Public Records Program Manager

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

In this role, you will lead the County’s public disclosure and records management program, establishing countywide policies and practices aligned with the Washington State Public Records Act. You will guide a growing team while strengthening structure, consistency, and standards across all departments. You will apply statutory and regulatory requirements to ensure all County departments operate with clarity, compliance, and confidence. Your work will involve close collaboration with a dedicated team, cross-departmental partners, senior leadership, and the public. You will balance day-to-day team management with advancing a long-term vision for an effective, transparent, timely, and service-focused public disclosure and records management program that supports both the County and the community.

Requirements

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in public records management for a government agency or legal setting including 1 year of supervisory experience.
Post-secondary education in business, records management, public administration, information technology or closely related field may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education in business, records management, public administration, information technology, or related field if preferred.
Certified Records Manager (CRM) or similar industry recognized credential.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the County’s Public Disclosure and Records Management programs, including development of goals, policies, strategic direction, training materials, and documentation.
Lead and manage the program team composed of a Records Management Office, Agency Public Records Office, Records Specialists to support search functions, and Records Center Assistant.
Ensure consistent interpretation of laws, rules, and policies and compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures; monitor risk and oversee exemption and appeal processes.
Research and stay current on state law changes and recommend policy or legislative improvements.
Oversee the full public records disclosure process, including intake, evaluation, redaction, exemption logging, and release, and complex, multi-departmental, or high-risk requests in coordination with Public Records Officers, legal counsel, and communications.
Track performance metrics and ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
Assist the public with record requests and resolve grievances and appeals.
Manage countywide records retention, storage, and destruction guidance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Coordinate with the Records Management Officer on retention schedules and disposition processes as well as the organization’s records management strategies, policies, and processes.
Analyze and interpret complex reporting as it relates to public records and records management.