WDVA Communications Consultant 4



WDVA Communications Consultant 4

Salary

$55,524.00 - $72,756.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-05929

Department

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Division

Central Office/Veterans Services

Opening Date

06/16/2021

Closing Date

7/6/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


Please Note: The current duty station for this position is Olympia, WA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is a temporary order. This position can work remotely from any location in the state of Washington until the order is lifted.


Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.”  As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness.  In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla.  These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to honorably discharged veterans, and their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Parents.


The Communications Division is seeking a creative individual with senior level talent to fill a Communications Consultant 4 role.  This position is responsible for directing, planning, and organizing internal communications activities across the agency. You will have the opportunity to create initiatives that directly impact the people and culture of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. It will be the responsibility of this position to analyze and engage with department leaders and staff to understand the scope and needs for both new projects and those currently under way. By utilizing your graphic design skills, you will create visual solutions to communications challenges and ensure consistent and effective messaging that informs, educates, and engages employees at all levels. You should be exceptionally organized and detail oriented, capable of managing projects that cross multiple agency programs and locations, with an aptitude for prioritization. Strong writing and editing skills are essential—specifically the ability to communicate complex, technical concepts to diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner.  You will directly impact our mission of Serving Those Who Served by translating key performance measures and agency successes to all staff, helping them understand the value of our agency’s work. 


Duties


  • Plan, coordinate, and direct agency internal communications products, channels and content.
  • Analyze staff understanding of agency projects or issues and evaluate need for and type of internal communication products, recommend changes as appropriate.
  • Analyze tools such as employee engagement surveys and other feedback opportunities to evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications.
  • Organize workshops with agency committees and teams (such as Employee Recognition and DEI) to coordinate communications products or updates on all-staff meetings, employee recognition committees and events, safety committees, combined fund drive activities and others as assigned.
  • Plan, direct, and create graphics design products for use throughout the agency, to include traditional and digital visual communication products and graphic design elements to support strategic communication and increase employee engagement.
  • Analyze effectiveness of products, and recommend and implement changes.  Engage with agency culture and with colleagues and determine need for visual communications or graphics products.
  • Provide communications project assistance for Director’s Office, Communications Office, and other agency units.
  • And much more!

Qualifications


Required: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field or equivalent experience / combination of education and experience totaling 7 years of experience planning, organizing, and directing work in a public relations capacity. This could include journalism, public relations, or a related field. 
  • Strong writing and analysis skills including; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary; publication editing styles, design principles and production processes; writing approaches for diverse print and electronic media.
     
     

Desired: 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Proficiency in creating graphic design products and using design software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva.
  • Proficiency in adding web content using Drupal or other Content Management System desired.

 

Ability to:

  • Develop and implement strategic comprehensive communication plans for internal audiences via visual, digital and traditional media.
  • Write, edit and publish high-profile documents in a variety of styles (journalistic, newsletter, feature, web/digital, print, presentations).
  • Manage communication projects to ensure deadlines are met, review protocols and formatting standards.
  • Create corporate-level graphic design and multimedia products.
  • Write and edit copy for electronic media.
  • Use strong communication skills and plain talk to translate complicated information into information that the average user can understand.
  • Assist with employee engagement efforts at both agency and unit/team levels.

 Please Note: Samples of professional work showcasing how you can succeed at elements described in the “Desired” and “Ability To” sections above. 

Supplemental Information


Application Process:   
The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
 
 Please include the following documents with your application:
 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
 2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
 3. Samples of professional work showcasing how you can succeed at elements described in the “Desired” and “Ability To” sections above.
 
 Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers. 

Other Information:

  • Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
  • Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future[AH(1] .
 
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach 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 to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at: recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
 

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our 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 mission of the agency. 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 on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

 

 The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. 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.

 

 If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency please contact Christine Dominguez at recruiters@dva.wa.gov


More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have equivalent experience / combination of education and experience totaling 7 years? Experience may be: planning, organizing, and directing work in a public relations, journalism, etc...
  • Yes
  • No
03
Did you include the required samples of your professional work showcasing how you can succeed at elements described in the "Desired" and "Ability To" sections of the job announcement.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Please indicate which software or graphic design products you've used:
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Illustrator
  • Photoshop
  • Canva
  • Drupal
  • other Content Management System
  • Other
05
Please describe your experience with graphic design products/software and/or web content systems you have used.
06
WDVA How did you hear about this opportunity? Please select all that apply from the list below:
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Job search website such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, etc.
  • Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) employee
  • WorkSource Representative or website
  • Through a Military Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Career Fair/Hiring Event
  • Other

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact