Description

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, work is performed remotely or from our office located in Tumwater, WA, based on business need and employee preference.

The Opportunity

The Agency Services Communications Support Team (ASCS) provides communications guidance and hands on support of all types to the Executive Office of the Chief of Staff (OCOS) leadership team, as well as the agency services programs and strategic initiatives their teams lead in the areas of human resources, inclusion, facilities, risk management, financial services, and IT. We also serve as the editorial team for the agency’s daily e-newsletter, sent to roughly 3,000 people.

This Communications Consultant 4 position primarily supports the development and distribution of communications to broad DOH employee audiences, tools, templates and self-serve guidance from the Office of Financial Services and the Center for Technology Operations. It also helps maintain and improve DOH’s intranet and agencywide newsletter platform and content.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Content Production and Editing

Edit, fix links, and apply templates to existing content.
Serve regularly as a producing editor of Daily Dose.
Produce, edit, and distribute ad hoc content for various requests.
Provide basic graphic layout, design, and video development as needed.

Intranet and Self-Service Support

Support the development and continuous improvement of intranet content.
Maintain self-service guidance, instructions, and similar info for employees.
Support OCOS team communications with broad employee audiences.

Storytelling and Employee Engagement

Develop and promote employee interest stories and articles.
Highlight the value that OCOS teams bring to the agency.
Make proactive internal story pitches to colleagues and perform interviews.

Communications Planning and Strategy

Develop and execute communications plans for large-scale and complex projects.
Lead development and maintenance of high-level plans with each office.
Track execution and effectiveness of plans and give feedback to leaders.

Consulting, Training, and Best Practices

Guide colleagues on available internal communications options, tools, and approaches.
Help non-communications specialists plan and execute their own work.
Help increase the ability of program leaders to apply key standards related to content usability, accessibility, and use of Plain Language.

Why You’ll Love This Role

You’ll Get To Be a Part Of Realizing DOH’s Vision Of Equity And Optimal Health For All. Specifically, You’ll Work With Financial Services And IT Support Staff Supporting Thousands Of DOH Employees With a Wide Variety Of Needs And Preferences. You’ll Be a Key Part Of Ensuring These Teams Develop And Regularly Share Clear, Helpful, Thorough Information And Self-service Content That:

Builds employee trust in agency services programs and the employees who run them.
Facilitates the success of changes agency services teams lead.
Encourages appropriate use of tools agency services teams provide.
Increases the transparency, user-friendliness, and customer orientation of agency services programs to benefit all DOH employees.
Highlights work agency services teams are doing to continuously improve and respond to employee concerns.
Anticipates and proactively addresses employee information needs.
Complies with agency requirements and best practices.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience writing and editing in a communications role, such as public relations, media outreach, or corporate communications.

Option 2: An associate degree with a focus in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field AND four (4) or more years of experience writing and editing in a communications role.

Option 3: A bachelor's degree or higher in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; AND three (3) or more years of writing and editing in a communications role.

To Include Experience In The Following:

Managing numerous complex issues and projects simultaneously.
Collaborating on projects with organization leaders, subject matter experts, other communicators, and staff at various levels.
Identifying and recommending communications strategies that meet client needs.
Writing and editing for diverse audiences.
Applying Plain Language principles and an equity lens to communications.
Applying problem solving and project management skills to manage difficult or unexpected situations.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Experience

Cultural Humility - Demonstrates the ability to take action to learn and grow, facilitating the development and integration of diverse perspectives, and honoring the different cultures represented in our agency.
Equity and Inclusion - Demonstrates the ability to take action to meet the needs of others, removing barriers to accessing shared resources, and promoting a culture of equity, social justice, and belonging.
People Impact Orientation - Demonstrates an ability to take action to adapt and adjust work and behaviors to increase positive impact on others. Holds themselves accountable for having a positive impact on others to the greatest extent possible.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

Experience in a public relations agency environment or similar client-service setting
Demonstrated commitment to equity and promoting and following antiracism practices in the workplace
Working-level fluency in English and at least one other language
Demonstrated proficiency with the following:
- Building and/or maintaining an intranet for a large organization
- Hosting and facilitating webinars for large, engaged audiences using Zoom and/or Teams Webinar
- Supporting executive leaders of a large organization with employee relations messaging
- Producing a regular internal e-newsletter for a large organization using software such as GovDelivery and SharePoint Online
- SharePoint Online site collection creation and management
An interest in and respect for the subject matter covered by OCOS teams (operational and administrative leadership of a large organization in the areas of human resources, employee inclusion, finance, public records requests, facilities management, IT support and similar)

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

The Office of Communications and Health Education (OCHE) leads our agency’s strategic initiatives related to communications, health promotion, and health education. We provide agencywide guidance and hands-on support in these areas.

About The Washington State Department Of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting:

The official duty station for this position is the DOH Office in Tumwater, WA. The position requiresoccasional in-person attendance to perform duties on-site at the Tumwater facility. When not working on-site, this position may work from home, a DOH office, or an alternate location.

Schedule:

Standard DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, an alternate or flexible work schedule may be considered at the employee's request, subject to supervisory approval. The position would not normally require working in excess of 40 hours per week, but if it became necessary for business needs, your supervisor would notify you in advance.

Travel Requirements:

Infrequent travel is required to meet with customers and conduct community outreach. When traveling for work, the position may require traveling alone or with another employee for multiple days and nights in or out of state.
When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.

Tools & Equipment:

This position uses standard office furniture and equipment such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.

Customer Interactions:

The position frequently requires engaging with internal and external customers and partners in a variety of settings, including other state agencies and local health jurisdictions.

Other:

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Kristina Coxat employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8976.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

01

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

02

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency]

03

This Position Is Open To Residents Of Washington State And Those Living In Oregon And Idaho Only. Please Select The Response That Applies To You:

a. I am a resident of Washington State.
b. I currently reside in Oregon or Idaho.
c. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, but I am willing to relocate.
d. I do not reside in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, and I am unwilling to relocate.

04

(Select One) My Experience Includes The Following:

a. An associate degree with a focus in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
b. A bachelor's degree or higher in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
c. Neither of the above.

05

(Select One) How many years of experience do you have writing and editing in a communications role, such as public relations, media outreach, or corporate communications?

a. I do not have this experience.
b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
h. I have 6 or more years of experience.

06

(Select All That Apply) My Experience Includes The Following:

a. Managing numerous complex issues and projects simultaneously.
b. Collaborating on projects with organization leaders, subject matter experts, other communicators, and staff at various levels.
c. Identifying and recommending communications strategies that meet client needs.
d. Writing and editing for diverse audiences.
e. Applying Plain Language principles and an equity lens to communications.
f. Applying problem solving and project management skills to manage difficult or unexpected situations.
g. None of the above.

07

(Select All That Apply) My Experience Includes The Following:

a. Experience in a public relations agency environment or similar client-service setting
b. Demonstrated commitment to equity and promoting and following antiracism practices in the workplace
c. Working-level fluency in English and at least one other language
d. None of the above.

08

(Select all that apply) My experience includes demonstrated proficiency with the following:

a. Building and/or maintaining an intranet for a large organization
b. Hosting and facilitating webinars for large, engaged audiences using Zoom and/or Teams Webinar
c. Supporting executive leaders of a large organization with employee relations messaging
d. Producing a regular internal e-newsletter for a large organization using software such as GovDelivery and SharePoint Online
e. SharePoint Online site collection creation and management
f. None of the above.

09

I confirm that I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions and that they are accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that once my application is submitted and the announcement closes, these responses cannot be modified.

Yes
Required Question

State of Washington

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Communications Consultant 4 (CC 4) DOH8976