Company: Washington State
Job description: DescriptionAbout WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to serve as the Southwest Region Communications Manager. This leadership role directs all communication and government relations activities across a seven-county region, including the Portland/Vancouver metro area. As a key member of the region's executive leadership team, the Communications Manager oversees media relations, public engagement, political strategy, and crisis communications for transportation projects, emergencies, and statewide initiatives such as Complete Streets and the HEAL Act. This position also supervises a communications team and ensures consistent, accurate messaging across traditional and digital platforms.The Communications Manager has full authority over regional communication strategy and requires strong leadership skills, political awareness, and the ability to foster trusted relationships with elected officials, media, and community stakeholders.What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Southwest Region Communications Manager will:
- Lead and foster a high-performing, strategic, and politically aware communications team, while actively engaging in regional leadership discussions and fostering positive perceptions of WSDOT among the public, elected officials, and stakeholders.
- Provide strategic communications and political advice to the Regional Administrator, Assistant Regional Administrators, and Senior Leadership.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with WSDOT headquarters, local partners (including Oregon), and media outlets.
- Expand the Southwest Region's social media presence to influence driver behavior during incidents, weather events, and construction activities.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement in regional communications efforts that effectively convey to diverse populations.
- Coordinate media events to highlight roadway worker safety, involving local and bi-state partners, and develop events to connect Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms with regional projects.
- Lead strategic communications for construction activities and mitigate coordination and communication issues, particularly on the I-5 and I-205 corridors, to minimize impacts on stakeholders and the public.
- Manage staffing needs for external communications related to the HEAL Act and Complete Streets program, and ensure effective Public Information Officers (PIOs) are trained and prepared for emergency response situations.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Communications or Public Relations: Advanced-level professional expertise in communications or public relations, including knowledge of journalism, political messaging, media broadcasting, community engagement, marketing, social media, web content development, and spokesperson responsibilities for a complex public or private organization.
- Leadership and Management: Advanced-level managerial expertise, including the ability to lead teams effectively, build strong staff relationships, and foster a high-performance culture.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Excellent analytical and decision-making skills to address complex communication challenges and create strategic solutions.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with internal and external partners, maintaining positive relationships and coordinating efforts.
- Prioritization & Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
- Political and Media Expertise: Knowledge of emergency management, government relations, and media relations, with the ability to navigate complex political landscapes and public messaging.
- Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate persuasively and clearly in writing, both internally and externally, to diverse audiences.
- Crisis Communications Expertise: Proven experience leading crisis communications efforts during multi-agency disaster responses.
- Training: Completion of FEMA Emergency Management Institute's Advanced Public Information Officer training.
- Legislative and Political Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the legislative process and local political climate, with experience working effectively with elected officials to navigate political environments and achieve positive outcomes.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. However, this position is required to report to the office periodically and sometimes unplanned or on short notice.
- In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2025, upon legislative approval.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
- Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact . Please be sure to reference COMMS MANAGER in the subject line.
Expected salary: $89340 - 114576 per year
Location: Vancouver, WA - Clark County, WA
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