Salary : $105,000.00 - $111,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title - Regional Communications Manager

Classification - WMS Band 2

Job Status - Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program - Director's Office - Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) Duty Station - Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Remote Employment - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
As the Regional Communications Manager, you will provide strategic communications leadership across Washington, helping shape how WDFW communicates with communities, partners, stakeholders, and the public.
You will lead a team of regional communications staff and develop strategies that build trust, strengthen relationships, and support WDFW's mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
This is an opportunity to shape communications on high-profile issues and translate complex science, management decisions, and agency priorities into clear, meaningful, and consistent information for the public.
Through your leadership, you will strengthen WDFW's relationships and reputation across Washington while supporting greater public understanding of fish and wildlife conservation and WDFW's contributions.

What to Expect -

As our Regional Communications Manager, you will provide strategic communications leadership for WDFW and guide meaningful engagement across Washington. Key responsibilities include:
Coordination:

• Support regional communications staff in providing consistent, coordinated communications and customer service across WDFW, the media, and external audiences.
• Foster collaboration among regional communications specialists to troubleshoot, brainstorm, and remedy challenges that pop up around communications and outreach in the regions.
• Deliver guidance from CAPE leadership and support coordination within CAPE and other WDFW Programs on communication policies, standards, and expectations.
• Explore ways to maintain WDFW's relevancy for the public in the regions and continue to reach new audiences in innovative ways.

External Communications:

• Develop and implement regional strategic communications and outreach planning efforts that prioritize available resources and optimize impact and results.
• Guide the development of various communication materials, including fact sheets, talking points, brochures, web content, social media posts, short videos, and news releases.
• Serve as a spokesperson for WDFW on high-profile or complex issues and provide backup support to the agency's Strategic Communications Manager.
• Provide leadership for regional outreach activities that build relationships with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support regional communications specialists in planning, coordinating, and conducting outreach activities to ensure activities are coordinated, strategically aligned, and consistent with agency priorities.
• Develop strategic communications and outreach efforts to highlight outdoor activities on WDFW-managed lands and water access areas.

Content approval:

• Review communications and outreach materials developed by regional communications specialists, including blog posts, news releases, videos, and social media.

Administration and Management:

• Manage regional communications staff, which includes supervising, setting clear expectations, and conducting performance evaluations.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Most duties are performed in an office setting.
Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work, including approximately 2 to 3 meetings or events per month outside of normal business hours.
Travel Requirements: Infrequent overnight travel may be required.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing, Design, Political Science, or a closely related field.
AND all of the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) years of highly responsible, professional experience working in strategic communications with civic leaders, non-profit organizations, the government, media, or business leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience building collaborative relationships with communities, partners, organizations, or other groups and working effectively with the public.
• Supervisory experience, including the ability to inspire, coach, and lead staff.
• Ability to motivate and lead multi-program teams and external coalitions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Design, Marketing, Political Science or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated leadership experience building collaborative relationships with communities, partners, organizations, or other groups and working effectively with the public.
• Experience in natural resource management communications, crisis communications, and communication and outreach plan development.
• Demonstrated ability to identify strategic target audiences and to develop and activate promotional strategies and communication campaigns to move those audiences to a desired outcome.
• Proficiency in data presentation utilizing both visualization and story-telling techniques to provide compelling arguments.
• Experience as a Public Information Officer.
• Bilingual skills.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
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 retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who w