Communications Consultant 5

Communications Consultant 5

Salary

$74,748.00 - $100,488.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-3114-04644

Department

Liquor and Cannabis Board

Division

Directors Office

Opening Date

06/08/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

WSLCB Vision

Safe communities for Washington State

Mission

Promote public safety, public health, and trust through fair administration, education, and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco and vapor laws.

This recruitment is open until filled. First review of applications will be June 22nd, 2026, please submit an application on or before June 21st, 2026. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible.

The salary listed above includes the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026

This position is currently eligible to telework and requires a minimum of one (1) day per week in the office. This requirement is subject to change based on business needs.

Who we are

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders. It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve. We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs. As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network; Veteran Employee Resource Group; Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity; Disability Inclusion Network; Washington Immigrant Network; Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network; Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights, and Engaging Indigenous Governance; and Interagency Committee of State Employed Women.

Your opportunity at a glance

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Communications Consultant 5 (CC5). This position is located in the Directors office in Olympia WA. This position is part of an innovative and collaborative team that supports the mission of the Communications Division by facilitating media relations, producing publications, producing and executing communications plans and furthering internal (intranet) and external (website) communications management. Additionally, this position supports the Boards mission, goals and policies by being proactive in media relations and developing and executing statewide communication on behalf of the entire agency.

If you have an interest in working with internal and external customers and being a Communications Consultant 5, we encourage you to apply to be a part of the WSLCB team!

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:

• A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
• Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee's career development with the WSLCB)
• Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
• A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
• Employee Assistance Program- confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
• Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
• Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
• Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work
• Free parking

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Serves as the agency Communication Consultant. Serves as back up spokesperson to the press, radio, television media and general public.
• Writes and issues media releases, advisories and listserv policies. Produces supporting communication materials for news events and announcements
• Analyzes plans and executes communications events (such as press conferences) involving the Board and executive members.
• Coordinates, collects and prepares timely distribution of WSLCB information to the media. Strives to provide excellent customer service to the news media and others.
• Provides information in a credible, truthful manner that reflects the highest level of integrity for the WSLCB Communications Team and the agency as a whole. Protects the privacy of records not available to the public via public records request.
• Leads, coordinates and prepares publications such as annual and special reports for broad publication. Collaborates with other divisions to produce brochures, fact sheets and other materials to target audiences and for broad distribution.
• Posts and maintains materials on the website; Creates and posts content that can be translated whenever possible.
• Key audiences include: •Federal, state and local government officials •Alcohol/cannabis licensees •ESL Stakeholders: public officials and other targeted audiences.
• Regularly suggests, writes and issues content for the intranet that is read by all employees. Identifies LCB relevant news from online news sources and issues links or summaries for WSLCB Board and staff.
• .Organizes and produces website content using usability standards for a broad audience. Crafts comprehensive communications plan for reaching diverse audiences; Communicates the plan with the Board and other internal channels.
• Serves as backup to Graphics Design Senior for update website and intranet.
• Works closely with the agency Public Health Liaison, Rules Team, Tribal Liaison, agency divisions, and others to create strategic and professional education materials for diverse audiences.
• Serves as backup to Communications Director at Executive Management Team, Leadership Team, or other meetings as requested.
• Advises WSLCB staff and management regarding public reaction to proposed programs and/or polices.
• Determine need and type of information and education programs to tell the WSLCB story to employees, stakeholders and general public.
• Supports executive leadership in communicating to key audiences including: the Governor, Legislature, stakeholder groups and the general public. Support includes research, talking points, PowerPoint presentations, video scripting and other.
• Serves as the agency communications lead for agency projects as assigned: Under this role, the CC5 will independently fulfill the ongoing communications needs for the agency and its employees.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Experience for required qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment and educational experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.

OR

An Associates degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field AND four (4) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.

OR

A Bachelors degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field AND two (2) years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

The LCB CC5 will need to demonstrate that they are currently top performers and dedicated to the success of the organization. Preference will be given to candidates with a proven record of producing results under pressure, demonstrate strong writing skills, and receive top accolades from references.

Required Competencies:

The ability to take action to learn and grow

This equity competency identifies people who are 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 take action to meet the needs of others

This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Competencies:

Accountability

• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness necessary to achieve excellent results. With little oversight, develop innovative solutions to a variety of issues. Make timely decisions although faced with limited data or resources
• Accept own role when expectations are not met, and respond quickly to resolve issues with other by:
• Making the best use of available time and resources to meet productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules
• Acknowledging and correcting errors or problems; working though problems with people quickly and directly
• Ensuring that work products meet customer expectations
• Adapting to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities; modifying approach, goals and methods to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations
• Identifying and providing alternatives to reach a given end, and developing new strategies or tactics if current ones are ineffective
• Coping with and helping others deal with the ongoing demands of change; proactively embracing change as a way to accomplish goals more effectively; acknowledging the benefit of change and inspiring others to accept change
• While staying within the parameters of good practice, generating unique, workable and useful solutions to difficult problems, successfully describing vision and possibilities to others
• Recognizing when a decision must be made and moving forward with that decision
• Moving quickly to find common ground for solutions among diverse interests
• Appropriately delegating authority to others
• Logically integrates various ideas, intentions and information to form effective goals, objectives timelines action plans and solutions
• Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for direct oversight
• Must possess analytical abilities

Communication

• Convey clear, timely persuasive messages that positively influence the thought and actions of others by:
• Strong writing skills including the AP writing style.
• Listening well to all individuals and accurately conveying their ideas to others
• Clearly and effectively communicating with individuals and groups within and outside of the WSLCB
• Responding to the various styles and needs of the individuals and groups with whom he/she is communicating and effectively clarifying messages when asked to do so
• Presenting ideas effectively in formal and informal situations
• Keeping his or her supervisor and co-workers informed of need-to-know items; sharing complete and accurate information with others
• Communicating the intention and rationale behind decisions and /or actions

Serving Customers

• Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the WSLCB, develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to our customers' challenges by:
• Making excellent customer service a high priority
• Knowing our customers and their expectations; anticipating, assessing and responding in a timely manner to changing customer needs
• Consistently going beyond basic service expectations to help customers implement complete solutions and helping both internal and external customers achieve desired outcomes
• Searching out ways to enhance customer satisfaction by improving efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, regularly taking action to solicit feedback and ensuring the customer's needs are being met
• Gaining customer confidence and trust by making sure those long-term needs are being met
• Recognizing adverse customer reactions and developing better alternatives
• Emphasizing a team approach to providing excellent customer service; sharing customer service lessons with others with the WSLCB
• Staying within the parameters of good practice; generating unique but workable and useful solutions to customer' difficult problems

Build and Maintain Relationships

• Earn the trust, respect and confidence of co-workers and customers through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. Build and maintain working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation
• Contribute to an environment that honors diversity and uses diverse perspectives to meet the agency's mission and goals by:
• Respecting and maintaining confidentiality
• Being honest in all interactions
• Keeping commitments made to others; meeting prosed goals and deadlines
• Demonstrating ethical behavior and impressing its importance upon others by avoiding situations and actions that appear to be a conflict of interest and avoiding using his or her position for personal gain
• Appropriately using the public's funds and resources
• Treating everyone with respect; acknowledging the talents and contributions of all individuals; and supporting fair treatment and equal opportunity for everyone
• Recognizing the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences in people; creating an environment that values, encourages and supports differences; striving to eliminate barriers to diversity
• Actively seeking out different points of view listening, discussing, negotiating, rewarding, encouraging and motivating; actively supporting the good ideas of others
• Seeking to resolve confrontations and disagreements directly, constructively and in a timely manner
• Recognizing and celebrating workplaces success and achievement; promoting the contributions and accomplishments of customers and co-workers to others

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED. IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

• Completed online application.
• Current Resume.
• Letter of Interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
• Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.

A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Other

Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.

RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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. You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely allied field?

• Associates Degree OR completion of two (2) year accredited vocational training program in IT or related program
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above statements apply

02

Please list your degree(s) and major(s) of study.

03

How many years of professional experience do you have in information, journalism or public relations?

• I have at least 1 year of experience.
• I have at least 2 years of experience.
• I have at least 3 years of experience.
• I have at least 4 years of experience.
• I have at least 5 years of experience.
• I have at least 6 years of experience.
• I have at least 7 years of experience.
• I have at least 8 years of experience.
• I do not have this experience.

04

In support of the question above, describe your experience as it relates to this position. Be specific as to name(s), date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. Include at least one significant contribution you made to the organization. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.

05

Which one of the following best describes your experience composing business communications?

• I have limited experience composing written messages.
• I am developing skills in composing clear, direct, and succinct written messages.
• I am skilled at composing clear, direct, and succinct written messages, successfully conveying ideas or information.
• I am an expert at composing clear, direct, and succinct written messages, successfully conveying ideas or information and recognizing when language requires adjustment to achieve understanding by differing readers.

06

Describe how you have achieved working-level writing skills (convey information in writing according to the needs of the audience), as well as where and when you gained this competency. Please put N/A if you do not have this experience, see resume will be considered an incomplete answer.

07

Which of the following best describes your working knowledge of communications, public relations, and journalism?

• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn.)
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through at least 6 months of experience applying this competency in the workplace.)
• Skilled (Has successfully and regularly applied this competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience.)
• Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience.)

08

How do you adjust your approach to support people with different needs?

09

Describe how you have achieved the ability to research, develop, and produce compelling news stories, as well as when and where you gained this competency. Specifically, detail your ability to produce stories that interest professional journalists while advancing agency or business strategic goals. If you dont have this experience, please write N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.

10

How do you continue learning about people with experiences different from your own?

11

This position is currently a hybrid position; you will be able to telework and are required to work in the office at least 1 day per week. This may change based on business needs. Are you willing to comply with this expectation?

• Yes
• No

12

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)? WSLCB is not an E-Verify agency. attained through at least several years of experience.

• Yes
• No

13

Are you a current WLSCB employee?

• Yes
• No

14

How did you learn about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• WSLCB website
• WorkSource
• Indeed
• Monster.com
• Handshake
• GovernmentJobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Referred by a WSLCB employee
• Veterans related job board
• Family Member or friend

15

If you selected "Referred by a WSLCB employee", please list the name of the employee. If this does not apply, type N/A.

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