Public Relations Specialist job at State of Washington in Olympia, WA

Public Relations Specialist (Communications Consultant 5) Salary $73,284.00 - $98,520.00 Annually Location Thurston County – Olympia, WA Job Type Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment Flexible/Hybrid Job Number 2026-WaTech-7249-00372 Department Washington Technology Solutions Division ASD Job Description: Join an exciting team! Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days look the same? Do you enjoy bringing order to complexity, spotting details others miss, and making smart judgment calls when the pressure is on? If you like working at the intersection of technology, public service, and communications, this role may be a great fit. WaTech is looking for a driven communications professional who enjoys juggling priorities, navigating ambiguity, and turning complex technical or policy topics into clear, useful information. You will lead high-visibility communication efforts, support media and crisis response, and collaborate with experts across state government to tell impactful stories. This role is ideal for someone who values organization, accuracy, and accountability, and who brings energy, curiosity, and confidence to their work. About this position: The Public Relations Specialist is a part of WaTech's Communications team that delivers relevant, consistent, accurate, and timely information to employees, customers, news media, the legislature, and the public. This position reports to WaTech's Communications Director. Some of what to expect with this role: Lead and manage communications projects from planning through delivery, supporting agency campaigns, initiatives, and events. Write, edit, and produce clear, accessible content across reports, web and digital platforms, newsletters, speeches, and legislative materials. Translate complex IT, policy, and technical information into plain language for diverse audiences. Serve as WaTech's on-the-record spokesperson and primary media contact, responding to inquiries and supporting proactive media outreach. Lead media relations and crisis communications in coordination with agency leadership, partner agencies, and the Governor's Office. Prepare press releases, talking points, media kits, and executive briefing materials. Create graphics, presentations, and multimedia content that support outreach and accessible storytelling. Support engagement through event planning, material development, and onsite communications. Track media coverage, evaluate public understanding, and recommend strategies to strengthen communication effectiveness. Here's what we're looking for: Nine years of professional experience in communications, media relations, digital media, marketing, journalism or public affairs. This experience must include: Six years of professional-level writing and editing storytelling, crafting executive-level speeches, talking points, publications, reports, web and digital media content. Five years of experience in each of the following: Media/public relations, including serving as spokesperson and main point of contact for media inquiries. Developing and implementing communication strategies across multiple platforms, including print, web, and social media. Demonstrated success managing projects, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Using visual design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), social media tools, web content management systems (Drupal) and data analytics. Exceptional organizational, planning, and proofreading abilities, showcasing strong time management, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a commitment to accuracy, clarity, and grammatical correctness. A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a closely related field may substitute for up to four years of experience. Preference may be granted to applicants with the following: Prior communications work in technology or cybersecurity environments. Experience supporting executive communications, crisis response, or legislative initiatives. Prior communications work in government or public sector organizations. Event planning and management experience. Experience using generative AI tools. Video production and editing skills. Telework: This position uses a hybrid schedule with required onsite work. The successful candidate must live within a reasonable commuting distance of WaTech's Olympia, Washington office. We value diversity and different perspectives: WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process. What WaTech offers: As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding employee benefits package that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more. While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country's most scenic national parks, we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance. To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please visit our website. Additional information about this role: This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Reminders: A real person is reviewing your application material. It is in your best interest to complete the application in its entirety and review thoroughly before submitting. You will not be eligible to re-apply for this posting for 30 days. Applications with missing or incomplete fields, or supplemental question responses such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete and removed from consideration. WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. WaTech does not use the E-Verify system. We are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information, please visit Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number and date of birth prior to submittal.) By submitting your materials, you affirm that all information is true and correct. Any untruthful information is cause for removal from the applicant pool. If hired as a result of this recruitment, the discovery of incorrect or falsified information may lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. Recruitment process: The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. Final candidates may be asked to provide examples of their work, such as writing samples, design or multimedia pieces, or materials that demonstrate project management experience. The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate's specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team. Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes. If you'd like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing. Apply tot his job