Council Communications Specialist (Public Information Specialist)

Pierce County • Tacoma, WA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is in office M-W and remote TH/FR. As the Public Information Specialist for the Pierce County Council, you'll help shape how residents understand the work of their elected officials through clear, engaging, and impactful communications. You'll serve as a trusted communications partner, developing everything from proclamations, newsletters, and legislative messaging to graphic design, photography, video, social media, and web content. Every day offers variety. From supporting community events and district outreach to translating complex policy issues into information the public can easily understand. If you're a communications professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on creative work, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact in one of Washington's largest counties. The Pierce County Council is the legislative and policy-making body of Pierce County government. As a Home Rule Charter County, Pierce County operates with a clear separation between the elected County Executive and the seven-member, district-based County Council. Serving a population of more than 925,000 residents, the Council reviews and acts on hundreds of ordinances and resolutions each year, providing oversight and direction on a wide range of issues affecting the County. The Council also reviews and adopts the County’s budget, a critical process that allocates resources and sets priorities for County services. Working in a fast-paced, highly visible environment, the Council regularly engages with the public and receives briefings from executive departments and other elected officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. Through close collaboration with County leadership, partner jurisdictions, and the community, the Council plays a central role in shaping the future of Pierce County.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, marketing, advertising, public relations, graphic design, business administration, or other closely related field plus at least two years’ experience directly related to the duties of the position.
• Attach a resume and a cover letter.
• In addition to your resume and cover letter, please include 2–3 examples of your communications work (such as writing samples, graphic design pieces, newsletters, web content, social media campaigns, photography, video, or an online portfolio).
• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a public agency with elected officials is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications plans, educational materials, and outreach initiatives that advance Council priorities while maintaining a nonpartisan, public-serving perspective.
• Under the general supervision of the Communications Director, draft, edit, and produce written and multimedia content including press releases, proclamations, talking points, newsletters, social media content, and public facing reports.
• Manage and maintain the Council's social media platforms, website content, and digital presence, monitoring for accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with Council policy direction.
• Utilize industry-standard software (such as Adobe Creative Suite) to produce visual materials that communicate complex policy issues clearly to diverse public audiences.
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with elected officials, Council staff, department heads, media representatives, and community stakeholders — navigating the sensitivities inherent in a political office environment with professionalism and discretion.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment relevant to Council activities; prepare summaries and briefings for communications leadership and elected officials as needed.
• Support rapid response communication needs that arise from Council actions, public inquiries, or emerging community issues.
• Occasionally administer/facilitate virtual Council and Committee meetings via Zoom, or other platforms.

Benefits

• Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey through our robust online learning and variety of training opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level