Risk Communications & Media Relations Specialist (CC 5) DOH9029

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 Risk Communications and Media Relations Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering information to ensure the Department of Health is perceived as credible, relevant, and capable of protecting and improving the health of Washingtonians. By effectively serving as a Communications Consultant and Public Information Officer, you will provide key support to the department’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington state.

This Communications Consultant 5 position primarily supports DOH’s Environmental Public Health (EPH) division. This position represents DOH to the media, local health partners, and public regarding key public health program and policy issues, maintaining effective relationships and ensuring that relevant, accurate, and timely information is provided.

The position manages and advises program staff about communication strategies on routine and high-profile public health issues. They enhance the agency’s overall capacity for strategic storytelling and serve as an advisor and coach by providing media training and feedback to agency leadership and staff. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

Lead risk communications and media relations for EPH programs and other DOH priorities as needed.

Serve as a Communications Specialist for DOH. 

Why You’ll Enjoy This Role

You will work with colleagues, local health jurisdictions, Tribal, state and federal agencies to prepare material for the media, legislature, and public meetings. As a primary media contact for DOH, you will provide important information to Washington residents on emerging and high-profile issues. By coordinating on key public health topics with a variety of partners, you will ensure communication objectives are met and trust in the agency is maintained.

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: Four (4) years of experience in public affairs, public health policy or communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.

Option 2: Bachelor's degree with a major study in public affairs, public health policy, public health, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.

AND

Four (4) years of experience in media relations, including establishing and maintaining working relationships with the media.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

Preferred Qualifications

Employee Benefits 

We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us 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.
 
The Risk Communications and Media Relations Section supports agencywide efforts to consistently and effectively inform, engage, listen to, assess and motivate external and internal audiences through strong public information and communication. Our work helps ensure DOH is viewed as a credible source of health information and a great place to work.
 

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: This position may work from home, a DOH facility, or remotely from an alternate location. The official duty station for this position is Tumwater, WA. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance. Work in a fast-paced environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoor home or office environments. This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods.

Schedule: This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week. The work schedule is Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position may be expected to work longer hours to meet business demands and deadlines. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Occasional overnight travel required (mainly within Washington). Travel statewide and out of state when necessary to perform the core functions of the position. This may require overnight or multiple nights lodging. Legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation and travel long distances in both daylight and at night, and in snow and rain conditions.

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. This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties when working remotely.

Customer Interactions: Works closely with DOH Leaders and Communications and Health Education Office staff, senior DOH management, local health department/district staff, reporters, and others. 

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. 

We Encourage You to Apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position, we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge, or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Application Directions

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

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

Veterans Preference: We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

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 do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

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 Cox at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH9029.

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

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