Deputy Public Affairs Manager

Description Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working! Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability. Salary: $86,892-$123,804 annually (full pay range $80,376-$130,320). The Deputy Public Affairs Manager is a senior leadership role within L&I’s Web & Communication Services Division, reporting to the Public Affairs Manager. The role advises division and agency leadership, leads communication strategy for the Insurance Services division, and manages outreach programs aimed at preventing workplace injuries among young workers. Responsibilities Advise the Public Affairs Manager and serve as spokesperson or advisor when needed. Anticipate emerging issues, assess risks, and develop communication strategies supporting agency priorities. Lead and develop a 3–5 person team of communication professionals and build digital media capabilities. Plan and execute communication, outreach, education, marketing, and public engagement efforts targeting workers, employers, and stakeholders. Manage special projects, including the agency's Plain Language strategy. Represent L&I on high‑profile media and public affairs issues, coordinating with the Governor’s office communications staff. Lead communication strategies for controversial and high‑profile issues, advising leadership on messaging, public perception, and reputational risk. Direct and supervise experienced communication consultants, guiding development of communication plans, messages, and tactics aligned with the mission and strategic plan. Evaluate and strengthen the use of traditional and digital communication channels, ensuring appropriate audience targeting and building digital media skills. Oversee and analyze the quality and effectiveness of Insurance Services Division communications, ensuring consistency across programs. Oversee the Injured Young Workers Speaker Program, establishing goals, tracking metrics, and evaluating effectiveness. Identify opportunities to advance the agency's mission through earned media, web content, social media, marketing, and emerging channels. Help organize and lead team meetings, video and photo shoots, speaker presentations, and special events. Develop staff skills and capabilities for clear, accurate, and timely information delivery. Implement the agency's Plain Language strategy and champion plain language practices across the agency. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. At least five years’ experience as a reporter, editor, marketing professional, creative content producer, public information officer, or a similar role at a large public or private entity. Demonstrated ability to think critically, plan strategically, and exercise sound judgement while managing complex or sensitive issues. Ability to navigate complex political and stakeholder environments while maintaining productive relationships. Sensitivity and proactivity to public attitudes and concerns. Collaborative work style with staff, external partners, and stakeholders. Strong written communication skills and experience developing comprehensive communications strategies. Experience in a leadership position and supervising others. Experience creating and/or managing digital media strategy and content. Ability to take action, learn, grow, and meet the needs of others. Equal Employment Opportunity L&I employees come from all walks of life. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation may call View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users should first call 711. State employees who meet the qualifications will be eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington State Department of Labor & Industries