Communications Specialist – Washington State Attorney General’s Office

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Position and Salary

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a full-time Communications Specialist (Admin. Assistant, AG) in the Public Affairs Unit. This position can be located in Seattle or Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented.

Communications Specialist (Admin. Assistant, AG EX210) Salary: $84,696 annually.

The AGO provides a workplace that is understanding of work-life balance and promotes advancement by offering a wide variety of professional development and growth opportunities. 

Position Description and Job Duties

The Public Affairs Unit (PAU) is responsible for directing and managing all internal and external mass communication activities for the Attorney General (AG) and Office of the Attorney General (AGO). This position works collaboratively to organize, plan, and execute events, including press conferences, for the AG and other AGO officials. As a Communications Specialist, you may be entrusted to perform some of the following essential functions:

1. Communication Strategy: Assist the Communications Director and Deputy Director in planning and overseeing the execution and implementation of the AGO’s comprehensive communication strategy. Prepare effective and high-quality speeches, talking points, informational materials, briefing documents, digital media posts, and other key deliverables for the AG to advance communications and AGO policy priorities for meetings and media events. 
2. Engagement and Outreach with Media Outlets and Reporters: Maintain ongoing outreach and relationship building with the media and press. Field inquiries from news media and the general public. Plan, coordinate, prepare and execute informational materials and events to mass news media and the public. Help to scout, prepare, and staff meetings and press events throughout the state. Regularly populate the AG’s blogs and social media outlets.
3. Internal Engagement: Support the training and consultation to all staff as needed on media relations and communications. Consult with AAGs, subject matter experts, and AGO staff to ensure accuracy of communication materials.
4. Engage Stakeholder Groups: Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders (community groups, consumer advocacy groups, legal services, business groups, and other state and federal agencies) to build alliances that will allow the AGO to reach the most expansive and targeted audiences possible and maximize consumer and business education resources and opportunities. Contribute to the AGO’s internet site and printed materials.

• Other: Maintains reliable and regular attendance and follows approved work schedule while adhering to AGO Policy I.20 – Flexible Work Schedules. Works during the AGO’s core business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and is readily available to co-workers and clients.

If you are interested in furthering your public affairs and communications career within the AGO, this is the opportunity for you.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General

The work of the AGO touches the lives of every resident in Washington, providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the state and protecting the rights of its people. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes: 

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more!

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference in the lives of Washingtonians in your community, the AGO is the place for you. Learn more about the AGO here.

Excellent Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:

• Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options;
• A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost-free support resources;
• Numerous employee-driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!

Required Competencies

1. Communication Effectiveness: Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others. Effectively convey information in a persuasive manner that positively influences the thoughts and actions of others.
2. Coordinating & Organizing: Effectively coordinate activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work.
3. Computer & Technology: Knowledge and use of computer programs and software for data collection, information management, communications, presentations, and problem solving. Proficiency using social media such as Facebook, X, Instagram, BlueSky, and the like.
4. Creative & Innovative Thinking: Develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges. 
5. Initiative: Focus on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Proactively take appropriate action to get the job done.
6. Organizational & Political Awareness: Use knowledge and understanding of the AGO and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to the AGO’s mission.
7. Planning: Logically integrate various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
8. Relationship Building: Build constructive relationships with people inside and outside the AGO characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.

Preferred Competencies

• Three years of experience in communications, writing, editing, public affairs, or digital strategy
• A bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations or equivalent work experience

Supplemental Information and Application Instructions

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position
• A current resume detailing experience and education

Read the following information completely:

• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc. 
• All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.  The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. 

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please email [email protected] or call at 360-709-6013. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or [email protected].