Public Relations/Communications Manager

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

December 17, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1282-NN_ADMINPRO - Public Relations/Communications Coord Senior, 1282-YN_ADMINPRO - Public Relations/Communications Coord Senior

Business Title:

Public Relations/Communications Manager

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University (WSU) serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration in addressing pressing issues in crime and justice. Through policy-relevant research, comprehensive education, and community engagement, the department equips students with the skills to excel as practitioners and researchers. Committed to justice and equity, it fosters leadership and meaningful contributions to society.

The Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS) is a state-led initiative to enhance transparency and trust through standardized reporting of police use-of-force incidents. It provides tools for stakeholders to analyze data at various levels and supports officer training and statistical research through partnerships with organizations like WSU and Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC).

As the Public Relations/Communications Manager, you will serve as the lead communications professional for the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS). Responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies to engage law enforcement agencies, external stakeholders, and the general public, developing annual reports and comprehensive program summaries, creating and maintaining the WADEPS website, managing external and media relations, providing communications support for the WADEPS leadership team, and ensuring all communication efforts align with project goals and objectives.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on January 1st, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $4,942.10 - $7,567.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, mass communications or a relevant fieldANDthree (3) years of professional experience in print or broadcast news media, public relations or marketing including proven experience with writing and editing skills; writing feature articles, brochures, annual reports and speeches; executing strategic communication plans and complex communication projects.

• 5+ years of progressive communications experience, including strategic communications planning and implementation.

• Demonstrated portfolio of communications work samples.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience with at least 2 years in public sector, government, or law enforcement communications.

• Experience managing communications for large-scale multi-stakeholder initiatives or consortia.

• Supervisory experience.

• Experience working with government agencies, particularly in law enforcement or criminal justice settings.

• Familiarity with Washington State government structure and legislative processes.

• Experience with research communications and translating academic/technical content.

• Knowledge of public records laws and transparency requirements.

• Crisis communications experience.

• Experience managing website development projects with external vendors.

• Proficiency with specific tools (e.g.,AWS/cloud platforms, QuickSight, specificCMSplatforms).

• Ability to coordinate with translation services, bilingual staff, or community liaisons to ensure communications reach diverse language communities served by Washington State law enforcement agencies.

• Experience managing communications for consortia or multi-agency collaboratives.

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Criminal Justice and Criminology Webpage

Combining a passion for scholarship with a keen understanding of practical applications, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers students the opportunity to learn, explore and develop in a substantive and expanding field. The department offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees; students may earn a minor, a bachelor of arts, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree in criminal justice and criminology. We have degree options to suit today’s students, with our B.A. offered both on campus and online. With groundbreaking research, renowned professors, and students who are making a difference, WSU is an exciting place to pursue your education.

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Criminal Justice and Criminology
Location: Pullman, WA, 99164

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or .

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: