Public Information Officer

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Public Information Officer (PIO) to serve as our primary contact and lead representative for all news media engagement. This high-impact role requires significant expertise in communications, crisis communications, and public relations, operating with a high level of responsibility, visibility, and political sensitivity. If you are a seasoned communications professional ready to help inform the public, foster transparency, and promote community engagement, we encourage you to apply!

The ideal candidate for this Public Information Officer position is a proactive and strategic communications expert with a proven track record in high-stakes media environments. You are a skilled storyteller and writer who can translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Your experience includes serving as a primary media spokesperson, especially during critical incidents, and you possess an innate ability to remain calm and effective under pressure. You are an exceptional coach and advisor who can confidently guide executive leadership and internal teams on sensitive public issues. You are not just a communicator; you are a trusted voice and a critical asset in shaping how our community understands and connects with Tacoma Public Utilities.

This position will work a full-time schedule, with 3 days required on-site, Monday through Friday with core hours between 8:00am and 5:00pm, and will have occasional evening and weekend work.

What You Will Do:

• Lead Media Engagement: Serve as the primary contact for news media, responding to inquiries and emerging issues with strategic guidance.
• Strategic Communications Advisor: Provide expert guidance and coaching to executive management and internal employees on media relations and management.
• Crisis Communications Spokesperson: Act as the official spokesperson for the utility during emergencies, serving in an ICS/JIC capacity during crisis events and collaborating with other agency PIOs.
• Content Development & Distribution: Develop and execute comprehensive media strategies, crafting high-quality written content including press releases, talking points, and briefings for executive management, the Public Utility Board, and elected officials.
• Message Alignment & Collaboration: Collaborate with internal subject matter experts, governments, trade associations, and other organizations to align messaging on utility-related matters.
• Media Event Coordination: Coordinate interviews, press conferences, and media briefings.
• Public Perception Management: Track media coverage, analyze public sentiment, and provide critical feedback to leadership on communication effectiveness and emerging issues, while actively promoting positive stories.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Support public messaging through multiple platforms and actively participate in department trainings, meetings, and community events.
• Liaison: Serve as the liaison with other City of Tacoma PIOs.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
6 years of public information, community engagement/outreach and/or marketing experience including 1 year prior as supervisor or manager

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Desired Qualifications

• FEMA ICS/JIC trained
• Extensive experience in responding to inquiries with the news media

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Joanna Hambrick; if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play .

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4pm on the closing date of this posting.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/17/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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