Communications Consultant 5 - Washington State Ferries

Salary : $78,485.00 - $105,512.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-90940
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic construction communications supporting a generational transformation of Washington's ferry system. This position helps connect customers, communities, and agency partners with the purpose and progress of major investments in vessel electrification and essential infrastructure improvements. Through clear, proactive communication, this role builds public trust, prepares passengers for construction impacts, and supports safe, reliable ferry operations throughout these critical improvements. Join a collaborative team dedicated to keeping the public informed while advancing a more sustainable, resilient ferry system for the communities we serve.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Communications Consultant 5 will:

• Advise WSF leadership and construction managers on public relations, reputation management, risk communication, and public information policies.
• Co-lead communications for terminal electrification, new vessel construction, and other assigned projects; integrate messaging, community impacts, and reputational risks into project planning and decision-making.
• Track construction schedules and coordinate with engineering and community engagement teams to communicate milestones, service disruptions, and community commitments.
• Serve as project spokesperson, manage media and social media responses, highlight WSF investments, and represent the agency at public meetings and events.
• Develop and coordinate reviews of project messaging, communications materials, executive briefings, and crisis communications; oversee consultant deliverables for timeliness, scope, and quality.
• Coordinate system-wide public and employee communications, including emergency and crisis communications; provide rotating 24-hour on-call coverage as assigned.
• Monitor media, customer feedback, and community input to identify emerging issues and misinformation, evaluate communications effectiveness, and refine strategies.
• Edit and manage construction webpages in Drupal and provide backup web support; ensure accuracy, plain language, accessibility, and compliance with WSF web standards in coordination with Americans with Disabilities Act staff and subject-matter experts.
• Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Strategic Communications Advising: Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic communications advisor or embedded partner to technical professionals, project managers, and executive leadership on public infrastructure or transit initiatives.
• Risk Communication and Reputation Management: Applied experience in proactive risk communication, reputation management, and issue mitigation during high-visibility construction or operational impacts.
• Technical Communications: Demonstrated skill in translating complex engineering, construction, and design concepts into clear, accessible language for the public, media, and elected officials.
• Public Information and Program Evaluation: Knowledge of public information policies and methods for evaluating communications program effectiveness.
• Media and Crisis Communications: Demonstrated competence in traditional media practices, serving as an official spokesperson, managing crisis communications, and conducting rapid fact-finding research under pressure.
• Writing and Public Speaking: Demonstrated skill in advanced writing, editing, feature story development, and public speaking across print, digital, and broadcast channels.
• Relationship Building and Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, navigate sensitive situations, and resolve conflicts during high-stress scenarios.
• Organization and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines, independently and collaboratively, across remote, office, and active field or maritime sites.
• Digital Communications Tools: Proficiency in web content management systems such as Drupal, social media platforms, and basic visual design software.
• Confidentiality and Professional Discretion: Demonstrated ability to exercise professional discretion when handling security-sensitive and confidential information.
• Independent Travel: Ability to travel independently to project locations, field sites, and community meetings.
• Applied Communications Experience: Progressive professional experience applying strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related practices; relevant practical experience and professional achievements may substitute for formal post-secondary education.
• Growth Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through examples of acquiring knowledge, applying feedback, or adapting communications practices.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to identify the needs of others and take action to meet those needs.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Emergency Communications: Familiarity with emergency communications principles demonstrated through FEMA Public Information Officer training or experience within an Incident Command System framework.
• Executive and Community Engagement: Experience directly interfacing with senior agency executives, government officials, and local communities, including neighborhood outreach strategies.
• Construction and Service Disruption Media Relations: Experience serving as an official spokesperson during construction impacts or service disruptions.

Important Notes

• This position offers remote, hybrid, or in-office work options, with occasional travel required for in-person meetings.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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

How to Apply

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.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90940 in the subject line.
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 retir