Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus
UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this position
OPENS: October 12, 2022
CLOSES: October 26, 2022
REPORTS TO: Communications Director
LOCATION: Thurston County — Olympia, Washington; option to work remotely or from Seattle district office during the legislative interim
SALARY: $61,104 to $107,784 Annually
Salary placement will depend on successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Our ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. Our ideal candidate is resilient and respectful when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative, even when stressed or tired. They are nimble and adaptive when faced with resistance and can have courageous conversations when needed.
About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.
Our workplace is on the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.
The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:
- We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
- We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
- We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.
About the House Democratic Caucus:
The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff member offices and support legislators in successfully fulfilling their duties through scheduling and administration, office management, research, casework, and constituent correspondence. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.
Position Profile:
Caucus communications specialists are experienced communications professionals who help members of the House Democratic Caucus communicate with constituents, the media, interested parties, and the general public about the policies considered and passed by the Legislature. This caucus communications specialist position will be part of a communications “team” that serves a subset of House Democratic Caucus members. Each team member specializes in one of three areas of external communications: social media management and graphic design, audio/video, or writing. Team members also back each other up in at least one other area. The position is full-time, year-round and exempt from civil service laws.
Caucus communications specialists bring a resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to their daily work. They are creative problem solvers with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents. Successful candidates will be able to contribute as an active member of a diverse, highly collaborative team, but also be able to work independently. They will have the flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session. They will be able to learn new issues, applications, and platforms easily and be comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed.
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
- Work with caucus members and staff to plan and create district-specific communication strategies for mass media and constituent outreach
- Work within a small team to develop, design, and format visually engaging materials for web, print, electronic, and social media platform distribution
- Work with issue-area policy experts (caucus and non-partisan) to effectively communicate complex policies using simple, easy-to-understand methods
- Write press statements, talking points, editorial pieces, video scripts, newsletters, speeches, digital media copy, etc.
- Assist in producing audio and video clips, maintaining member websites, and exploring new media opportunities
- Organize media events within member districts and on the capitol campus
- Help maintain the caucus webpages and social media accounts (currently Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
- Serve as a primary contact for legislative reporters, facilitate media requests, and provide background information as needed
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:
- Demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences in a variety of mediums using plain language
- Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative process
- Experience using proper judgment to maintain discretion and confidentiality
- Experience working with various web-based communications programs such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, GovDelivery, and SharePoint, among others (training on these platforms is available)
- Experience managing workload, prioritizing tasks, and creating and delivering products on time
- Ability to remain flexible and able to adapt to a wide variety of situations and circumstances
- Experience working collaboratively and efficiently and interacting with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disability status
- Willingness to actively participate in and support ongoing equity work undertaken by the House Democratic Caucus communications staff and broader caucus staff
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with modern communication technology tools (Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)
- Experience with graphic and/or video design tools (Adobe Creative Cloud desktop applications: Photoshop, Premier Pro, Acrobat, lnDesign, Illustrator, Audition, or web-based tools such as Canva)
- Experience with or willingness to train in methods and techniques of visual communication such as electronic illustration, design, animation, video, and page layout for print and electronic distribution
- Experience with or willingness to train in audio production, video making/editing, or graphic design
- Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills (familiarity with AP Style a plus)
- Relevant work experience in state legislatures, communications, journalism, or related field
Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week or adjust normally scheduled hours, which will include evening, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility and reduced hours. This position is currently approved for in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite-in-person presence when requested.
Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.
How to Apply:
Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
Send application materials by close of business October 26, 2022 and direct any questions to: HouseHR@leg.wa.gov. Screening will continue until position is filled.
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House ADA Coordinator Kyle Overmiller at kyle.overmiller@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7271, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. 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.