Job Description

Posting number: SRC-08262026

Department: Washington State Senate

Job classification: LEGISLATURE

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Communications

JOB TITLE: Public Information Officer: Senate Republican Caucus

REPORTS TO: Communications Director, Chief of Staff and assigned Senators.

SALARY: $76,656 - $132,852 annually depending on qualifications.

LOCATION: Olympia, Washington

CLOSES: September 15, 2026

SENATE PROFILE:

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually in the Capitol Building in Olympia beginning on the second Monday in January. 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. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and its members.

POSITION PROFILE

Team member will create and distribute communication and media materials and develop constituent information for your assigned Senators. You are required to use numerous communication tools that include traditional media, social and web-based platforms, and direct mail services for strategic communication purposes. You are required to source, track, and summarize policy initiatives and legislation in order to meet communication goals and objectives.

Examples of duties

• Performs professional informational work by writing and editing news releases, opinion-editorials, speeches, talking points, radio scripts, newsletters, presentations as well as creating social media and blog content.

• Performs media outreach responsibilities, to create interview opportunities and serves as a liaison to the media for your Senate members, by developing strong and effective relationships with the press corps.
• Accesses information through research, member and staff interviews, and legislative sources;
• Manages projects for direct mail and information collateral pieces such as district mailings and e-newsletters. Works with graphic, video and photography staff to create final products for mailing, display and digital distribution;
• Monitors media coverage of assigned Senators and the media environment important to the Senator’s legislative goals;
• Develops in-depth familiarity with policy areas on which assigned members work.
• Embraces emerging technologies and incorporates them into production of deliverables so Senators maximize new and relevant tools;
• Performs other work as required under the direction of the Communications Director

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Strong writing and editing in journalism style and AP style
• Working knowledge of media outreach and management practices
• Demonstrated aptitude for quickly acquiring new information – such as legislative knowledge or breaking news
• Proficiency in MS Office products, as well as social media and generative AI platforms
• Demonstrated aptitude for quickly learning to use new technology

PREFERRED:

• Working knowledge of the legislative process and the committee and leadership structure within the state Senate
• Experience with public relations strategies and practices
• Experience using Canva
• Proficient in social media video production

SKILL SET:

Exercises sound judgment when writing on behalf of a Senator, in a manner consistent with the views and voice of that Senator. Edit and write in a professional manner, under tight deadlines. Accurately interpret, clarify, and express the views and positions of diverse members without inserting your personal views. Develop and maintain cordial, effective working relationships with co- workers, legislators, the media, interest group representatives and the public. Attention to detail and adherence to Senate rules and The Ethics Act.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree involving major study in journalism, public relations, communications, political science or a closely related field. Certifications in special job-related skills a plus (e.g. – SEO, digital communications, speech writing, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

Minimum three years of professional journalism, public relations, or public affairs experience or on the staff of another legislative body.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• During the official legislative session and other periods when members are on campus, the work environment is fast-paced and can include irregular hours. As a member of the caucus staff, you work collaboratively as a team with the policy, committee, and administrative staff members. Maintaining strong Senate member relations and confidence is a top priority.
• During the interim, travel to your members’ districts and engagement and promotion of in-district activity is expected.
• During the legislative session, this position is in-person in Olympia and often requires work outside of the normal 8 am – 5 pm workday, including evenings and weekends.
• During interim, flexible work schedules and remote work are available.
• Must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington.

Supplemental information

COMPENSATION

RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary range for this position is $6.388 - $11.071 monthly. The hiring salary offered will consider internal equity and will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. A hiring salary will be less than the top of any range, however.

The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; twelve paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions; paid subscription to DeleteMe; and tuition reimbursement.

TO APPLY: Please also attach a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample. E-mail contact Shelby.Lubchuk@leg.wa.gov Applicants will list their full legal name: first, middle, last. Applicants will also list their current address. Applicants will also list why they want to be part of the Senate Republican Caucus team.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at Senate.HRO@leg.wa.gov

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.