Deputy Director For External Affairs, Exempt

Description

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Governmental Affairs, Communications and Policy teams to strategically advance the work of the Commissioner and agency through outreach and engagement with external partners.
• Serve as a lead contact for key collaborators and community partners, including environmental organizations, businesses that work on public lands, labor, and community organizations.
• Actively promote the agency and the Commissioner’s work by identifying audiences and outreach opportunities to increase awareness and impact of DNR’s programs and services.
• Serve as a conduit to address emerging stakeholder issues, and improve coordination and communication between agency staff and external partners, so that key issues are resolved in a timely and effective manner.
• Support the Communications Department in outreach and engagement needs for media (press events, speaking events, etc.) and other Commissioner-involved public events.
• Work closely with the Governmental and Tribal Affairs teams to connect with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels regarding agency priorities, and work to identify opportunities for partnerships.
• Plan and execute, in partnership with collaborators, strategic Commissioner external events.
• Serve as the lead in engaging with partners, handling event logistics (including internal coordination with executive staff, divisions, and regions), preparing briefing materials, and staffing the Commissioner at events (as needed)
• Under the direction of the Director for Governmental and External Affairs, implement strategic calendaring for the Commissioner, ensuring time is well-utilized and external events are high-impact.
• Support the strategy and organization of the Department, including co-management of the Salesforce CRM database.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director for Governmental and External Affairs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in political science, public policy, environmental science or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Cumulative experience as a coordinator or manager of external affairs and/or community outreach, preferably for a public agency, elected official, or company that generates significant public and media interest.
• Deep experience managing, planning, and coordinating outreach events, such as town halls and community forums.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and with culturally and economically diverse populations, and demonstrated working knowledge of, and cultural sensitivity to those populations.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build, track and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with external partners, analyze/interpret issues and/or concerns, and find solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to create and sustain effective relationships with community partners, foster and share leadership among individuals in the community, and build bridges among diverse community members and organizations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to make complex information understandable to the general public using plain language.
• Comfortable speaking in public and representing the agency at public events.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships; even in times of high pressure and conflict.
• Current Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Knowledge of organizations – environmental, beneficiaries, business, etc. – that work with DNR.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• This position will work in an indoor office setting.
• Some travel required.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.