Correlated, multielectron dynamics of "open" electronic systems within the fixed-nuclei approximation are treated here within explicitly time-dependent configuration-interaction schemes. Specifically, we present simulations of laser-pulse driven excitations of selected electronic states of LiCN in the presence of energy and phase relaxation. The evolution of the system is studied using open-system density matrix theory, which embeds naturally in the time-dependent configuration-interaction singles (doubles) formalism. Different models for dissipation based on the Lindblad semigroup formalism are presented. These models give rise to lifetimes for energy relaxation ranging from a few hundreds of femtoseconds to several nanoseconds. Pure dephasing is treated using a Kossakowski-like Gaussian model, proceeding on similar time scales. The pulse lengths employed range from very short (tens of femtoseconds) to very long (several nanoseconds). To make long-time propagations tractable, the quasiresonant approximation is used. The results show that despite the loss of efficiency, selective dipole switching can still be achieved in the presence of dissipation when using appropriately designed laser pulses.