Job Details

Salary: $5,271.00 - $7,082.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-WSHS-001
Department: Washington State Historical Society
Opening Date: 01/29/2026
Closing Date: 2/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Publications Manager
(Communications Consultant 4)
*This posting will be used to fill one vacant position. Limited travel required for training or occasional offsite meetings. This position is eligible for telework up to two days per week.
What you will be doing:
The Publications Manager is responsible for the Society's publications production including the triannual magazine, annual preview, annual report, and other periodic publications. Duties include soliciting and curating content, editing, managing author contracts, securing advertising for the magazine and managing ad contracts, writing, managing design and publication branding, as well as managing print and/or digital production and distribution. This position is integral to the Society's educational mission because it produces our ongoing public history journal COLUMBIA Magazine, which is used by scholars, students, WSHS members, and the public to learn about the Pacific Northwest history. The Publications Manager produces other reports and publications that help WSHS constituents, and the public to learn about the various educational offerings of the Society. The position will also support organizational communication with the public and partners by writing emails, releases, alerts, and writing copies for agency projects.

A little about us:
Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.

Our mission is to partner with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Our vision is to be the recognized destination for Washington State history. We achieve this by serving as our state's primary history educator, making history relevant to our modern lives, and supporting civic dialogue where all are welcome.

The Society serves individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach programs, curriculum, free virtual public programs, and other online services. However, the majority of the Society's interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington. The Museum traditionally serves more than 80,000 annually, including more than 15,000 K-12 school children visiting the museum on a field trip. We also welcome more than 10,000 visitors free of charge each year through a variety of access programs.

We are much more than a regional museum. We continually ask ourselves how we can better serve Washingtonians across our state. Our Heritage Capital Projects grant program distributes up to $10M per biennium to fund public heritage, history interpretation, and historic preservation projects across the state. Our popular public history magazine COLUMBIA is enjoyed by readers of all ages. And the Historical Society's collections at our Research Center, along with a digital collections database, are a resource to scholars and researchers from across the nation.

The Washington State Historical Society is a dynamic place to work with a dedicated staff. We expand our impact by connecting with communities across the Evergreen State through exhibitions, heritage projects, workshops, public programs, publications, and conversations. Our goal is to bring history into focus in such a way that the participant cannot help but discover valuable insights from and feel deep connections with the people and events of the past.

We have an active commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and are looking for team members who have a passion for professionalism and serving the public, and a desire to contribute to a positive work culture.
Duties

Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:

• Identify potential manuscript authors, cultivate magazine submissions, and maintain positive relationships with public history scholars and writers
• Select and edit manuscripts and illustrations that promote excellent scholarship in PNW history and advance the inclusive history goals of WSHS
• Gather content elements, procure illustration materials and license images
• Write text as needed
• Proofreading - work with volunteer proofreader to ensure timely final review of each issue before printing
• Communicate directly with authors to ensure on-time, efficient production of the magazine
• Manage payment process for authors
• Manage outside tribal review of articles related to tribal histories, including contracting services, generating invoices as needed and processing stipend payments
• Plan and coordinate with graphic designer to define quarterly production schedule
• Direct graphic design and oversee designer's coordination with print vendor and mail house to ensure on-time production and delivery of the magazine
• Develop and execute strategies for increasing subscriber base
• Seek advertising sponsors to help offset costs of publication
• Research and implement options for digital distribution
• Procure content and images from agency staff and community partners to write, edit, and produce the Annual Preview of exhibitions and events
• Procure content from agency staff and community partners to write, edit and produce Annual Report in print and digital format
• Procure content from agency staff to write and distribute monthly e-newsletter email
• Assist with writing and sending emails to distribution lists
• Writing media alerts and press releases
• Work with agency staff to help form written content for projects

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven (7)) years combined education and experience in marketing, communications, humanities, journalism, publications management, or related discipline
• Excellent writing skills for print and digital media
• Competency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Ability to adapt to new digital technology
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills; demonstrated written communication skills
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop a high-quality product
• Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on schedule with attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility

PREFERRED:

• Four (4) years' experience in communications, journalism or publications management.
• Knowledge of Washington State History
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Experience with Constant Contact or other similar email distribution platforms

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

NOTE: This position is in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation for State Employees (WFSE).
Conditions of Employment:

• Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, 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 applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:

The Washington State Historical Society celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan at email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####.
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

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

Are you currently employed by the Washington State Historical Society?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your level of education?

• Some or no college
• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
• Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
• 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
• Bachelor's degree or higher in marketing, communications, humanities, journalism or related discipline
• Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated discipline

03

How many months of experience do you have in communications, journalism or publications management?

• 0-11 months
• 12-23 months
• 24-35 months
• 36-47 months
• 48-59 months
• 60-71 months
• 72-83 months
• 84-95 months
• 96-107 months
• 108 months or more

04

Select below all of the required qualifications you possess to meet the requirements for this position.

• Seven (7) years combined education and experience in marketing, communications, humanities, journalism, publicationsmanagement, or related discipline
• Excellent writing skills for print and digital media
• Competency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Ability to adapt to new digital technology
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills; demonstrated written communication skills
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop a high-quality product
• Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on schedule with attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility

05

Select below all of the Preferred/Desired Qualifications you possess.

• Four (4) years' experience in communications, journalism or publications management
• Knowledge of Washington State History
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Experience with Constant Contact or other similar email distribution platforms

06

How did you learn about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• BRG Job Announcements
• OFM Job Announcements
• Coworker/Friend
• Other

07

We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
Required Question