Public Relations Specialist

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Under general supervision, the Public Relations Specialist supports Renew’s mission by developing and delivering high-quality public communication, digital content, and community-facing information. This role enhances public understanding of behavioral health services, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures consistent, accurate representation of the organization across communication channels. The Specialist manages website content, drafts public messaging, develops multimedia materials, and engages with community partners to promote transparency, trust, and positive organizational presence.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This job is not part of a job series.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

This position is expected to support, and be compatible with, the training and competency requirements commonly associated with Public Information Officer (PIO) roles. This includes maintaining knowledge and skills in public information ethics, crisis communication, risk communication, media relations, and emergency public information practices. Continuing education to maintain proficiency in public communication standards and best practices is encouraged.

• Develops clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate public information materials including announcements, statements, social media content, and website updates. Prepares drafts of external communications for managerial review and approval.
• Ensures all media messaging aligns with county standards, Renew’s mission, and behavioral health best practices.
• Assists with the development of communication plans, messaging frameworks, and public information strategies supporting both routine and emergent needs.
• Oversees updates and maintenance of Renew’s website and digital platforms to ensure timely, accessible, and accurate information. Creates and organizes content, monitors website usability, and collaborates with internal teams to improve user experience.
• Develops digital media, including graphics, informational videos, and educational content that supports public awareness efforts.
• Creates videos, graphics, and digital assets that effectively communicate program information, highlight community partnerships, and support educational initiatives. Ensures multimedia content is accessible, accurate, and aligned with county branding guidelines.
• Serves as a Renew representative in community meetings, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives to support accurate information sharing and maintain positive relationships.
• Strengthens engagement across sectors by providing clear explanations of services, programs, and community impacts while encouraging transparency and trust through consistent professional communication.
• Develops materials, including presentations, and assists with outreach campaigns that promote behavioral health understanding, stigma reduction, and community well-being.
• Provides communication support and content development for community events, training, and marketing campaigns, while ensuring all public relations and communication content align with Renew’s values, priorities, and organizational directives.
• Maintains records, tracks communication analytics, and prepares reports to support planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Supports management and other department leadership with ongoing improvement efforts across the organization.
• Engages in professional development to enhance communication, public relations, and digital media skills, while following ethical communication practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support Renew’s communication goals and organizational mission.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Education and Experience: 

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated ability to produce professional written and digital content for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing or contributing to public-facing communication channels (e.g., websites, social media, newsletters).
• Ability to represent the organization professionally in meetings, community settings, and collaborative partnerships.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a closely related field. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to speak and write in both languages.
• Experience in public sector, behavioral health, or community-based organizations.
• Experience in video production, digital storytelling, or multimedia content creation.
• Familiarity with communication planning, brand consistency, and crisis-communication principles.
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.

Professional Licenses/Certifications: 

• None required; relevant certifications in communications, digital strategy, or public information may be beneficial.

Other Requirements: 

• Understanding of substance use disorders prevention and treatment or mental health promotion and suicide prevention;
• Excellent networking skills with community and funding organizations;
• Strong written and spoken communication skills;
• Demonstrated basic proficiency in digital marketing and Windows Microsoft Office Suite or personal computer operations experience;
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License: Must have a safe reliable vehicle with proof of automobile insurance.
• Background Check: Must have an acceptable background report, at time of hire and every three years afterward.
• Driving Abstract: Must have an acceptable driving report. 
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events or outreach.
• Must adhere to all required nondisclosure, confidentiality, and data protection agreements and training as required by the organization and funding sources.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• Flexible schedule required, including evenings and weekends, to support program activities.
• Occasional travel within the county/region to attend meetings, community events, or outreach activities.
• Work is primarily office-based, with occasional duties at community locations. Routine use of computers, digital tools, and communication platforms.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Physical abilities are primarily those required of an office or administrative position: the ability to walk, sit, write, hear, and speak; operation of office equipment, including, but not limited to phone, copy machine, fax machine, computer; typing on keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral, depth perception. 

• Frequently sits at a workstation to perform administrative tasks, develop content, and perform other related tasks.
• Occasional walking or movement between offices, meeting rooms, and community locations.
• Ability to lift, carry, or transport materials up to 35 pounds for events or outreach activities.
• Use of near and far vision, depth perception, and communication abilities required for both digital and in-person interaction.