CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST - State of Washington : Job Details

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit our website at: www.sos.wa.gov.

Civic Engagement Specialist , External Civil Rights Specialist 2

Full-Time, Permanent

The Civic Engagement Specialist position is a vital role within the Civic Engagement Program of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS). This position implements civic engagement programs, initiatives, services, and resources to increase civic knowledge and trust thereby increasing participation in the civic process among underserved, disenfranchised, and historically marginalized populations. These populations include, but are not limited to communities of color, tribal, rural communities, people experiencing homelessness, people with felony convictions no longer in total confinement, and people currently incarcerated in county and city jails. The Civic Engagement Specialist conducts outreach to key populations, advocates for increased civic engagement programming, and coordinates to ensure statewide compliance of Washingtonian's civil rights. Additionally, the Civic Engagement Specialist utilizes a robust network to collect feedback and inform the development of Civic Engagement Program resources, programs, and activities.

This position will have the opportunity to support the development and implementation of programs to build trust and confidence in civic life more broadly. The Civic Engagement Specialist must enjoy connecting with diverse groups and bring a compassionate, human-centered, equitable approach to this work. This position is one of three Civic Engagement Specialists that report directly to the Civic Engagement Manager. This is a statewide position. Employees are based in either an OSOS facility or partner entity within the state of Washington, with optional remote work.Civic Engagement Program Execution

Tasks include:

* Builds and manages strong network with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the Civic Engagement Plan programs and activities. Develops and maintains relationships with community organizations supporting key populations, and civic engagement.

* Oversees day-to-day activities of portfolio within Civic Engagement Program; plans, organizes, and coordinates program functions as the program representative; has extensive contact with program participants and outside entities and resolve problems; documents the results of meetings, listening sessions, workshops, and other events and effectively communicates those results to the Civic Engagement Program team and manager.

* Supports and builds upon ongoing outreach efforts led by Community Engagement Office and the Voter Information Services. Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, or workshops as the OSOS Civic Engagement Program representative; develops and makes public presentations on program related topics.

* Meets with, and writes letters or emails to, individuals and representatives of other organizations to furnish information about activities and to solicit participation; serves as a convener connecting organizations and individuals with partners, resources, and materials.

* Provides information and technical assistance to program participants, staff and outside entities regarding Civic Engagement Program content, policies and activities and recommends alternative courses of action; promotes the program with outside organizations and resources.

* Works closely with other OSOS divisions and programs to coordinate implementation of strategic messaging strategy, Civic Engagement Program, or other connected programs.

Civic Engagement Program Development

Tasks include:

* Analyzes laws, rules, policies, and practices; Coordinates and collaborates with government entities, non-profits, and other non-governmental organizations to assist in development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring of Civic Engagement Program activities, and resources, procedures, and policies to support disenfranchised, underserved, and historically marginalized communities statewide; Recommends alternative courses of action to supervisor; promotes the program with outside organizations and resources;

* Maintains communications with internal and external stakeholders to gain insight on the implementation of ongoing resources, activities, and programs; responds to inquiries; maintains records, analyzes, and compiles data and information for reports, prepares narrative or statistical reports;

* Works with program participants, staff, representatives of outside organizations and/or members of the public in defining needs and planning, designing, and developing specialized program activities; monitors and tracks participation in program activities, budgets, expenditures, and invoices;

* Prepares analysis, documents, and critical review to assist Civic Engagement Program team and manager in drafting correspondence, complex comprehensive plans, summaries, recommendations, progress or special reports; composes independent correspondence to internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Civic Engagement Program

* Collaborates with other OSOS divisions and programs to gather, develop, or draft program materials.

Miscellaneous

Tasks include:

* Other tasks as required

Required Qualifications:

* Three years of experience providing support to a program including, but not limited to: interacting with members of the public, conducting outreach, advocating for key populations, interpreting policy, and instructing others on application of policies, representing a program or office to clients, and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, and experience conducting outreach, advocacy, consultation, and/or compliance in one or more areas of equity or civil rights programs using an equity lens in analyzing polices, laws, rules, or regulations.

* One year of experience conducting outreach, advocacy, consultation, and/or compliance in one or more areas of equity or civil rights program.

* Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

* Current Washington State driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in business, political science, social science, law or related field.

* Experience working directly with one or more key populations including but not limited:

* People Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Insecurity

* Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

* Rural Communities

* Tribal Communities

* Communities of Color

* Demonstrated experience working in a team environment toward individual and shared goals.

* Experience preparing and delivering presentations to small and large groups.

* Possesses cultural competence and ability to be inclusive.

* Experience applying critical thinking and collaboration to solve complex problems.

* Established relationships with key communities and leaders across Washington state.

* Commitment to workplace core values of visionary leadership, collaboration, integrity, and service excellence.

* Excellent communicator & skilled in writing, editing, and public speaking.

* Employs expertise, credibility, and partnering skills to help stakeholders identify, evaluate, and resolve complex

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification.

At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.

Working Conditions

This position works primarily in a professional/office setting which will require the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. The incumbent must be able to multitask, independently prioritize work, and handle short deadlines in a complex and fast-paced environment. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The incumbent must be able to work irregular hours and weekends on short notice as needed to support business activities. Additional work hours may be required during heavy workload periods. Local and statewide travel may be required which may include overnight stays. The incumbent must be able to represent the Office of the Secretary of State with a professional attitude and friendly demeanor, effectively convey complex ideas and information, verbally and in writing, work successfully with a wide variety of people in a team environment, and be able to engage external and internal stakeholders from diverse organizations, as well as state and local elected officials, and employees from state and local government agencies with compassion and sensitivity.

Special Requirements

* This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.

* Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position you must attach the following:

* Current Resume

* Cover Letter

* Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.

* You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as see resume will not be considered. In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.

* All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.