond traditional modes of communication and consultation, towards a collaborative approach where decision-making power is shared, and policies are designed in partnership with the communities we serve. The Communications Manager will play a crucial role in this endeavor, reporting to the Deputy Executive Director and working closely with other team members to ensure effective communication strategies that facilitate meaningful engagement and policy development. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the education system, ensuring it is truly responsive to the diverse needs and aspirations of over one million learners.

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

• Content Creation and Management:

• Translate complex policy language into content geared at a general audience.

• Develop talking points, elevator pitches, one pagers, and sound bites for the Board's website, newsletters, social media, and other modes of communication.

• Curate and manage all published content (including images, videos, and written material).

• Engage community members through compelling content that stimulates conversation.

• Build brand awareness and reinforce the organization's message.

• Ensure consistent messaging across all channels.

• Manage the agency's website and ensure ADA compliance.

• Relationship Building:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, professional peers, and other key stakeholders.

• Work with agency and Board leadership to respond to media or other inquiries.

• Collaborate with these individuals to amplify community outreach efforts and form partnerships.

• Seek out voices that may be missing and engage traditionally underserved communities.

• Feedback Monitoring and Analysis:

• Regularly monitor and track feedback and online reviews from community members.

• Use insights gained to improve engagement strategies and initiatives.

• Leverage data to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts.

• Stay Current with Technology Trends:

• Research and implement new technologies and tools for communications.

• Explore social media platforms and client management software.

• Manage content in the Board's web-based meeting management software (Simbli)

• Collaborate with the Engagement team to Support and Implement Strategies for Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with SBE staff to support effective and consistent messaging.

• Execute plans to enhance community engagement across various platforms.

• Promote and support Board events, including logistical assistance during virtual sessions.

• Strategize ways to involve the community actively and meaningfully.

• Coordinate language access, translation, and interpretation services.

• Support Successful Board Meetings:

• Review and edit all materials posted for Board meetings.

• Host virtual Board meeting presence (using zoom or other web-based conferencing software)

• Attend each regularly scheduled Board meeting.

• While meetings have a virtual option, the communications manager is expected to attend each in-person or hybrid meeting in-person.

• Assist Board members, SBE staff, and presenters with various tasks as needed. Help set up or take down equipment/materials required for state board meetings.

• Support respectful dialogue, even when uncomfortable, and participate in continuous learning, development, and training offered in diversity, inclusion, cultural humility, and equity.

Key competencies or experience necessary for success in the role

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, or related field.

• Two or more years experience serving communication or public relation needs in the private or public sector.  Four years of experience may substitute for the Bachelor's Degree requirement.

• Demonstrated experience working and interacting with culturally diverse people from a variety of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Excellent written, spoken and interpersonal communications skills including ability to communicate complex issues to a general audience.

• Ability to demonstrate consistent attention to detail, and ability to complete complex tasks with limited supervision.

• Experience with project management, including developing and monitoring implementation plans and managing timelines.

• Ability to travel statewide and work a varied schedule, which may include evenings, weekends.

• Willingness and ability to take on the variety assignments that regularly emerge in an environment with diverse demands and a very small staff.

• Willingness and ability to co-create with your colleagues a welcoming, supportive, safe, affirming, and respectful work environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Firsthand lived experience as a member of a community that has been historically and systemically underserved.

• Understanding of and demonstrated experience applying an equity lens and principles of authentic community engagement.

• Ability to understand and speak a language other than English, especially one of the languages commonly spoken in Washington State (including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and ASL).

• Experience working in the public sector and/or the field of K-12 education.

• Experience working in a highly visible, political environment.

About the State Board of Education

The Washington State Board of Education consists of 16 members, a blend of Governor-appointed and community-elected representatives, supported by a 12-member staff. The Board focuses on shaping policies and advocating for the state's K-12 public education system. Our main goal is to create an equitable education system where every student gets the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in a changing world.

The Board's primary areas of responsibility include:

• Advocacy and strategic oversight of public education.

• High school graduation and learning standards.

• Supporting the goals of basic education.

• Educational system health, accountability, and recognition.

More about the Board at: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/

Compensation

The annual compensation for the position is $61,500-82,500 per year and depends upon experience, educational background and qualifications. Geographic differentials may be applied based on work location of successful candidate. Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit Health Care Authority for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director, and is Civil Service Exempt. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.

Application Process

Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only:

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement; 
• A current résumé, and;
• A list of three or more professional references.  

Please address any questions to:

Theresa Ellsworth, Human Resources

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

 600 Washington Street Southeast

Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

360-725-6066: theresa.ellsworth@k12.wa.us

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 725-6270 or (360) 725-6066, or e-mail hroffice@k12.wa.us.

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OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in "Application Process."