The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.
The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The OSOS is looking for a Writer/Editor (Communications Consultant 4). This position reports to the OSOS Deputy Director of External Affairs, under general direction, and is fundamentally responsible for writing and editing all written material for interdivisional, media, and public communications produced by the Office of Secretary of State. The position also assists External Affairs leadership with the Office's public relations, media relations, and marketing efforts to ensure consistency with the OSOS vision, mission, and goals.
DutiesEnsures consistent messaging for the office utilizing written materialTasks Include:
- Plans, coordinates, and directs collection, preparation, and distribution of all written informational materials intended for public, media, and interdivisional agency and executive communications.
- Generates and directs preparation of written content for brochures, correspondence, technical documents, policies and procedures, flyers, forms, letters, speeches, news releases, media advisories, talking points, op-ed articles, white papers, publications, electronic and printed newsletters, blog posts, and more.
- Reviews, edits, and proofreads all written agency and executive communications intended for public, media, or cross-divisional distribution to ensure spelling, style, and grammatical accuracy, as well as appropriateness for final typing, printing, and/or publication.
Media RelationsTasks include:
- Keeps and maintains an up-to-date media guide.
- Researches and provides background material upon request.
- Provides and supports responses for media interview and query requests.
MiscellaneousTasks include:
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Four years of professional writing and editing experience, specifically with speech writing, opinion-editorial articles, talking points, white papers, and news releases.
- Ability to use a computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:- Four years of experience conducting public-facing communications as a subject matter expert in a specific discipline include, but not limited to: written, digital, web, and audio communications, and visual information.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
- Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of Associated Press writing style guidelines.
- Familiarity with the legislative process and state governmental operation.
- Impeccable attention to detail and consistency.
- Ability to respond to media inquiries as agency spokesperson as needed.
Working Conditions
In this position, the incumbent works primarily in an office setting, which will require the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the ability to work irregular hours on short notice as needed to support business activities. Occasional local and statewide travel may be required. The incumbent in this position must be able to represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner, including professional dress, and be able to communicate ideas and information both verbally and in writing, and work successfully with a wide variety of people in a team environment.
CompensationSalary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full benefit package includes health, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; paid vacation, sick and military leave, and deferred compensation plans; 11 paid holidays; and a public employees' retirement plan.
How to Apply- To be considered for this position, you must attach the following:
- Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
- Current resume
- Three writing samples that show diversity of style and tone
- Three professional references
- You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
- All veterans must include a copy of your DD214, NGB 22, NGB 23, or Statement of Service to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.
The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, sex, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, sexual orientation, or any real or perceived sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5212.
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