Content and Editorial Specialist (CC4)

Content and Editorial Specialist (CC4)

The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer and editor with experience in content strategy, digital communications, and web content management. They demonstrate proficiency in AP style, plain language, and editorial standards, along with strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate across diverse programs to deliver clear, accurate, and consistent agencywide communications.

Position overview:

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a skilled communications professional to join the Office of Communications & Outreach as a Content and Editorial Specialist (Communications Consultant 4). In this role, you will serve as the agency’s lead writer and editor, helping shape the agency’s voice, strengthen editorial consistency, and ensure communications are clear, accurate, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse audiences.

The Office of Communications & Outreach develops and implements communication strategies that increase awareness, understanding, and the use of ESD and WorkSource services and programs.

As a Content and Editorial Specialist, you will collaborate with communications professionals, leadership, and subject matter experts across the agency to strengthen communication practices, provide editorial guidance, maintain writing standards, and support the development of effective digital and written content.

This position is based in Olympia, Washington, and requires the successful candidate report to the designated work location as required.

Duties

• In this role, you will lead agencywide editorial efforts, support digital content strategy, and contribute to communications initiatives that advance ESD’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the agency’s lead writer and editor, developing and maintaining editorial standards, including AP style, plain language, and consistent agency voice and tone.
• Write, edit, proofread, and approve agency communications, including webpages, press releases, newsletters, legislative reports, briefings, blogs, and digital media content.
• Lead web content strategy and management efforts, ensuring public-facing and internal websites provide accurate, accessible, timely and well-organized information.
• Collaborate with agency leadership, communications professionals, and subject matter experts to develop communication strategies, improve content quality, and support high-priority agency initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training, coaching, and editorial guidance to strengthen writing, editing, and plain-language communication practices across the agency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

• Seven (7) years of equivalent education/ experience.
• Experience includes writing/editing/translating.

Option 2:

• Associates degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and
• Five (5) years of writing, editing, and translating experience.

Option 3:

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and
• Three (3) three years of writing, editing, and translating experience.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

The required experience includes:

• Research & Program Evaluation

Skills

• Ability to assess public understanding and recommend improvements.
• Adaptability & Multitasking

Skills

• Flexibility to handle evolving responsibilities.

• Media Relations & Content Dissemination

• Proficiency in managing communication with mass media.