Communications Coordinator

Review of applications begins on July 21. Position open until filled.

In order to be considered for this position you must include a cover letter with a link to a portfolio (website, Google Drive, or Dropbox). The cover letter should include your experience planning and producing graphic design, video, and social media projects.

Your cover letter should address:

Multi-format storytelling experience—Describe specific examples where you created content across different formats (written, visual, video, social media) to tell a cohesive story or promote a program.
Community-centered approach—Share how you've connected with audiences, gathered community input, or created accessible content that serves people with different needs and backgrounds.
Time management and collaboration skills—Explain how you balance multiple deadlines, work within brand guidelines, and contribute to team success in fast-paced environments.

Your portfolio should include:

5–7 pieces that demonstrate range and impact, including a writing sample, visual design work, website work, and social media content. Optional additions include: photography, video, UX, visualizations, or infographics.
Submit as PDF portfolio or online link
Include brief context for each piece (audience, goals, your role, outcomes)

This is a full time position, 260 days/year, 8 hours/day.

Benefits include Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance; FSA/DCAP; Life/AD&D Insurance; LTD Insurance; EAP; Retirement; DCP; Annual Leave, Sick Leave Holiday Pay and Personal Leave.

Required attachments: Transcript, Resume, Cover Letter and Portfolio

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.

Communications Coordinator Job Description

Purpose Statement

The job of Communications Coordinator is done for the purpose of creating communications materials—including written content, visual design, photography, videography, social media, and websites—that connect communities to educational opportunities, promote ESD 113 services, and support both staff and external clients with professional materials aligned to brand standards and accessibility guidelines.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: Per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.

Reports to: Director - Communications

Essential Functions

Assists with communication plan implementation for ESD 113 and clients, for the purpose of promoting ESD 113 services, strengthening community connections, and supporting student success.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with the communications team, for the purpose of ensuring a smooth workflow and consistent, professional materials.

Captures and professionally edits photography and videography for ESD 113 and clients, for the purpose of program and district storytelling across our service region.

Contributes to staff newsletters and internal announcements, for the purpose of keeping ESD 113 staff informed and engaged with agency priorities and updates.

Creates graphics and visual design aligned to brand standards, style guidelines, and accessibility standards, for the purpose of communicating information and data clearly through professional visual storytelling.

Creates and manages social media content for ESD 113 and clients, including preparing posting calendars and managing publications schedules, for the purpose of building brand recognition, promoting ESD 113 services, expanding community engagement, and sharing educational resources.

Designs and maintains accessible websites using best practices in UX design, for the purpose of helping audiences and external clients quickly find what they need.

Gathers background information through research, interviews, and surveys for various materials (e.g. newsletters, brochures, news releases, proposals, etc.) for the purpose of strengthening communication outcomes and audience engagement.

Maintains accurate and complete records and documents in compliance with the Washington State Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule for the purpose of ensuring proper classification, retention, and disposal of all agency documentation in accordance with state regulatory requirements.

Manages tasks and deadlines using project management tools, for the purpose of ensuring timely completion of deliverables and maintaining clear communication with project team members.

Organizes and maintains photo, video, and content libraries, for the purpose of ensuring efficient access to brand-compliant materials for future projects.

Prepares and distributes press releases, for the purpose of building positive relationships with local media and ensuring accurate coverage of ESD 113 programs and achievements.

Remediates digital documents to ensure they meet accessibility standards, for the purpose of making information available to all users regardless of ability.

Stays current on communications technologies and best practices, for the purpose of continuously improving skills and enhancing team effectiveness.

Travels intermittently to ESD 113 sites and school districts across the five-county service region, for the purpose of capturing photography and videography that documents programs, events, and student achievements.

Uses data from surveys and engagement metrics to inform content decisions, for the purpose of improving communication effectiveness and reaching target audiences.

Writes and edits content for various formats and audiences aligned to brand standards, style guidelines, and accessibility standards (e.g. customer and staff surveys, etc.) for the purpose of creating clear, engaging communications that connect families and communities to educational opportunities and promote ESD 113 services.

Marginal Functions

Assists with other communications-related projects and functions as requested, for the purpose of supporting the department in the completion of work activities.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures.

Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: application of pertinent laws, codes, policies, and regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; and vocational training resources.

Ability is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: providing leadership, direction, and team building; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds; working independently under time constraints to meet deadlines and schedules; organizing and communicating information and concepts setting priorities; working as part of a team; analyzing situations and making accurate decisions; working with multiple projects; dealing with frequent interruptions and changing work priorities; working with detailed information and maintaining accurate records maintaining confidentiality; and facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 10% walking, and 20% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education (Minimum): High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: A degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and one year of writing/editing experience; or equivalent education/experience preferred.

Additional Requirements

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Approval Date: 7/20/2020

Revised Date: 6/26/2025

Salary Grade: 47

Required Testing: None Specified

Certificates and Licenses: Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Education/Training: Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance; WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ESD 113- Communications Coordinator