Communications Specialist Jobs in Washington
Communications Specialist jobs in Washington are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in government affairs, technology, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors at every level from entry-level coordinators through senior communications directors. Seattle, Olympia, and Bellevue anchor the market, where organizations like Boeing, Microsoft, and Providence Health and Services maintain large communications functions covering media relations, internal communications, and public affairs. The most sought-after specialties across Washington include crisis communications, digital content strategy, and government and legislative affairs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 18+ Communications Specialist jobs
This position is open until the first review and is a bargaining unit represented position. We are looking for someone that can start in early January 2027.
A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
We are recruiting a Risk Communications Specialist to strengthen public health emergency communications through message development, partner coordination, and the integration of risk communication into preparedness planning, training, and response operations. This role works closely with staff across the department and with external partners to build operational readiness, support emergency activations and responses, and drive continuous improvement through after-action processes.
Why Join Snohomish County?
Snohomish County’s commitment to life-work balance and an inclusive culture. The County offers outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities to our employees, and we also enjoy flexible work schedules, telework options and a convenient downtown Everett, WA. location. Snohomish County believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to embedding these values into our workplace culture. Snohomish County is located on the Puget Sound; we are situated near some of the country’s most scenic national parks and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Teleworking Options
The Health Department typically has a hybrid model for most roles; however, it is outlined by the supervisor for the given role based on performance and business needs. When working remotely, employees are expected to maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.
Description
Snohomish County Health Department is recruiting a Risk Communications Specialist to join our Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) team in the Office of the Director. This role leads the program’s risk communication work, from preparedness messaging during steady-state periods to real-time support during emergency activations.
The Risk Communications Specialist develops pre-scripted and incident-specific messages, coordinates with the department’s Communications team and Public Information Officer, and builds risk communication into our emergency plans, trainings, and exercises. During responses, the specialist supports public information operations and partner coordination. After exercises and incidents, the specialist leads communication-focused after-action work and carries improvements back into plans and training.
We are looking for someone who can turn complex, evolving health information into clear, accurate, culturally responsive messages under time pressure. The right candidate builds strong working relationships with partners, has great communication skills, and is comfortable working in dynamic environments.
- Prepare and respond to public health emergencies using skills, training, and procedures as a member of the PHEPR Program. Participate in and support emergency responses in assigned ICS roles and tasks.
- Contribute to annual Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPP), AARs/IPs, risk/capability assessments (e.g., THIRA/SPR, HVA), readiness assessments, and corrective-action tracking work.
- Embed and integrate equity, access, and inclusion principles into all work—including planning, training, exercises, outreach, volunteer management, partner engagement, and response operations.
- Maintain accurate documentation (plans, SOPs, checklists, job aids, rosters, inventories) . and accurate records (training completions, inventories, volunteer rosters, MOUs, AARs/IPs, assessments) in shared repositories, ensuring consistency with grant and program requirements.
- Coordinate with Region 1 and Puget Sound partners on cross-jurisdiction topics, projects, and priorities (e.g., ESF-8, fatality management, surge planning, alternate care, etc.). Build and sustain the relationships needed for effective emergency preparedness and response.
- Support risk communication, information management, and situational awareness processes; keep public-facing preparedness information current and accurate.
- Participate in required public health or emergency management trainings/drills/exercises; maintain role-appropriate credentials.
- Collaborate with Health Department staff to support effective emergency preparedness and response functions.
- Maintain working knowledge of ICS/NIMS and fulfilling assigned Emergency Operations Center or Incident Management Team roles during trainings, exercises, and responses.
- Coordinate with local, regional, and state partners (DEM, NWHRN, EMS Council, mortuary services, healthcare facilities, DHS BioWatch, UASI workgroups, etc.) to share resources, lessons learned, and best practices.
- Support WebEOC needs for the health department, collaborate with external partners as needed; ensure staff have access to emergency notifications, complete all required WA Secures drills.
- Support staff and volunteer readiness, departmental logistics and operations, and resource management (through tasks such as WAServ rosters, MCM inventories/trailers, Power BI trackers, readiness assessments, etc.) consistent with program needs and requirements.
- Assist with the tracking of grant-funded deliverables (PHEP/CRI/FPHS/NACCHO/UASI), prepare succinct status reports, and contribute to relevant workplans/strategic plans.
- Coordinate the preparation and delivery of trainings, accurate briefings, and partner presentations; facilitate meetings and communities of practice; maintain SCHD preparedness and response resources (e.g., SCHD Emergency Response Toolkit, internal/external preparedness page, etc.).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Respond, as requested, to Emergency Operations Centers during a public health/health care emergency activation.
- May be required to work extended workdays during a response, including weekends.
- Participate in local, regional, and state related meetings and communities of practice related to public health preparedness.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Emergency Management or closely related field
- Two (2) years of Public Health, Emergency Management or closely related field, preferred.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Emergency Management or closely related field preferred.
- Completion of relevant emergency management courses such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Independent Study Series and appropriate National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident command System (ICS) courses; ICS 100 and 700 to be completed within two weeks of employment.
- Completion of Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP), preferred
- Valid Washington State Driver’s license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish County’s insurance carrier.
- Successful completion of a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice
Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
This position is open until the first review and is a bargaining unit represented position. We are looking for someone that can start in early January 2027.
A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
We are recruiting a Risk Communications Specialist to strengthen public health emergency communications through message development, partner coordination, and the integration of risk communication into preparedness planning, training, and response operations. This role works closely with staff across the department and with external partners to build operational readiness, support emergency activations and responses, and drive continuous improvement through after-action processes.
Why Join Snohomish County?
Snohomish County’s commitment to life-work balance and an inclusive culture. The County offers outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities to our employees, and we also enjoy flexible work schedules, telework options and a convenient downtown Everett, WA. location. Snohomish County believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to embedding these values into our workplace culture. Snohomish County is located on the Puget Sound; we are situated near some of the country’s most scenic national parks and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Teleworking Options
The Health Department typically has a hybrid model for most roles; however, it is outlined by the supervisor for the given role based on performance and business needs. When working remotely, employees are expected to maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.
Description
Snohomish County Health Department is recruiting a Risk Communications Specialist to join our Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) team in the Office of the Director. This role leads the program’s risk communication work, from preparedness messaging during steady-state periods to real-time support during emergency activations.
The Risk Communications Specialist develops pre-scripted and incident-specific messages, coordinates with the department’s Communications team and Public Information Officer, and builds risk communication into our emergency plans, trainings, and exercises. During responses, the specialist supports public information operations and partner coordination. After exercises and incidents, the specialist leads communication-focused after-action work and carries improvements back into plans and training.
We are looking for someone who can turn complex, evolving health information into clear, accurate, culturally responsive messages under time pressure. The right candidate builds strong working relationships with partners, has great communication skills, and is comfortable working in dynamic environments.
- Prepare and respond to public health emergencies using skills, training, and procedures as a member of the PHEPR Program. Participate in and support emergency responses in assigned ICS roles and tasks.
- Contribute to annual Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPP), AARs/IPs, risk/capability assessments (e.g., THIRA/SPR, HVA), readiness assessments, and corrective-action tracking work.
- Embed and integrate equity, access, and inclusion principles into all work—including planning, training, exercises, outreach, volunteer management, partner engagement, and response operations.
- Maintain accurate documentation (plans, SOPs, checklists, job aids, rosters, inventories) . and accurate records (training completions, inventories, volunteer rosters, MOUs, AARs/IPs, assessments) in shared repositories, ensuring consistency with grant and program requirements.
- Coordinate with Region 1 and Puget Sound partners on cross-jurisdiction topics, projects, and priorities (e.g., ESF-8, fatality management, surge planning, alternate care, etc.). Build and sustain the relationships needed for effective emergency preparedness and response.
- Support risk communication, information management, and situational awareness processes; keep public-facing preparedness information current and accurate.
- Participate in required public health or emergency management trainings/drills/exercises; maintain role-appropriate credentials.
- Collaborate with Health Department staff to support effective emergency preparedness and response functions.
- Maintain working knowledge of ICS/NIMS and fulfilling assigned Emergency Operations Center or Incident Management Team roles during trainings, exercises, and responses.
- Coordinate with local, regional, and state partners (DEM, NWHRN, EMS Council, mortuary services, healthcare facilities, DHS BioWatch, UASI workgroups, etc.) to share resources, lessons learned, and best practices.
- Support WebEOC needs for the health department, collaborate with external partners as needed; ensure staff have access to emergency notifications, complete all required WA Secures drills.
- Support staff and volunteer readiness, departmental logistics and operations, and resource management (through tasks such as WAServ rosters, MCM inventories/trailers, Power BI trackers, readiness assessments, etc.) consistent with program needs and requirements.
- Assist with the tracking of grant-funded deliverables (PHEP/CRI/FPHS/NACCHO/UASI), prepare succinct status reports, and contribute to relevant workplans/strategic plans.
- Coordinate the preparation and delivery of trainings, accurate briefings, and partner presentations; facilitate meetings and communities of practice; maintain SCHD preparedness and response resources (e.g., SCHD Emergency Response Toolkit, internal/external preparedness page, etc.).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Respond, as requested, to Emergency Operations Centers during a public health/health care emergency activation.
- May be required to work extended workdays during a response, including weekends.
- Participate in local, regional, and state related meetings and communities of practice related to public health preparedness.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Emergency Management or closely related field
- Two (2) years of Public Health, Emergency Management or closely related field, preferred.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Emergency Management or closely related field preferred.
- Completion of relevant emergency management courses such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Independent Study Series and appropriate National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident command System (ICS) courses; ICS 100 and 700 to be completed within two weeks of employment.
- Completion of Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP), preferred
- Valid Washington State Driver’s license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish County’s insurance carrier.
- Successful completion of a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice
Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
See All 18 Communications Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsCommunications Specialist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Communications Specialist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in communications specialist jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience writing press releases, talking points, and executive communications
- Proficiency with digital communications tools including social media management platforms and CMS systems
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet firm publication deadlines
- Experience collaborating with government, nonprofit, or technology stakeholders in Washington
- Strong media relations skills including pitching, reporter outreach, and earned coverage tracking
Communications Specialist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a communications specialist in Washington?
Most Washington employers require a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field as the foundation for this role. There is no state-issued license or mandatory certification for communications specialists in Washington, so hiring decisions rest on education, portfolio, and experience. Building a portfolio of press releases, digital campaigns, or public affairs work and gaining familiarity with Washington's government and tech sectors significantly strengthens a candidate's profile.
Which companies hire communications specialists in Washington?
Employers hiring communications specialists in Washington right now include Amazon, University Of Washington, and Helion Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's mix of major technology firms, state agencies, healthcare systems, and well-funded nonprofits means sustained demand across a broad range of organization types and communication functions.
Which Washington cities have the most communications specialist jobs?
Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma account for the largest concentration of communications specialist openings in Washington. Seattle drives volume through its dense cluster of technology companies, healthcare networks, and national nonprofit headquarters, while Olympia generates consistent openings tied to state government agencies and legislative affairs, and Bellevue adds demand from corporate communications teams at major regional employers.
Are there remote communications specialist jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than most fields. Communications specialist work is largely desk-based and document-driven, making it well suited to remote and hybrid arrangements. About 78% of communications specialist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how widely distributed teams have become across the state's technology, healthcare, and government sectors. Writing, media monitoring, and digital content roles are the most consistently remote.
How can I get hired as a communications specialist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or communications coordinator role with a Washington state agency, a Seattle-area nonprofit, or a university communications office. Washington's large public institutions, including state agencies headquartered in Olympia and public research universities, regularly bring on entry-level staff and interns. Lateral moves from adjacent roles like marketing coordinator, content writer, or public affairs assistant open the same door. A concise writing portfolio and demonstrated familiarity with media relations or social media management give candidates a meaningful edge over applicants with credentials alone.
Where can I find and apply to communications specialist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to communications specialist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Washington employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listings.
See All 18 Communications Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs