Community Relations Specialist

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Corrections Ombuds (OCO) is a mission-driven agency within the Governor’s Office that works to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated individuals. We investigate concerns, share information with incarcerated people and their families, raise public awareness, and highlight system issues for the Governor and Legislature to address. In this role, you’ll work closely with agency leadership and report to the Senior Corrections Ombuds for Communications. You will coordinate OCO communications, outreach, and engagement by building strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and incarcerated individuals. Your efforts will help advance OCO’s mission, strengthen trust, and ensure important information reaches the people who need it.

Requirements

• Prior equivalent work experience in a related field (e.g. Communications, Public Relations, Prison Oversight, Ombuds)
• Prior experience in public engagement, coordination, and and/or community organizing.
• Ability to facilitate complex conversations with diverse stakeholders and identify opportunities to address community concerns and incorporate feedback.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills, including the ability to effectively and respectfully dialogue with incarcerated people, stakeholders, and Department of Corrections staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and produce high-quality work products.
• Attention to detail and ability to plan and coordinate public events.
• Ability to work effectively both in a collaborative team environment and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, apply analytical abilities, including data analysis, and critical thinking skills, reflected in written work and oral presentations.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, or challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Zoom,and other computer applicationsto prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and maintain case documentation.
• The ability to learn and grow : 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 meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of corrections.
• Prior demonstrated work history in communications or public relations
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English that supports effective communication with the individuals and communities served by this Office.
• Knowledge of Washington State agencies, DOC prisons, and relevant policies
• Advanced computer and graphic design skills
• Project management skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and manage OCO’s communication and public statewide outreach strategies to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible information is provided to public partners and incarcerated individuals through multiple communication channels to increase awareness of and access to OCO services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with incarcerated individuals, family members and loved ones, community organizations, advocacy groups, Tribal governments, and Washington state agencies.
• Coordinate OCO participation in community meetings, conferences, public forums, and stakeholder events.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with community partners.
• Gather feedback and recommend improvements to outreach efforts and public engagement strategies.
• Conduct monitoring visits and attend family and cultural events at the prisons.
• Support leadership with legislative efforts that support and further the success of the OCO.
• Develop and edit written communication materials such as fact sheets, annual report content, website content, newsletters, GovDelivery communications, social media content, public education materials, and presentation materials.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, accessible, consistent, and aligned with agency messaging.
• Coordinate updates to the OCO’s website to reflect ongoing changes and work of the OCO.
• Serves as a point of contact for the public by answering questions, providing information, and referring individuals to appropriate resources.
• Support leadership team with quarterly presentations and answering questions from interested stakeholder groups.
• Plan and coordinate agency outreach events, stakeholder meetings, and public forums collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure successful execution.
• Manage logistics including scheduling, venue coordination, registration, audio/visual needs, and meeting materials.
• Coordinate participation in conferences and public events to share information about OCO services and connect with community partners.
• Assist leadership in developing strategic outreach plans that support agency goals and strategic objectives.
• Monitor communications related to public concerns and stakeholder feedback.
• Develop recommendations to improve stakeholder engagement and customer service.
• Prepare reports summarizing outreach activities, engagement metrics, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate and partner with internal staff to ensure consistent and accurate messaging on trending concerns.

Benefits

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed