Deputy Public Affairs Manager

Salary: $80,376.00 - $130,320.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: WMS 26-06
Department: Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division: Director's Office - Communications
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working! Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

The target pay range typically considered for this position is $86,892-$123,804 annually. The full pay range for this WMS Band is $80,376-$130,320 annually.

Are you looking to take the next step as a professional communicator? This is a great role for a fast learner and leader who wants to play a crucial role helping shape and represent a 3,000-employee organization as a strategic advisor, spokesperson and manager.

The Deputy Public Affairs Manager is a senior leadership role within L&I's Web & Communication Services Division, reporting to the Public Affairs Manager. This position serves as a trusted advisor to division and agency leadership, leads communication strategy for the agency's largest division (Insurance Services), and manages an outreach program designed to prevent workplace injuries among young workers.

This position represents L&I on high-profile media and public affairs issues, coordinating closely with the Governor's office communications staff on media relations and issues of statewide significance. This role is ideal for an experienced communicator who thrives in a vibrant, collaborative environment and wants to continue growing as a leader while helping shape the public conversation around issues that affect workers and employers across Washington state.

As a senior communications leader for the agency, you will:

• Advise the Public Affairs Manager and serve as spokesperson or advisor on their behalf when needed.
• Anticipate emerging issues, assess risks and develop communication strategies that support both immediate and long-term agency priorities.
• Lead and develop a 3-5-person team of communication professionals while building the division's digital media capabilities and expertise.
• Plan and execute communication, outreach, education, marketing, and public engagement efforts that engage workers, employers, and stakeholders.
• Manage special projects, including the agency's Plain Language strategy.

As the lead communications advisor to L&I's Insurance Services Division, you will also:

• Serve as strategic communication advisor to the Insurance Services leadership team, helping guide messaging, establish goals, and guide data-informed decisions.
• Advise division and agency leadership on public opinion related to sensitive workers' compensation issues, public concerns, and policy decisions.
• Help develop information for external audiences, including legislators and stakeholders.

Duties

Some of what you will be doing

1. Act on behalf of the Public Affairs Manager when needed, representing the agency publicly with the media.
2. Lead communication strategies for controversial and high-profile issues, advising agency leadership on messaging, public perception, and reputational risk.
3. Direct and supervise an experienced team of several Communication Consultant 5 professionals, guiding their work in developing communication plans, messages, and tactics aligned with the agency's mission and strategic plan.
4. Evaluate and strengthen the agency's use of traditional and digital communication channels, determine the right messages reach the right audiences, and continually build the digital media skills and effectiveness of the Public Affairs team.
5. Oversee and analyze the quality and effectiveness of Insurance Services Division communications, ensuring strategies are consistently implemented across all programs and resources are used appropriately.
6. Oversee the Injured Young Workers Speaker Program, establishing goals, tracking success metrics, and evaluating effectiveness to recommend improvements.
7. Identify opportunities to advance the agency's mission through earned media, web content, social media, marketing, advertising, and emerging communication channels.
8. Help organize and lead team meetings, video and photo shoots, speaker presentations, and special events. .
9. Develop staff skills and capabilities, ensuring they can deliver clear, accurate, and timely information to both external and internal audiences.
10. Implement the agency's Plain Language strategy, helping lead the agency's implementation of , collaborating with program representatives to review and update key documents, and championing plain language practices across the agency through training and internal outreach.

Qualifications
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field.
• At least five years' experience as a reporter, editor, marketing professional, creative content producer, public information officer, or related position 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.
• Being sensitive and proactive to public attitudes and concerns.
• Working effectively and collaboratively with staff, external partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively, to develop comprehensive communications strategies; to provide effective communications advice to top management; to manage short-term and long-term projects, and to effectively lead and serve on teams.
• Experience in a leadership position and supervising others.
• Experience creating and/or managing creation of digital media strategy and content.
• The ability to take action and to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Supplemental Information
Things You Need To Know

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee's career. Click on the "Benefits" tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington. Teleworking may be one of the work schedule options for this position. Telework is dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. The frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for and select L&I job alerts.
Application process

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A describing specific qualifications.
2. A current detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.
Background Check Notice

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.
Other information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I's
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 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.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact (he/him)
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 work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• L&I Talent Management Consultant
• L&I Employee
• Professional/Personal Network
• Monster
• College/University Website/Career Fair
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Verg
• Craigslist
• Indeed
• Twitter
• Job Fair (Military)
• Career Fair
• EHS Careers
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
• Radio Advertisement
• Newspaper/Magazine
• L&I Website
• Other

02


If you indicated "Other" please specify where you heard about this position.
03


Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?

• Yes
• No

04


PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.
• I will NOT attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If I do, I understand that it will be rejected and I may be provided an opportunity to apply again without including my confidential health information, while the posting is still open and applications are being accepted.
• I will not share my medical information with hiring managers or interview panels.


05


Do you possess, through education (bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field) and experience as a reporter, editor, creative content producer, public information officer, or related position at a large public or private entity at total of 9 years or more as it relates to this role?

• Yes
• No

06


Which best describes your experience developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies for an organization?

• No experience
• Assisted or supported communication strategy development
• Independently developed and implemented communication strategies
• Led agency-wide or organization-wide communication strategy development and implementation

07


Which best describes your experience supervising or managing professional communications staff?

• No experience
• Supervised a small team of 1-3 staff
• Managed a mid-sized team of 4-7 staff
• Led a larger team of 8 or more

08


Which best describes your experience developing and managing digital media strategy and content?

• No experience
• Limited or supporting role in digital media efforts
• Independently developed and managed digital media strategy and content
• Led organization-wide digital media strategy, including building team capacity and expertise

09


Describe a specific example where you developed and executed a communication strategy for a sensitive, controversial, or high-profile issue. In your response, include:• Your role and scope of responsibility• The challenges involved• How you assessed public attitudes and shaped your approach• The outcomes achieved(Limit response to 500 words.)
10


To be considered for this opportunity we require you to attach a resume and cover letter. Have you attached both documents?

• Yes
• No

Required Question