Preparedness Content Strategist

This is a full-time, permanent Communications Consultant 4 (CC4) position.

Make a difference.

Are you passionate about making a difference in public health and safety communications? Do you have a knack for creating compelling and effective content that resonates with a wide audience? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

As the Preparedness Content Strategist (CC4), you'll be responsible for planning, organizing, scheduling, and executing informational and public relations activities with low to medium risk/visibility. Your innovative thinking and strategic approach will be key to determining the most effective methods and techniques to publicize and promote our vital programs.

We are a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our communities. As a CC4 in our Risk Communications & Media Relations team, you will play a pivotal role in promoting public health preparedness and resiliency.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Developing and reviewing content and materials to support communication goals, including speeches, presentations, key messages, talking points, fact sheets, social media messages, FAQs, and web content. Producing content and materials that comply with agency standards, accessibility tools, and similar content.
• Consulting with Department of Health (DOH) subject matter experts and program staff to recommend appropriate strategies to raise awareness of programs, activities, and services.
• Proactively identifying communication needs, opportunities, impacts, and expectations for programs working on a wide range of public health issues.
• Contributing to the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) yearly grant deliverables and outputs.

Join a great team and lead us into the future

The Executive Office of Public Affairs and Equity (OPAE) leads DOH in communications, health promotion and education, and community relations and equity by working with leadership and staff to advance agency priorities. Working with local health, tribal partners, and many others, we strive to advance health equity and develop communications and health promotion products that meet the needs of the communities we serve. We combine our services and expertise with other subject matter experts to creatively and effectively solve problems and carry out the agency’s vision, mission, and values.

The Center for Communications facilitates agency-wide efforts to consistently and effectively inform, engage, listen to, assess, and motivate external and internal audiences. Our work helps ensure DOH is viewed as a credible source of health information and a great place to work.

Work Location & Flexibility

The employee may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. When approved, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance including telework and reporting to the Tumwater, WA duty station for work activities if needed.

Work that matters

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH

We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.

Our Ideal Candidate

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.

Required Qualifications

Note: Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

• Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience writing and editing in a communications role.
• Option 2: A bachelor’s degree or higher in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; AND three (3) or more years of experience writing and editing in a communications role.

AND,

Demonstrated Experience In The Following

• Writing and editing for diverse audiences, including hard-to-reach communities and those most impacted by health disparities.
• Adapting communication products to ensure they are culturally and linguistically appropriate for target audiences.
• Applying plain talk principles and an equity lens to communications.
• Proactively learning, adapting to, and taking advantage of new technologies and channels.
• Managing numerous complex issues and projects simultaneously.
• Collaborating on projects with organization leaders, subject matter experts, other communicators, and staff at various levels.
• Integrating social media into communication strategies.

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in the following:

• Communicating public health messages.
• Understanding public health theory and application.
• Using marketing strategy to change health behavior.
• FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and IMT practices.
• AP style.

Application Process

Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without personal pictures).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

Attachments: Please only include items listed above. Please REMOVE all photos (including headshots) from your documents prior to submitting.

Please DO NOT attach or include certifications/certificates of completion, transcripts, letters of recommendation, or private information (social security number, year of birth etc.) with your application.

Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach 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 to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Union Representation

This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Danielle Dahm at Danielle.Dahm@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.

NEOGOV provides technical support at 1-855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions

With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but willing to occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and supervisor approval.
• Occasionally work outdoors.
• Occasionally travel, alone or with another person, mainly in WA State, which may include overnight. Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments, as assigned.