Communications Consultant - Washington State Ferries

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic construction communications supporting a generational transformation of Washington’s ferry system. This position helps connect customers, communities, and agency partners with the purpose and progress of major investments in vessel electrification and essential infrastructure improvements. Through clear, proactive communication, this role builds public trust, prepares passengers for construction impacts, and supports safe, reliable ferry operations throughout these critical improvements.

Join a collaborative team dedicated to keeping the public informed while advancing a more sustainable, resilient ferry system for the communities we serve.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Communications Consultant 5 will:

• Advise WSF leadership and construction managers on public relations, reputation management, risk communication, and public information policies.
• Co-lead communications for terminal electrification, new vessel construction, and other assigned projects; integrate messaging, community impacts, and reputational risks into project planning and decision-making.
• Track construction schedules and coordinate with engineering and community engagement teams to communicate milestones, service disruptions, and community commitments.
• Serve as project spokesperson, manage media and social media responses, highlight WSF investments, and represent the agency at public meetings and events.
• Develop and coordinate reviews of project messaging, communications materials, executive briefings, and crisis communications; oversee consultant deliverables for timeliness, scope, and quality.
• Coordinate system-wide public and employee communications, including emergency and crisis communications; provide rotating 24-hour on-call coverage as assigned.
• Monitor media, customer feedback, and community input to identify emerging issues and misinformation, evaluate communications effectiveness, and refine strategies.
• Edit and manage construction webpages in Drupal and provide backup web support; ensure accuracy, plain language, accessibility, and compliance with WSF web standards in coordination with Americans with Disabilities Act staff and subject-matter experts.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through…