Washington State Department of Natural Resources Hiring for Communications Director at Olympia, Washington Full Time

Communications DirectorRecruitment #2022-11-2935This is a Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position This recruitment will remain open until filled. Review of applications is ongoing and the hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Want to join a great team and make a difference?Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote our efforts to lift up Washingtonians. This includes informing the public about dynamic work like wildfire response, protecting our lands and waters, and strengthening rural and urban economies.Our public lands create incredible economic benefit and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and libraries. Under the leadership of Commissioner Franz, the agency is expanding opportunities that protect our lands and benefit our communities, including transformative investments in wildfire response, habitat restoration, carbon sequestration, clean energy, and aquatic protections. We want you to help us share how we are pushing the agency forward and maximizing the social, economic, and environmental value of public lands.You can learn more about Commissioner Franz in these profiles: Seattle Times; The Stranger; Seattle Met.The successful candidate will be motivated, creative, hardworking, and have a successful track record of communicating complex issues using a variety of mediums and tools.As Communications Director, you will supervise a team of skilled communicators – from a deputy director and communications consultants to a social media manger, graphic designer, and speechwriter. Effectively managing this team will be critical to your success.You will be responsible for crafting communications plans, identifying positive media opportunities, pitching stories, editing/writing news releases, editing/developing talking points, coordinating media interviews, and serving as an agency spokesperson when needed. You must be hungry to promote the value of this agency and highlight the leadership of Commissioner Franz .You must have exceptional writing and editing abilities.This position reports to the Chief of Staff and is part of the agency’s Executive Leadership Team. This position is a hybrid in-office/work-from-home schedule.At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team that works on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly. We move fast and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the state and experience our incredible communities. Plus, awesome benefits. (Visit careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information).The Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing an ambitious and proactive communications strategy to bring the work of the agency to life for the general public. This includes:• Building and managing media events;• Providing strategic guidance to agency leadership and the Commissioner;• Responding to media inquiries;• Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines;• Staffing Commissioner Franz at media and/or other speaking events.Required Qualifications: