Community Relations Specialist

Community Relations Specialist

Salary

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07059

Department

Office of the Governor

Division

Office of the Corrections Ombuds

Opening Date

08/25/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $50,000 - $70,000 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

Why work for the Office of the Governor?

At the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO), we are driven by a powerful mission: to create a more humane, transparent, and equitable Washington Corrections system. As an independent and impartial agency established by the Legislature, we are committed to advocating for incarcerated individuals, resolving conflicts, and fostering systemic improvements within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Our vision is to empower those impacted by incarceration to raise their concerns, reduce harm, and influence positive change across the system.

Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We provide crucial information to incarcerated individuals and their families, raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities, and ensuring that our services are equitable and inclusive. Diversity and lived experience are at the heart of our mission as we work to build a corrections system that serves everyone fairly.

The Job Opportunity:

The Office of Corrections Ombuds (OCO) is a mission-driven agency within the Governor's Office that works to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated individuals. We investigate concerns, share information with incarcerated people and their families, raise public awareness, and highlight system issues for the Governor and Legislature to address.

In this role, you'll work closely with agency leadership and report to the Senior Corrections Ombuds for Communications. You will coordinate OCO communications, outreach, and engagement by building strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and incarcerated individuals. Your efforts will help advance OCO's mission, strengthen trust, and ensure important information reaches the people who need it.

What you'll work on:

Community Outreach and Partner Engagement

• Develop, coordinate, and manage OCO's communication and public statewide outreach strategies to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible information is provided to public partners and incarcerated individuals through multiple communication channels to increase awareness of and access to OCO services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with incarcerated individuals, family members and loved ones, community organizations, advocacy groups, Tribal governments, and Washington state agencies.
• Coordinate OCO participation in community meetings, conferences, public forums, and stakeholder events.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with community partners.
• Gather feedback and recommend improvements to outreach efforts and public engagement strategies.
• Conduct monitoring visits and attend family and cultural events at the prisons.
• Support leadership with legislative efforts that support and further the success of the OCO.

Communications: Public Information

• Develop and edit written communication materials such as fact sheets, annual report content, website content, newsletters, GovDelivery communications, social media content, public education materials, and presentation materials.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, accessible, consistent, and aligned with agency messaging.
• Coordinate updates to the OCO's website to reflect ongoing changes and work of the OCO.
• Serves as a point of contact for the public by answering questions, providing information, and referring individuals to appropriate resources.
• Support leadership team with quarterly presentations and answering questions from interested stakeholder groups.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Plan and coordinate agency outreach events, stakeholder meetings, and public forums collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure successful execution.
• Manage logistics including scheduling, venue coordination, registration, audio/visual needs, and meeting materials.
• Coordinate participation in conferences and public events to share information about OCO services and connect with community partners.

Communications: Program Support

• Assist leadership in developing strategic outreach plans that support agency goals and strategic objectives.
• Monitor communications related to public concerns and stakeholder feedback.
• Develop recommendations to improve stakeholder engagement and customer service.
• Prepare reports summarizing outreach activities, engagement metrics, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate and partner with internal staff to ensure consistent and accurate messaging on trending concerns.

What we need you to bring:

• Prior equivalent work experience in a related field (e.g. Communications, Public Relations, Prison Oversight, Ombuds)
• Prior experience in public engagement, coordination, and and/or community organizing.
• Ability to facilitate complex conversations with diverse stakeholders and identify opportunities to address community concerns and incorporate feedback.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills, including the ability to effectively and respectfully dialogue with incarcerated people, stakeholders, and Department of Corrections staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and produce high-quality work products.
• Attention to detail and ability to plan and coordinate public events.
• Ability to work effectively both in a collaborative team environment and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, apply analytical abilities, including data analysis, and critical thinking skills, reflected in written work and oral presentations.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, or challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Zoom,and other computer applicationsto prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and maintain case documentation.
• The ability to learn and grow: Curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of corrections.
• Prior demonstrated work history in communications or public relations
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English that supports effective communication with the individuals and communities served by this Office.
• Knowledge of Washington State agencies, DOC prisons, and relevant policies
• Advanced computer and graphic design skills
• Project management skills

Supplemental Information

At OCO, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit our Recruitment site for a full list of employee benefits. Here's a glance at some of the unique benefits that ORIA offers:

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology to screen your application. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.

Questions: OFMs Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.

The Office of Corrections OMBUDS is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

This position is exempt from civil service rules.

For more information, please seeWAC 357-19-195

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

(OFM) The application process requires that you attach a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please check your attachments and click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume.
• No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume.

02

Please select all that apply to your experience:

• Communications
• Public Relations
• Prison Oversight
• Event planning
• Community organizing
• Project Management/Coordination
• Customer Service
• Public Speaking
• None of the above

03

In 250 words or more, share an example of your experience in public engagement, event coordination, or community organizing. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?

04

In 250 words or more, describe your communication style and share a time when you adapted your approach to better support an individual or community.

05

In 250 words or more, please describe your experience with conflict resolution. Share an example of a time when you managed competing opinions and priorities.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov