Community Relations Program Assistant (Communications Consultant 2)



Community Relations Program Assistant (Communications Consultant 2)

Salary

$3,701.00 - $4,855.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-ARTS-002

Department

Arts Commission

Opening Date

04/13/2021

Closing Date

5/4/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

This position is assigned to our Olympia location; however, most positions are currently teleworking daily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


What you will be doing:
The Washington State Arts Commission has a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join our Community Relations team. As a member of the Community Relations team, this new position as the Community Relations Program Assistant will provide administrative and communications support to the agency. The position will organize, coordinate, and perform communication and outreach activities alongside two managers—the Community Development Manager and the Communications Manager. You will provide direct administrative support for Community Relations as well as providing event management and other occasional support for other agency events and activities. They will work with the Community Relations team to assist communications support for constituent outreach, and for the entire agency.

Who we are:
The mission of the Washington State Arts Commission, also known as ArtsWA, is to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. We have a particular interest in serving diverse populations and increasing equity and access in the arts. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website www.arts.wa.gov to gain insight into the agency's mission and strategic plan.

The Community Relations team manages all communications for the agency, including website, public relations, event activities, legislative priorities, internal communications, and a variety of agency activities. Additionally, the team manages several statewide programs and initiatives that support, promote, and grow the state’s creative economy, including our award-winning Creative Districts program. The new Change Leader Institute program, an intensive professional development and training program for arts professionals throughout the state is managed by the Community Relations team, as well as outreach for the Department of Commerce’s Building for the Arts program.

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a team member with strong administrative and communication skills. You must have experience and understanding of communications processes and procedures, as you will assist in the development of communications pieces such as social media, website management, news releases, newsletters and the ArtsWA annual report. Experience in basic event coordination processes and procedures and event planning is a plus. Occasional travel for events and activities may be required.
 
You will support two program managers in a busy department. The work requires strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and deadlines. You must understand the importance of adhering to deadlines. You must appreciate the importance of relationship building as you will be interacting with a diversity of constituents, partners and stakeholders across the state.
 
Why YOU would be interested in this position:
This position is an integral part of the Community Relations team. Your work will help provide information and support for agency activities focused on the arts, culture and creative economy sectors of Washington State.
 
Because we are a small agency, you will have opportunities to develop, grow, and become deeply involved in ArtsWA’s mission and vision.  We work hard and enjoy what we do, while maintaining pride in our work. We are busy year-round. If this position fits your experience and you would like a job with a variety of duties and projects to hone your skills, we encourage you to apply.

Duties


Central to this role is coordination of processes and workflow associated with communications for the agency. It includes occasional representation of the Community Relations team in agency and public meetings, and presentations.

This position serves as the support for the Community Relations Team. You will work directly with the Communications Manager and the Community Development Manager to support the communications program. The Communications Manager is your supervisor of record; however, your job duties will support both managers.

 Communications Support:

  • Assists communications staff in the design and development of content for the agency’s website and social media.
  • Uses knowledge of website content management systems to develop/create web pages as needed and make changes to existing web pages.
  • Answers inquiries from public by letter, email, or telephone. This position will answer the main agency telephone and be the initial greeter of visitors to the agency offices. 
  • Edits copy submitted by program managers and other agency staff for printing or online distribution; reviews copy for correctness, clarity and form of presentation; confers with departments regarding discrepancies or errors; rewrites material as necessary. 
  • Uses Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photo Shop to manipulate and optimize graphics and PDFs for the agency’s website. Creates infographics, charts, photographs, and digital assets for various reports, both digital and print
  • Uses PowerPoint or other programs to create presentations for Communications and other staff as needed and directed
  • Under direction of the Communications Manager, researches and drafts articles, edits copy, and selects photographs and graphics for monthly newsletter and annual report
  • Produces informational packets for the executive director, commission members, or media
  • As part of the agency’s events management team, assists with coordination and management of the annual Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards; ArtsWA’s participation in Arts, Heritage, and Science Day; activities related to the Creative Forces program, and other convenings as needed
  • Facilitates conference planning including monitoring conference deadlines, coordinating planning meetings, communicating information to conference team, and completing other event tasks as needed
  • Provides audio-visual equipment support and management as needed for agency events and activities
  • Participates in program communications meetings
  • Other duties as assigned
 
Community Development support:
  • Supports outreach and promotion activities for ArtsWA’s Creative Districts program including interaction with the state-certified Creative Districts and communities/organizations interested in the certification process
  • Facilitates conference planning for annual Creative Districts convening 
  • Facilitates conference planning for statewide Change Leader Institute program; monitors attendee applications to program, and supports outreach activities for this program
  • Supports outreach and promotion activities for the Building for the Arts program as directed by the Community Development Manager
  • Provides outreach and communications support for special projects as needed and directed
  • Coordinates travel for Community Development Manager and / or other staff as directed
  • Travel periodically throughout Washington State, with occasional overnight stays
  • Uses PowerPoint or other programs to create presentations as needed
  • Drafts, edits, and reviews program correspondence, and final reports
  • Fulfills requests for creative economy reports using the Creative Vitality Suite online tool
  • Provides administrative support for grant contracts with community grantees

Qualifications


REQUIRED: 
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field
OR 
Any combination of education/experience

AND

  • One year of writing/editing experience
  • One year of communications or higher-level administrative experience
  • Skills and abilities with basic office equipment (including computer, phone, fax, copier, and printer)
  • One year of experience using Microsoft Office Suite (incl. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams or similar online program, and Outlook)
  • One year of experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro)
  • Must be able to communicate in a professional manner
*Experience may run concurrently

PREFERRED/DESIRED:
  • One (1) or more years of experience with basic event management
  • Two years of experience doing business communications work
  • Experience with WordPress or other website content management software
  • Experience working in the creative sector and/or economic or community development fields
  • Basic photography skills using a 35M digital camera
  • Experience setting up computer, projector, and meeting audio equipment


Supplemental Information


READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
 Please attach the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice and describes why you are the successful candidate, and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
  • Current resume detailing experience and education.
  • At least three (3) professional references with current contact information attached.

NOTE: 
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "duties summary" section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.  A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.  
 
By submitting materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The State may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
 
NOTE:
This position is in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation for State Employees (WFSE).
 
The State of Washington celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
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 organization.
 
The State of Washington and the Arts Commission are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. We encourage women, veterans, people of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
 
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or jobs@des.wa.gov
 

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 12-31-2022

01
What is you level of education?
  • Some or no college
  • 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
  • Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
  • 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
02
How many months of relatable experience do you have? (experience must be relatable to the duties in this posting)
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 months or more
03
From the question above please list the type(s) of experience and how long performed (the experience may run concurrently). If this does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
04
Do you have at least one year of professional writing/editing experience?
  • Yes
  • No
05
From the question above, what job(s) will this experience be found? If this does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
06
Do you have at least one year of communications or higher-level administrative experience?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have at least one year of experience using Microsoft Office Suite (including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams (or similar online program), and Outlook)
  • Yes
  • No
08
How many months of experience do you have using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro)?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 months or more
09
How many years of experience with basic event management do you have?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24 months or more
10
From the question above, please list the type of events? How many people? What were your functions/duties? If this does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
11
How many months of business communications work do you have?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
12
From the question above, what job(s) will this be found?
13
Do you have experience using WordPress or other website content management software?
  • WordPress
  • Other website content management software
  • all of the above
  • none of these apply
14
Describe your experience working in the creative sector and/or economic or community sector. If this doesn't apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
15
Select those you have experience with:
  • Basic photography skills using a 35M digital camera
  • Computer setup
  • Projector setup
  • Meeting audio equipment
  • Setting up Zoom, Teams, or other meetings (MUST include facilitating and setting up and managing breakout rooms)
  • None of these apply
16
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Indeed
  • Linkedin
  • Other
17
If you selected College Job Board or Other, please let us know the name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specific job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact