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Note: This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Application screening will take place weekly and will begin on Monday July 19, 2021.

Pierce Transit is an award-winning organization focused on fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative, and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

We are recruiting to fill the role of Communications Administrator. As a key member of Pierce Transit's Communications team, this position will work out of our headquarters located in Lakewood.

The ideal candidate will be a communications professional who has a deep understanding of the value that effective communications brings to an organization's customers and employees. The successful candidate will be one that works effectively in a team environment and understands how various communication methods fit together to form an overall agency message.

As the Communications Administrator and under the direction of the Communications Manager/PIO, you will be responsible for creating, implementing and monitoring agency communication plans around specific initiatives or themes. To be successful in this role, you will develop, coordinate, deliver and evaluate agency communications, and key messages to the public via the media and other communication outlets while serving as point of contact for media as assigned. Additionally, the Communications Administrator oversees some aspects of internal agency communications and messaging and is responsible for high level communication program design and preparation and delivery of sensitive communications to a wide audience while serving as the Communications Manager/PIO in their absence.

Essential Functions
The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plan, coordinate and direct community and media relations activities including the release of information related to agency activities through various media such as newspapers, radio, television, online news and information sites, and special publications.

• Serve as agency spokesperson and media contact on specific projects or in absence of Communications Manager.

• Monitor and disseminate news about the agency and the transit industry.

• Provide communication counsel and support to the CEO, Executive Directors and managers, and as directed, to the Board of Commissioners.

• Meet with key managers and staff to identify internal and external communications needs and resolve communications challenges.

• Prepare and distribute news releases, feature articles for publication, letters to the editor, and/or other pieces aimed at providing information and shaping the agency’s image.

• Collaborate with other agency staff to develop communications strategies, materials and messages that build awareness of the agency’s services and initiatives and position Pierce Transit is a positive way locally, regionally, nationally and throughout the transit industry.

• Manage all aspects of assigned communications projects, including developing and implementing detailed communications plans and coordinating with other agency staff, external organizations and community members.

• Coordinate internal communications campaigns to facilitate productive two-way communication between management and staff and among agency departments.

• Assist in the preparation of speeches/presentations and coordinate the preparation of accompanying visual aids.

• Compile information and prepare reports related to agency activities, special projects, goals and objectives.

• Display regular and consistent attendance.

• Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

Required:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field, and Five (5) years of directly related experience in communications and media relations.

Desired:

• Public sector experience desired.

• Transit industry experience desired

• Ability to speak Spanish a plus

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Strategic communication planning, practices and methods for developing consistent, relevant external messaging for a large organization

• Principles, best practices and strategies in media relations, crisis communications, brand stewardship and reputation management

• Best practices for communicating with a diverse audience and community

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive Communications Department

• Associated Press style and English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

• Social media best practices

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principles

• Principles of public accountability in government organizations

• Standard office procedures

• Microsoft Office products

Skilled in:

• Executing a successful and strategic communications plan with proven results

• Building and maintaining productive relationships with members of the media

• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Performing a variety of duties simultaneously, often changing from one task to another of a different nature (multi-tasking)

• Communications (verbal and written)

• Public speaking and presentations

• Organizational/time management skills

• Attention to detail, highly organized

• Excellent collaboration skills Computer and database skills

Ability to:

• Manage confidential items and communicate with tact and diplomacy.

• Work independently and make/implement decisions that impact the agency’s reputation.

• React with sound judgement in stressful situations and in response to public scrutiny.

• Rapidly produce written materials and summarize lengthy and technical information into short, simple messages.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Serve as a valued and collaborative partner across agency departments.

• Work effectively and confidently with elected officials and executive-level staff.

• Analyze processes and make recommendations for improvement.

• Create effective presentations.

• Manage time and meet deadlines, prioritize and juggle multiple projects, track deadlines.

• Prepare and disseminate transit information.

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.

• Follow detailed verbal and written instructions.

Competencies:

• Works effectively with others to achieve business goals and objectives.

• Takes steps to promote cohesiveness, collaboration and synergy with colleagues throughout the organization.

• Bridges personal, business and cultural differences to work effectively in team settings.

• Identifies networks and builds/maintains relationships that are useful in achieving organizational objectives.

• Speaks, writes, and listens very effectively in a variety of circumstances, sharing information and ideas with others.

• Independently performs and accomplishes assignments and serves as resource and support for agency departments, customers and agency leaders.

• Focuses on building and protecting the image, reputation and long-term interests of the organization within the community and industry.

Supplemental Information

Education
Any required education must come from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.

Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online:
The online application must include a chronological work history and/or education, applicants (A resume will not substitute for completing the employment history section of the application)

A letter of interest that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications as listed for the position and why you find the position of interest in order to be considered.

At least 3 professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with names, phone numbers and email addresses.

Applicants are also required to attach a copy of one writing sample and one communications plan example from your portfolio to showcase your ability to perform the functions of the position.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:
Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.

Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.

The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at www.piercetransit.org/careers

A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Employee Services @ 253-581-8095 or @ [email protected]

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected].

Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.