Public Records Designee - Program Specialist 4

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit retirement plans

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Deferred compensation plans

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Revenue seeks a detail-oriented Public Records Designee (Program Specialist 4) for the Public Records team in the Information Governance Office, Tumwater, WA. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with RCW 42.56, coordinating complex record responses, and delivering training across the agency.

The position supports the agency’s transparency initiatives and works closely with the Public Records Officer and coordinators to monitor statutes, policies, and

Qualifications

• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying state public records statutes (RCW 42.56) in regulatory or records-management contexts.
• Ability to coordinate complex workflows and manage multiple public records requests.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develops and directs research, analysis, and collection of records for responses to public records requests.
• Coordinates with division public records coordinators and other designees to respond accurately and timely.
• Provides training and technical guidance on policies and statutory requirements.

Skills

Public Records Act

statutory analysis

interpersonal communication

customer service

confidential information handling

multitasking under deadlines

Tools

Microsoft Purview eDiscovery

GovQA

Job description

This is a non-permanent appointment expected to last through June 30, 2027.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) seeks a detail-oriented program specialist to join its Public Records team within the Information Governance Office (IGO) located in the Executive division as a Public Records Designee (Program Specialist 4) in Tumwater, WA.

The work in our IGO is fast paced, requiring quick transitions while still maintaining focus. A collaborative leader and a diverse, creative team work together, helping one another successfully manage one of the agency's most important assets, information. This incredible opportunity will help our IGO achieve its purpose to maximize the value of information while minimizing associated risks and costs.

The ideal candidate believes in great customer service and government transparency, can stay focused for long periods on large records sets, and provides services that enable DOR to better serve the public with timely and accurate responses.

If you are motivated by public service, ready to take on an increasingly complex arena of public records, energized by complex information challenges, and committed to strengthening government transparency, we invite you to review the opportunity details below.

The hiring manager will begin reviewing applications on September 21, 2026, and may make a hiring decision any time after. It is in your best interest to apply soon.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused ton achieving the agency's goals.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

We employ and serve people of all backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity.

Benefits:

• defined benefit retirement plans
• health, dental, and vision coverage
• deferred compensation plans
• student loan forgiveness

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

This position serves as one of the agency’s Public Records Designees. It ensures the agency follows the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56 RCW.

This is a high-impact collaborative role that works closely with the Public Records Officer, division Public Records Coordinators, and staff across the agency.

This position provides technical advice to agency management and provides input on policy.

It provides public records training to agency staff as needed. This position is required to analyze statutes as they relate to the release of public records and confidential information, rules, and policy.

This position protects the interests of the Department while serving the needs of our customers through the public records request process.

This position supports the Department’s 2024-2029 Strategic Business Plan to administer programs and services effectively and efficiently.

Reporting to the agency’s Public Records Officer, here are some other duties you can expect as a Public Records Designee:

• Develops, tracks, manages, organizes, and directs the research, analysis, and collection of records relevant to responses to the public records requests.
• Coordinates responses with others in defining needs, planning and developing courses of action, and providing technical assistance.
• Monitors and tracks compliance with statutes, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates with division public records coordinators.
• Coordinates with other public records designees in responding to requests.
• Determines the level of research, method of analysis or study required, and provides responsive records.
• Conducts second reviews produced by other designees before the release of records.

Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and apply state public records statutes (including RCW 42.56 and other relevant exemptions) gained through progressive experience analyzing laws, rules, policies, or handling confidential information in a regulatory, legal, or records-management environment.

Proven ability to effectively coordinate complex workflows by independently managing, monitoring, and organizing multiple public records requests using electronic tools such as Microsoft Purview eDiscovery and GovQA, as demonstrated through prior records processing, legal support, investigative, or compliance work.

Demonstrated skill in clearly and professionally communicating with diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels—and both verbally and in writing—supported by experience preparing written responses, coordinating with legal counsel, or providing technical guidance in a customer-facing or regulatory setting.

Advanced experience analyzing large volumes of electronic records and applying appropriate redactions or exemptions, using document review tools or electronic records systems, showing the ability to exercise sound judgment and protect confidential information.

Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritize workload effectively, illustrated through past roles requiring organization, adherence to timelines, and the ability to work independently under administrative direction.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues across divisions, as evidenced by experience working on cross-functional teams, supporting coordinated processes, or facilitating information exchange between program areas.

Advanced experience providing training, guidance, or technical assistance to staff on policies, procedures, or statutory requirements, demonstrating the ability to translate complex requirements into understandable instructions.

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive or challenging customer interactions with professionalism and tact, gained through experience in customer-service roles, complaint resolution, legal processes, or environments dealing with confidential or contentious matters.

Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold high ethical standards, as shown through previous work involving sensitive personnel records, protected information, or legally restricted data.

Demonstrated ability to adapt to new technologies, processes, and priorities through prior experience working with electronic records systems, learning new software tools, or adjusting to changes in workload demands or statutory requirements.

Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

Learn about our Core Equity Competencies to understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce.

This position functions within a fast-paced, complex environment within which accuracy, timeliness, and communication are essential. Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates who clearly demonstrate the behavioral attributes and skills to be successful in this environment.

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.