Responsibilities

• Serve as a thought partner for organizational leaders and department managers, providing a communications lens for decisions and actions.
• Drive strategy to lead the department and its managers in staying abreast of best practices, policies, processes, and guidelines, whether in response to organizational needs, best communications practices, or changing technology.
• Directly manage the Communications and Outreach Team, which includes setting and adhering to an annual budget, managing and mentoring a team of communications practitioners to achieve day-to-day and long-term professional goals, and holding regular team and one-on-one check-ins.
• Help develop department/team systems and workflows that capitalize on collaboration tools and technology, organize information and resources in intuitive and accessible ways, and keep everyone aligned.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, mission-driven culture, which includes helping to plan department meetings, retreats, and team-building events; and promoting the WSBA’s focus on excellence, integrity, unity, and joy.
• Serve as the designated proxy and second-in-command for the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer, maintaining oversight of departmental leadership, media strategy, media relations, and executive messaging.
• Partner closely with the Chief Communications and Outreach Officer to translate organizational and departmental goals into cohesive and effective communication plans.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other departments to understand and support their key programs and initiatives.
• Ensure communication plans and messaging cascade with fidelity across the department’s teams and channels. Guide unique content strategy and timelines for different channels and platforms, including the website, social media, electronic newsletters, the magazine, blog, outreach initiatives, and more.
• Craft compelling messages and stories, including executive speeches, internal and external presentations, magazine articles, and more.

Requirements

• Education Required: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English or marketing (or a related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience Required: 7 years of experience in a management level role in communications with direct reports, including: Expertise in developing and implementing strategic communication plans with measurable results. Experience producing and integrating content across various media, such as newsletters, blogs, and speeches. Experience with managing media relations, public relations, or other organizational communications. Experience working with boards and volunteers. 3 years of supervisory experience directly managing team performance, daily operations, and employee relations, or equivalent experience.
• Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required: Ability to think broadly and strategically while executing tactically, paired with clear, professional written and oral communication for diverse audiences. Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders with responsiveness and clarity. Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize time and work, manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment Demonstrated strong attention to detail and accuracy across all aspects of this position. Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgement and ethics. Strong editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to create, refine, and integrate content across multiple media platforms—including newsletters, blogs, and speeches. Impeccable judgment and diplomacy as well as alignment with the WSBA’s values: Championing justice, expanding inclusive systems and practices, and serving the legal community and Washingtonians with excellence. Crisis communications and issues-management skills. Understand both high-technology and high-touch strategies to deliver meaningful messages and build relationships with various stakeholders. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn and use new software and technology platforms, including content management systems and the use of social media as a strategic communication tools. Fluent in leading-edge public relations practices and storytelling.

Preferred

• Education Preferred: Advanced Crisis Communication Certificate Program (PRSA).
• Experience Preferred: Experience and/or knowledge of the legal profession. Experience working with a board of a membership organization, and/or in public service or a nonprofit, purpose-driven environment.
• Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Preferred: Advanced crisis communications and issues-management skills.

Benefits

• WSBA Benefits Include: State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
• Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
• 100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick/PSSL, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave).
• Transportation incentives, *based on primary work selection requirements.
• Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a primary remote work selection.
• Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program.
• The WSBA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.