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 Information Security & Response (ISR) Division provides cybersecurity, information technology, and a messaging capability to support the integrity of the election process within Washington. The ISR Division has 12 employees who report to the ISR Director. These employees are based in either an Olympia-area facility, a Secretary of State facility within the State of Washington, or a remote work environment due to market circumstances and space limitations.

Duty:
Strategic communications
Tasks include:

• Directs the placement of multi-media assets associated with the Information Response department of ISR, including online and digital advertisements, website content, printed materials, and more.
• Establishes methods for evaluating the performance of messaging campaigns using a variety of social listening and analytics tools, and implements strategic changes based on analysis.
• Leads collaboration with other OSOS divisions and teams to synchronize communications objectives and overall brand voice.
• Develops appropriate methods and techniques to create and maintain department web content in collaboration with the division’s social media analyst.
• Organizes messaging coordination efforts with county election partners and other stakeholders.
• Advises deputy director regarding public interest and reaction to proposed and ongoing programs.

• Serves as the principal content creator, managing multi-media asset development for use on social media, digital platforms, the Office of the Secretary of State website, printed materials, and more, adhering to plain language and accessibility standards.
• Aligns the content-development activities of the division’s communications specialist and tracks development to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensures continuity of brand voice by collaborating with External Affairs, Elections, and other division personnel as needed.
• Presents design concepts to ISR leadership, as well as other OSOS divisional leadership, and directs the incorporation of recommended changes.
• Maintains up-to-date website content, ensuring timely reviews of content and the posting of new content.

• Supports the division in coordinating responses to emerging false elections information, including reporting examples to the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), social media platforms, and other stakeholders.

• Performs other duties as required

Required Qualifications:

• Four or more years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or closely allied field.
• Professional experience developing content for digital advertising campaigns, including video production and use of online software like Canva and other graphical/video/audio editing tools.
• Demonstrated professional experience with:
  • developing online messaging campaigns, including the placement of advertising assets.
  • website and social media analytics and listening tools to assess reach and engagement with online messaging campaigns.
  • coordinating and supervising subordinate personnel.
  • Drupal, WordPress, or other content management systems; Adobe Creative Suite; Microsoft Office Suite
• Additional expertise in communications, public relations, digital media, advertising, graphic design, and/or election administration a plus.

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 and weekends on short notice as needed to support business activities. During elections periods, it is expected that the Social Media Analyst will work the hours necessary (including weekends, holidays, and evenings) to ensure ISR is supported. 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.

All employees of the Office of the Secretary of State are required to be fully vaccinated and show proof against COVID-19. Your vaccine status will be verified by Human Resources (HR) prior to your first day of employment. Please contact the HR Consultant overseeing this recruitment if you need information on medical or religious accommodation at (360) 480-4871.

How to Apply

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Current resume
  • Three professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
  • Three writing samples that show diversity of style and tone
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must have current Washington state driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.