Manager, Communications

Puget Sound Educational Service District (Puget Sound ESD) is a regional educational agency dedicated to serving school districts as well as state-approved charter and private schools across Washington State. Covering over 39 percent of Washington’s K-12 public school students, Puget Sound ESD plays a vital role in supporting educational programs that prepare students to succeed academically and to thrive in their postsecondary endeavors. The agency is committed to fostering just and inclusive educational environments and is actively working towards becoming an Antiracist Multicultural Organization that promotes equity in education. With a comprehensive suite of services, Puget Sound ESD supports diverse communities and enhances educational access for students and families in the region. For more information, please visit www.psesd.org/about-psesd.

The role of Communications Manager at Puget Sound ESD is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional passionate about strengthening public education and serving diverse communities. As the Communications Manager, you will lead and supervise a dynamic communications team, guiding the planning and execution of strategic communications initiatives that align with the agency’s goals and values. This role involves managing multiple concurrent projects—from the initial intake stage through to successful completion—spanning graphic design, video production, photography, and other creative outputs. Collaborating closely with internal departments and external partners, you will oversee fee-for-service communications projects that support regional school districts and generate revenue for the agency.

A primary focus will be advancing digital accessibility and managing multilingual communications to ensure equitable access across all audience segments. You will conduct accessibility audits of digital assets such as websites, social media content, and electronic publications, ensuring compliance with evolving federal and state laws. You will also develop communication plans that incorporate strategies for targeting specific audiences, delivering key messages on appropriate channels, and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns.

This role requires developing and maintaining design standards and style guides to strengthen brand consistency and ensure readability and accessibility throughout all agency communications. As a leader, you will foster a culture that embodies the principles of an Antiracist Multicultural Organization, championing equitable practices in every facet of your work. Additional responsibilities include supervising personnel through coaching, professional development, and performance management, overseeing social media efforts and editorial calendars, planning events with an eye for accessibility and engagement, managing budgets and financial oversight, and preparing progress reports and analytics to guide decision-making.

The Communications Manager position offers a yearly salary range of $99,340 to $130,342 and represents a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on public education in the Puget Sound region. Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and an extensive communications portfolio detailing graphic design, writing samples, and web or social media campaigns, reflecting their experience with project management, digital accessibility, and leadership. This role reports to an assigned administrator and requires a collaborative spirit, strategic mindset, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in education.