Community Relations Program Assistant (Communications Consultant 3)



Community Relations Program Assistant (Communications Consultant 3)

Salary

$4,083.00 - $5,361.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-ARTS-008

Department

Arts Commission

Opening Date

12/21/2021

Closing Date

1/17/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Work hours are typically 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. 
Location: ArtsWA’s Olympia office. Alternative and partial telework options may be available.

**Special Note:  We encourage everyone to apply, but please note that currently ARTSWA is unable to accommodate relocation reimbursements.
 
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.
  
What you will be doing:
You will provide administrative, technical, and planning support to the Community Relations team. The Community Relations team includes the Communications Manager, the Community Development Manager, and the Communications Consultant 3. The team oversees agency communications, outreach, community development, the Creative Districts program, the agency website, and coordination of special events. You will work independently and under general direction. This position works with program managers to gather and research information and, in collaboration with the Community Relations team, writes materials such as newsletters, brochures, news releases, proposals, speeches, and web content. You will be providing administrative and technical support for agency Community Development programs. You will manage social media content in consultation with the Communications Manager and will work with the Community Relations team to determine the need and methods to publicize and promote programs, develop and implement changes for program effectiveness, and resolve complex issues or problems.

Who we are looking for:
The work you will do requires strong attention to details 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:
Your work will help provide information and support for agency activities focused on the arts, cultural, 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


Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:
Communications:

  • Designs and develops content for the agency’s website and social media. This includes writing, editing, and gathering information
  • Uses knowledge of website content management systems such as WordPress and HTML to develop/create web pages as needed and make content changes to existing web pages. Will also edit material before publishing
  • Answers inquiries from public primarily by phone (this position will answer the main agency telephone and be the initial voice of the agency)
  • In collaboration with the Communications Manager, drafts and edits copy for a wide variety of work submitted for printing and e-publishing; reviews copy for accuracy, clarity, plain talk standards, and ArtsWA style
  • Uses design software such as the Adobe Creative Suite to create graphics and document for the agency website, social media, and various reports
  • Creates visual presentations for Communications, and other staff as directed
  • Creates informational and legislative packets for the executive director, commission members, or media
  • Assists with coordination and management of agency event activities such as the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards; Arts, Heritage and Science Day; Wellness, Arts & Military (WAM) Summits and Convenings, and other events as needed
  • Facilitates event planning and evaluation meetings, both virtual and in-person; plans and monitors deadlines and other event planning aspects
  • Provides audio-visual equipment support and management as needed for agency events and activities
  • Participates in communications meetings with various departments and community development team meetings
  • Works with the Community Relations team to organize and maintain the asset and media library
Community Development:
  • Supports outreach and promotes opportunities to Creative Districts and arts organizations throughout the state
  • Facilitates planning and outreach for annual Creative Districts convening. 
  • Facilitates planning and outreach for statewide Change Leader Institute program. Monitors attendee applications to program
  • Supports meeting and travel coordination for Community Development Manager and Communications Manager
  • Provides outreach and communications support for special projects, such as Building for the Arts, as needed and directed
  • Maintains relations with other state agencies, and nonprofit and private organizations, to exchange information and promote program activities
  • Maintains liaison with administration to assure professional ethics and policies are observed
  • Drafts, edits, and reviews program materials and reports
  • Develops and pulls creative economy reports as requested by administrative and/or communications staff
  • Provide administrative support for grant contracts with community grantees

Qualifications


REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, graphic or web design, public relations, or related field
AND
Three years of writing/editing experience

OR
Adequate, relevant experience may substitute for education requirements above
  
AND

  • Skills and abilities with basic office equipment (including computer, phone, fax, copier, and printer)
  • Two years of experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
  • Two years of experience using Adobe Creative Suite programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Must be able to communicate in a professional manner
PREFERRED:
  • Ability to interface with and understand the needs of constituents from across Washington State
  • One or more years of experience with basic event management
  • Two to three years’ experience doing business communications work
  • Basic understanding of and interest in arts and culture and/or economic or community development
  • Experience with WordPress or other website content management software
  • Experience with use of social media in a business setting

Supplemental Information


Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interestdescribing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
  • A current resume, detailing experience and education; and 
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
NOTE:  By submitting these 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.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.  

Conditions of Employment: 
  • Use for accommodation available COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve in this position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work.  Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. 
Please do not attach your vaccination verification to your application as it will be removed. Details on how to proceed with verification or accommodation will be provided once a conditional offer has been made

Opportunity for All: 
The Washington State Arts Commission  celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities 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.
 
Contact Information:
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

 
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email 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 your 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 degree or higher in English, communications, journalism, graphic or web design, public relations, or related field
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
02
How many months of writing/editing experience do you have?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48-59 months
  • 60-71 months
  • 72-83 months
  • 84 months or more
03
How many months of experience do you have with MS Word?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
04
How many months of experience do you have with MS Excel?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
05
How many months of experience do you have with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
06
Select ALL you have experience with:
  • At least ONE year of • experience with basic event management
  • At least TWO years of experience doing business communications work
  • Basic understanding of and interest in arts and culture and/or economic or community development
  • Experience with WordPress or other website content management software
  • Experience with use of social media in a business setting
  • None of these apply
07
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • Job Board
  • Linkedin
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Other
08
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named 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