Communications Specialist - Senate Democratic Caucus

Communications Specialist for the Senate Democratic Caucus

EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

LOCATION: Olympia, Washington

CLOSES: Position open until filled. Review of applications will begin the week of Aug. 26th.

Senate Profile

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.

About the Senate Democratic Caucus

The Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC) consists exclusively of Democratic members of the Washington State Senate. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy, and communications staff. Policy analysts provide analysis, advice, and bill development assistance in their respective policy areas to all Democratic Senators and their office staff. Communications specialists manage media requests and assist in any and all areas of communications to individual Democratic Senators and their offices. Our caucus staff team shares a commitment to putting people first.

Position Profile

The SDC seeks a proactive, collaborative and personable Communications Specialist to coordinate media, public and stakeholder-relation activities for Democratic state senators.

The Communications Specialist will have a passion for the legislative process and good government. They will have a depth of knowledge and interest on a variety of issues that impact Washington communities. The successful candidate will be skilled at writing, social media, strategic thinking and planning and thrive in a collaborative work environment.

Position Responsibilities

• Developing plans for helping senators communicate their policy message to the media, the public, and the stakeholder groups in their districts and beyond;
• Identifying unanticipated communications opportunities in social media, print, TV, radio, and other outlets;
• Writing speeches and talking points, as well as producing multi-media social media and Web content, news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and newsletter and e-newsletter copy;
• Advising senators on effectively communicating a message and how to link communications goals with legislative goals;
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with representatives of regional media, and stakeholder groups;
• Identifying new tactics for targeted, direct communication efforts with constituents in each member’s district;
• Coordinating with policy staff, senators’ legislative assistants and nonpartisan committee staff;
• Tracking media coverage of senators’ public policy proposals.

Requirements

Critical Skill & Abilities

• A reliable, competent writer with the ability to quickly turnaround quality materials
• Proficient in all social media platforms
• Understanding of photo and video editing software
• Committed to the legislative process and public service
• Ability to produce written products in a variety of formats geared toward different audiences
• Possesses a strong political acumen
• Consistently maintains high professional standards and demonstrates good professional judgment
• Skilled at working on a team
• Performs good work under time constraints and sometimes stressful conditions
• Willing to learn and grow from constructive criticism

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree AND at least two years of professional experience in journalism, communications, or in a related field that has provided relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Additional Requirements

• Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.
• This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. When the Legislature is not in session, remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for training or legislative meetings.
• This position is full-time and exempt from civil service.

Benefits

Salary Range

RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary and classification for this position is based on relevant experience and qualifications. The following are the full wage ranges for each of the classifications that might be hired for this position. A hiring salary will be less than the top of any range, however.

• Communications Specialist I – $6,081 - $10,538 per month
• Communications Specialist II – $6,832 - $11,841 per month
• Senior Communications Specialist - $7,677 - $13,305 per month

Employee Benefits

The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; twelve paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions and savings bonds; and tuition reimbursement.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at Senate.HRO@leg.wa.gov.

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.