Director of Communication and External Relations - PESB

Director of Communication and External Relations - PESB

Salary

$80,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2026-08788

Department

Professional Educator Standards Board

Division

Professional Educator Standards Board

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

EXEMPT

RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Director of Communication and External Relations

$80,000 to $110,000 annually

Closes November 04,2026

This is an exempt recruitment announcement from the Professional Educator Standards Board. This position, located in Olympia, WA, may be eligible for a partial teleworking schedule. Telework combines in-building and off-site days.

Who we are

We believe that the success of Washington's students depends on the success of Washington's educators. At the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), we strengthen and support the success of our educator workforce through every stage of their career.

We are one agency with two governing Boards: the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board. Our policies and programs span Washington's system of educator pathways, preparation, certification, and professional development opportunities. We oversee educator standards and licensure, and hold preparation programs accountable for the ways in which they recruit, support, and prepare diverse and classroom-ready educators.

Our board members and staff are committed to centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work and to building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nations across Washington State. As part of our commitment, we embrace the opportunity to address disparities and barriers perpetuated by historical and institutionalized racism within the overall education system, and we recognize the unique government-to-government relationship the state holds with Tribal Nations under the Centennial Accord.

Our agency values serve as a compass to guide our work. We value:

• Educator voice
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Educator excellence for student success
• Community engagement
• Learning and innovation

To operate as an antiracist agency, we seek candidates aligned with these values, including candidates who bring experience or a genuine willingness to learn how to work in good faith with education partners, diverse constituencies, and Tribal Nations. Passion for the mission of PESB, including its commitment to equity and to honoring Washington's diverse communities and Tribal Nations.

Position overview

This position provides strategic guidance to the Executive Director and other agency members to help engage the public, strengthen external partnerships, and promote the value and visibility of our work. The Director for Communication and External Relations must establish strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams to execute effective, equity-centered communications plans supporting agency needs and goals.

This role ensures communication with educators, paraeducators, preparation programs, school districts, Educational Service Districts (ESDs), educational organizations, policymakers, the public, and Tribal Nations in Washington State is not only clear and accurate but also culturally responsive, reflecting the histories, sovereignty, and self-determination of the communities we serve. The Director partners closely with the agency's Tribal Liaison to ensure Tribal perspectives, protocols, and priorities are embedded in the agency's communications, outreach, and public engagement work.

The Director will employ equity-centered and culturally responsive communications to elevate the agency's core functions for educators (career exploration and discovery, preparation, credentialing, workforce development, and shortage). The role will also work to ensure the agency's messaging reflects the needs of historically underserved communities and Tribal Nations. This role will lead and support the development and implementation of campaigns for multiple audiences to support the agency's priorities, including legislative advocacy.

Key responsibilities

Agencywide communications

• Write, edit, and design agency communications materials, including one-pagers, reports, FAQs, and presentations, to effectively communicate information to diverse audiences (e.g., educators, legislators, stakeholders, associations, Tribal Nations, and community members).
• Ensure materials are accurate, accessible, culturally responsive, aligned with key messages, and promote the agency as a positive and transparent policymaker and partner.
• Create and maintain internal policies, processes, and training to guide and support staff on the use of communications tools, including guidance on culturally responsive communications practices.
• Promote agencywide initiatives and programs by developing key messages and talking points, leading audience analysis activities, implementing communications plans, and assessing opportunities for greater engagement and outreach.
• Provide media and outreach guidance for agency meetings and conferences, develop materials, and recommend promotional strategies to increase visibility, registration, and participation from diverse audiences and Tribal Communities.
• Alongside the Legislative Policy Team, translate complex policy, rulemaking, and certification/credentialing information into accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Align current and new agency materials with ADA requirements and accessibility best practices.
• Support agency Tribal Liaison in maintaining relationships between the board and Tribal education departments, Tribal Colleges, and Tribal leadership on matters related to educator standards and requirements, the John McCoy (lulila) Since Time Immemorial curriculum, Tribal-based teacher and paraeducator pathways, and workforce development.

Public relations and legislative support

• Develop and implement campaigns for multiple audiences to support legislative advocacy for agency initiatives.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and staff to support the agency's legislative priorities by advising on communications strategy, framing, positioning, and research, ensuring an equity and Tribal Relations lens is applied throughout.
• Cultivate and maintain knowledge of and relationships with educational organizations, policymakers, Tribal Nations, and other partners and constituencies as needed.
• Ensure consistent messaging in legislative materials such as fact sheets, talking points, and presentations.
• Track media coverage, write press releases, coordinate interviews, identify story opportunities, and maintain consistent and positive press relationships.
• Serve as the first point of contact and agency spokesperson for media inquiries.
• Provide direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to the Executive Director and staff, as needed, regarding public information matters, including providing direct assistance in researching, providing information, and developing messages.
• Support the Tribal Liaison with establishing, cultivating, and maintaining government-to-government relationships with Washington's Tribal Nations, consistent with the state's Centennial Accord and related Tribal Consultation policies.

Digital Communications

• Manage graphic design for agency materials, including one-pagers, reports, FAQs, ADA compliance, and presentations to effectively communicate information to diverse audiences (e.g., educators, legislators, stakeholders, associations, and community members).
• Manage the design and execution of social media, collaborating with agency teams to identify social media content, using best practices, engagement tactics, user-experience design strategies, accessibility compliance, and strengthening content through plain talk principles that reach diverse audiences.
• Manage agency social media tools and profiles, including the content calendar, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Medium, and YouTube.
• Lead the design, management, and maintenance of the agency's internal and external websites, ensuring all formatting, content, and designs align with our agency style guide, meet accessibility requirements, and prioritize the user experience.
• Manage contracts related to website design, management, and maintenance.

Executive director and board meeting support

• Provide outreach support to the Executive Director by researching and identifying opportunities for stakeholder engagements, networking events, and strengthening partnerships through a variety of communication platforms.

• Draft talking points, correspondence, presentations, or other materials at the direction of the Executive Director.

• Support board meetings, public hearings, and rulemaking processes with clear communication of opportunities for public and Tribal input, including:

• Develop, support, consult, or review Executive Director and other staff team presentations and materials.

• Attend all PESB board meetings to manage media opportunities and support the Executive Director, staff, and board members.

• Provide technical support for in-person and virtual meetings.

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across cultural, linguistic, and community differences, as well as engage in courageous conversations around race, equity, and Tribal Sovereignty.
• Experience working respectfully and productively with education organizations, policymakers, Tribal nations, constituencies, and other partners.
• Understanding of Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government consultation protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in team environments.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and travel to board meetings across the state approximately 6-8 times a year.
• Significant experience in providing strategic communications guidance for complex policy initiatives.
• Proficient in website and document accessibility guidelines to ensure ADA compliance.

Desired qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
• Ability to create graphics to illustrate complex ideas or work with graphic artists to achieve that end.
• Proficiency in print and online publishing applications, including Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working in education (P-12 or higher education) OR experience in public or state service.
• Passion for the mission of PESB, including its commitment to equity and to honoring Washington's diverse communities and Tribal Nations.
• Demonstrated ability to employ a range of problem-solving strategies with self and others for organizational advancement.

Condition of employment

All state employees must live within Washington state during employment. Telework is available within the state.

Compensation

Annual compensation for the position is $80,000 to $110,000 per year and depends upon experience, educational background, and qualifications. Washington State offers a generous benefits package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit the Health Care Authority website for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information. This position serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director and is exempt from civil service laws. The position is not represented by a bargaining unit.

Application process

Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only:

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement
• A current resume
• A list of three or more professional references.

Please address any questions to:

Sal Salazar, Human Resources

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington Street Southeast

Olympia, WA 98504-7200

360-725-6278, Sal.salazar@k12.wa.us

The Professional Educator Standards Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. PESB provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-725-6271 or hroffice@k12.wa.us.

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

Please select the answer that best describes your education and experience.

• I have a Bachelors degree or higher in communications, journalism, or a related field, and five or more years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
• I have a combination of education and experience totaling nine (9) or more years of professional level experience in communications or public relations.
• None of the above

02

Do you have experience providing strategic communications guidance for complex policy initiatives?

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe your proficiency level in website and document accessibility guidelines to ensure ADA compliance.

• I have limited knowledge of accessibility guidelines and ADA requirements and require significant support to identify accessibility barriers and implement appropriate accessibility practices.
• I have a basic understanding of accessibility guidelines but need additional guidance to consistently apply them and identify and correct accessibility issues in websites and documents.
• I have a solid understanding of accessibility guidelines and consistently apply accessibility best practices to websites and documents, including alternative text, proper heading structures, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and accessible document formatting, with minimal assistance.
• I have advanced knowledge of accessibility guidelines, including ADA requirements, and can independently evaluate and remediate websites and documents to ensure accessibility. I proactively identify barriers and recommend improvements.
• None of the above

04

Are you proficient in print and online publishing applications, including Canva and Adobe Creative Suite?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience working in education (P-12 or higher education) OR experience in public or state service?

• Yes
• No

06

Did you attach the required documents (cover letter, resume, list of references)?

• Yes
• No

07

How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• OSPI Jobs Page
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• OSPI Employee Referral
• Military Outreach Event
• Career Fair
• Other

08

Do you currently have a relative working in our agency?

09

Are you currently an employee at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?

• Yes
• No

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