ArtsWA Community Relations Program Assistant

ArtsWA Community Relations Program Assistant

Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3353641/community-relations-program-assistant-communications-consultant-3

 (360) 407-8446

 Unknown, UT, Unknown

Work hours are typically 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Location: ArtsWA’s Olympia office. Alternative and partial telework options may be available.

**Special Note:  We encourage everyone to apply, but please note that currently ARTSWA is unable to accommodate relocation reimbursements.

Who we are:
The mission of the Washington State Arts Commission, also known as ArtsWA, is to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. We have a particular interest in serving diverse populations and increasing equity and access in the arts. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website www.arts.wa.gov to gain insight into the agency's mission and strategic plan.

What you will be doing:
You will provide administrative, technical, and planning support to the Community Relations team. The Community Relations team includes the Communications Manager, the Community Development Manager, and the Communications Consultant 3. The team oversees agency communications, outreach, community development, the Creative Districts program, the agency website, and coordination of special events. You will work independently and under general direction. This position works with program managers to gather and research information and, in collaboration with the Community Relations team, writes materials such as newsletters, brochures, news releases, proposals, speeches, and web content. You will be providing administrative and technical support for agency Community Development programs. You will manage social media content in consultation with the Communications Manager and will work with the Community Relations team to determine the need and methods to publicize and promote programs, develop and implement changes for program effectiveness, and resolve complex issues or problems.

Who we are looking for:
The work you will do requires strong attention to details and the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects and deadlines. You must understand the importance of adhering to deadlines. You must appreciate the importance of relationship building as you will be interacting with a diversity of constituents, partners and stakeholders across the state.

Why YOU would be interested in this position:
Your work will help provide information and support for agency activities focused on the arts, cultural, and creative economy sectors of Washington State.

Because we are a small agency, you will have opportunities to develop, grow, and become deeply involved in ArtsWA’s mission and vision.  We work hard and enjoy what we do, while maintaining pride in our work. We are busy year-round. If this position fits your experience and you would like a job with a variety of duties and projects to hone your skills, we encourage you to apply.
Duties

Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:
Communications:

  • Designs and develops content for the agency’s website and social media. This includes writing, editing, and gathering information
  • Uses knowledge of website content management systems such as WordPress and HTML to develop/create web pages as needed and make content changes to existing web pages. Will also edit material before publishing
  • Answers inquiries from public primarily by phone (this position will answer the main agency telephone and be the initial voice of the agency)
  • In collaboration with the Communications Manager, drafts and edits copy for a wide variety of work submitted for printing and e-publishing; reviews copy for accuracy, clarity, plain talk standards, and ArtsWA style
  • Uses design software such as the Adobe Creative Suite to create graphics and document for the agency website, social media, and various reports
  • Creates visual presentations for Communications, and other staff as directed
  • Creates informational and legislative packets for the executive director, commission members, or media
  • Assists with coordination and management of agency event activities such as the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards; Arts, Heritage and Science Day; Wellness,
  • Arts & Military (WAM) Summits and Convenings, and other events as needed
  • Facilitates event planning and evaluation meetings, both virtual and in-person; plans and monitors deadlines and other event planning aspects
  • Provides audio-visual equipment support and management as needed for agency events and activities
  • Participates in communications meetings with various departments and community development team meetings
  • Works with the Community Relations team to organize and maintain the asset and media library

Community Development:

  • Supports outreach and promotes opportunities to Creative Districts and arts organizations throughout the state
  • Facilitates planning and outreach for annual Creative Districts convening.
  • Facilitates planning and outreach for statewide Change Leader Institute program. Monitors attendee applications to program
  • Supports meeting and travel coordination for Community Development Manager and Communications Manager
  • Provides outreach and communications support for special projects, such as Building for the Arts, as needed and directed
  • Maintains relations with other state agencies, and nonprofit and private organizations, to exchange information and promote program activities
  • Maintains liaison with administration to assure professional ethics and policies are observed
  • Drafts, edits, and reviews program materials and reports
  • Develops and pulls creative economy reports as requested by administrative and/or communications staff
  • Provide administrative support for grant contracts with community grantees

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, graphic or web design, public relations, or related field
AND
Three years of writing/editing experience

OR
Adequate, relevant experience may substitute for education requirements above

AND

  • Skills and abilities with basic office equipment (including computer, phone, fax, copier, and printer)
  • Two years of experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
  • Two years of experience using Adobe Creative Suite programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Must be able to communicate in a professional manner

PREFERRED:

  • Ability to interface with and understand the needs of constituents from across Washington State
  • One or more years of experience with basic event management
  • Two to three years’ experience doing business communications work
  • Basic understanding of and interest in arts and culture and/or economic or community development
  • Experience with WordPress or other website content management software
  • Experience with use of social media in a business setting

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
  • A current resume, detailing experience and education; and
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE:  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Conditions of Employment: 

  • Use for accommodation available COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve in this position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work.  Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.

Please do not attach your vaccination verification to your application as it will be removed. Details on how to proceed with verification or accommodation will be provided once a conditional offer has been made. 

Opportunity for All: 
The Washington State Arts Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.