Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

(Communications Consultant
5)

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.

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-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.

• 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 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.

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.

WaTech is…