Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Health insurance

Retirement

Social security

Military leave

Job summary

Washington State House Democratic Caucus in Olympia seeks a Communications Specialist to craft district-specific messaging, write press statements, and manage media relations during the legislative session. The ideal candidate has at least three years' experience, strong writing skills, and the ability to translate complex policy into plain language.

The role requires flexibility during sessions, collaboration with diverse teams, and a commitment to equity in public communication.

Qualifications

• At least three years of communications experience.
• Ability to translate complex policy into plain language.
• Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills.
• Strong collaborative and independent work abilities.
• Commitment to equity and inclusive engagement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and create district-specific communication strategies for mass media and constituent outreach.
• Develop, design, and format visually engaging materials for web, print, electronic, and social media distribution.
• Collaborate with policy experts to explain complex policies in simple terms.
• Write press statements, talking points, editorials, video scripts, newsletters, speeches, and social copy.
• Produce audio/video clips, maintain member websites, and explore new media opportunities.
• Organize media events within districts and on the Capitol campus.
• Help maintain caucus webpages and social media accounts.
• Serve as a primary contact for reporters and coordinate media requests.

Skills

Strong writing and editing

Clear concise communication

Equity and social justice awareness

Audience engagement

Policy literacy

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

SharePoint

Teams

WordPress

Granicus/GovDelivery

Job description

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Communications Specialist, House Democratic Caucus

OPENS: September 30, 2026

CLOSES: October 11, 2026

REPORTS TO: Communications Director

LOCATION: Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington

SALARY: $76,656- $13,2,852 annually

State law requires us to post the full salary range; however, individual salary is determined based on experience and internal alignment. Most applicants will start near the beginning of the salary range.

This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association.

Our ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. Our ideal candidate is resilient and respectful when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative, even when stressed or tired. They are nimble and adaptive when faced with resistance and can have courageous conversations when needed.

About the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made of 98 members, elected to serve two-year terms representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs 250 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. The Legislature meets annually beginning on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.

Our workplace is on the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.

The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

• We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
• We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
• We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

About the House Democratic Caucus:

The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy, and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their constituents, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff member offices and support legislators in successfully fulfilling their duties through scheduling and administration, office management, research, casework, and constituent correspondence. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.

Position Profile:

Caucus communications specialists bring a resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to their daily work. They are creative problem solvers with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents. Successful candidates will be able to contribute as an active member of a diverse, highly collaborative team, and also be able to work independently. They will have the flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session. They will be able to learn new issues, applications, and platforms easily and be comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed.

How You'll Be Expected to Contribute:

• Work with caucus members and staff to plan and create district-specific communication strategies for mass media and constituent outreach
• Work within a small team to develop, design, and format visually engaging materials for web, print, electronic, and social media platform distribution
• Work with issue-area policy experts (caucus and non-partisan) to effectively communicate complex policies using simple, easy-to-understand methods
• Write press statements, talking points, editorial pieces, video scripts, newsletters, speeches, digital media copy, etc.
• Assist in producing audio and video clips, maintaining member websites, and exploring new media opportunities
• Organize media events within member districts and on the Capitol campus
• Help maintain the caucus webpages and social media accounts
• Serve as a primary contact for legislative reporters, facilitate media requests, and provide background information as needed

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years’ relevant experience.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences in a variety of mediums using plain language
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative process OR ability to learn and apply legislative policies and procedures on the job
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills (familiarity with AP Style a plus)
• Experience managing workload, prioritizing tasks, and creating and delivering products on time
• Ability to remain flexible and able to adapt to a wide variety of situations and circumstances
• Experience working collaboratively and efficiently and interacting with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disability status
• Willingness to actively participate in and support ongoing equity work undertaken by the House Democratic Caucus staff

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with modern communication technology tools (Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams)
• Experience with Granicus/GovDelivery or other email management and delivery systems
• Experience using WordPress, or other web content management systems
• Experience working in graphic design, video production and filming, and/or social media management are also valuable skills that contribute to products and services delivered to the House Democratic Caucus
• Relevant work experience in federal, state or local government, communications, journalism, public relations or related field

Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Applicants with any combination of experience, training and education who demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:

This position requires an onsite/in-person presence during the legislative session and frequently requires more than 40 hours of work per week, which may include evening, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility. This position is currently approved for in-state telework during the interim with an expectation to have an onsite-in-person presence when requested.

Benefits:

• vacation and sick leave
• paid state holidays
• health, life, and other optional insurance
• retirement
• social security
• and military leave