Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

(Communications Consultant
5)

Public Relations Specialist

Join an exciting team! Join WaTech as a key voice for technology in Washington state government. You will lead high-impact communications projects from start to finish, create clear content across platforms, and translate complex IT and policy topics into plain language people can understand and trust. You will serve as the agency’s primary media contact, manage high‑visibility initiatives, support executive messaging, and use data to strengthen outreach and public understanding.

We are looking for a strong communicator and project manager who balances detail with big‑picture thinking. You write and edit with precision, think strategically, and stay organized under pressure. You bring media relations and spokesperson experience, make sound decisions in time‑sensitive situations, and manage multiple priorities with confidence. You can step into technical conversations, connect the dots, and turn complexity into clear, accurate stories.

You take ownership of your work, keep projects on track, and bring structure to evolving situations. You collaborate effectively across roles and divisions, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through. This role offers meaningful challenges, professional growth, and the opportunity to deliver work that supports agency goals and builds public trust.

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.

• 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‑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.

• 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.

• Prior communications work in technology or cybersecurity environments.
• Experience supporting executive communications, crisis…