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Pierce County Library

Careers Portal

Marketing and Communications Director



Communications

Tacoma, WA
 • 
ID: 1189-485
 • 
Full-Time/Regular

Marketing & Communications Director

Pierce County Library System

 

Compensation & Benefits 

This non-union position is eligible for our full-time benefits package. Our compensation program recognizes relevant qualifications and experience for this position, with starting pay determined based on years of experience within the hiring range below. Employees receive annual increases based on experience and tenure in the role, up to the maximum salary listed (2025 rates outlined in the range below).

Position/Hiring Salary Range: $129,205.00 - $149,781.00 annually 

 

What It’s Like 

Join our dynamic and creative senior management team, where you’ll collaborate with a high-performing Marketing and Communications department of six, including two Marketing & Communications Managers, to enhance robust library services in Pierce County. PCLS is large enough to offer new challenges and exciting opportunities, yet small enough for your leadership to create real impact and lasting change. 

In this key role, you will work in coordination with Public Services and support departments, serving as a member of both the Administration and Management Teams. Our well-established portfolio management system ensures we meet both internal and external customer expectations efficiently and effectively.

What We Need 

We are seeking a strategic and innovative leader with experience in: 

  • Organizational development and management – Building and leading high-performing teams. 

  • Communications and Brand Management – Aligning technology and communication strategies with operational goals. 

  • Managing With Heart and Mind – Creating an environment of belonging for staff and the public while ensuring inclusive, accessible communication. 

  • Strategic Marketing & Communications – Developing and executing campaigns that strengthen community engagement and brand awareness. 

If you are passionate about public service, impactful storytelling, and strategic leadership, we encourage you to apply!

 

Hiring Range: $129,205.00 - $149,781.00 annually Pay Grade Range: $129,205.00 - $189,732.00 annually 

 

Compensation

Pierce County Library System offers a compensation program which recognizes qualifications and experience relevant to each position. The starting pay is established typically within the hiring range below based upon the experience of the individual hired into the role. Our compensation package also includes annual increases for each additional year of experience and tenure in the role, up to the maximum (current year maximum outlined in pay grade range above). Eligibility for overtime is exclusive to positions which are FLSA status non-exempt below.

 

FLSA Status: Exempt

 

Position Status: Regular

 

Location: Administrative Center

 

Hours Per Week: 40

 

Schedule: 

Monday - Friday: 8:30 - 5:00pm

This position generally offers 60% remote work options available. Schedule is subject to change. 

 

Union Status: Non- Represented

 

Candidate Submission Timelines:

EXTERNAL or INTERNAL Candidates: To be considered for this position please submit your resume and up to 4 additional attachments to display your knowledge, skills and abilities for consideration for this position no later than 5:00 p.m. on closing date below.

Submissions after the Closure Date below will not be considered:

  • External or Non-Transfer Internal Candidates Closure Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 5:00pm

 

Veteran Status: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should select the percentage that they qualify for, 5% or 10% during the application. More information about veteran’s preference, such as the difference in percentage can be found here and here.  If you need more information please contact us at:HR@pcls.us

 

Position Summary 

The Director of Marketing & Communications at the Pierce County Library System oversees and directs all aspects of marketing, communications, and public affairs. This role is responsible for overseeing the Library’s brand, directing the production of marketing materials, increasing public awareness, and ensuring effective external and internal communication of the Library System’s value, programs, and services.    This position develops and executes strategic initiatives, manages media relations, and serves as the Library’s primary spokesperson. The Director reports to the Executive Director and supervises assigned personnel.

 

Essential Functions 

Leadership & Administration

·         Participates in Administrative and Management teams to set and implement long- and short-term strategies aligned with the Library’s mission and strategic goals.

·         Oversees departmental operations, including service delivery, community relations, project management, risk management, and program development.

·         Participates in labor strategy and bargaining processes.

·         Represents the Library to the public, community groups, and external organizations.

·         Advises executive leadership on public affairs and community relations.

·         Ensures timely responses to public and staff inquiries, facilitating issue resolution.

Marketing & Communications

·         Serves as the Library’s primary media spokesperson and maintains relationships with media representatives.

·         Develops and implements external and internal marketing and communication strategies in alignment with the Library’s strategic plan.

·         Directs branding and market positioning to enhance public awareness and engagement.

·         Oversees  the development of print and digital marketing materials and manages the Library’s public website.

·         Oversees mass and social media strategies, securing media coverage and writing public relations content.

·         Gathers and analyzes data and feedback to develop effective external and internal communication plans.   

·         Stays apprised  of contemporary issues, trends, and developments in the field of marketing and communications.  

Finance & Resource Management

·         Develops and administers operational and capital budgets.

·         Manages staff resources, approves expenditures, and ensures efficient use of funds.

·         Responsible for vendor relationships and contractual agreements.

Personnel Management

·         Hires, trains, supervises, develops, and evaluates personnel, ensuring compliance with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.

·         Fosters a customer-focused, team-oriented, and innovative work culture.

Accessible & Inclusive Communication 

·         Understands and advocates for accessibility best practices in marketing and communications, ensuring compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other relevant guidelines.

·         Oversees  the creation of accessible content, including alt text, captions, high-contrast design, and structured formatting, while collaborating with designers, web developers, and IT teams for implementation.

·         Fosters staff awareness and training to ensure accessibility is integrated into all communication strategies.

General Responsibilities

 Ensures adherence to Library policies, procedures, service standards, and safety regulations.

Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

Core Skills & Qualities / Leadership Competencies

Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:

 Customer Focus

 Teamwork

Communications

 Leadership

   Problem Solving

 Change and Learning

 Positive Attitude

 Professional Integrity

 Diversity

 

Leaders are expected to demonstrate the following competencies at all times:

 Builds Trustworthy Relationships

 Communicates Effectively

Builds Successful Teams

 Manages and Develops People

Achieves Results

 Facilitates Innovation and Change

Demonstrates Leadership

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

 Expertise in public relations, public affairs, marketing, and  media relations.

Knowledge of conducting, directing, and analyzing public opinion research.

 Knowledge of design principles and best practices.  

Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and projects.

Familiarity with labor relations and experience in staff development.

 Ability to develop and manage budgets and resources efficiently.

 Experience handling sensitive information with confidentiality.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to perform under pressure.

 

Minimum Requirements including Education, License or Certifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, and 5-7 years communications management experience, including 3-5 years supervisory experience; Or 

· Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills and allows successful performance of the job.

· A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.

· Must pass criminal background screening prior to hire.

· The ability to work evenings and weekends on a rotating schedule and to adapt to schedule changes on short notice is required.

Technology Requirements: 

Ability to effectively navigate basic electronic record creation and storage (e.g. timecard/HRIS, performance review, network and cloud-based drives)

 Use of basic office equipment (e.g. PC, printer, phone, security alarm)

 Basic keyboard and alpha/numeric data entry skills

Basic PC navigation skills in a windows based environment; ability to connect and print

Ability to navigate, search, and use basic web functions and applications

Intermediate MS Office Suite skills (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities, including but not limited to documenting instruction, troubleshooting, and teaching basic level skills.

Ability to collect, audit, analyze data sufficient to formulate recommendations and make decisions as required by position

Desired:

 Troubleshoot and teach basic level questions regarding the above

 Presentation software

 Work order systems

HR systems  

Physical and Environmental Conditions:   

Work is conducted in a normal office setting that provides comfortable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. Occasional light lifting, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other library materials up to 35 pounds may be required. Subject to sitting and standing for extended periods of time, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting objects weighing up to 30-35 pounds. May lift or push up to 50 pounds as needed with assistance.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations. 

Work may be performed in a library environment and involve regular contact with the public, and/or require push/pull loaded carts. 

 The above position description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Basic Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • Long-Term Disability 
  • State Retirement System 
  • Employees have an opportunity to participate in the Tax Sheltered  Annuity Program and the Deferred Compensation Program
  • Additional life insurance for the employee and family is available through payroll deduction. 
  • Employee Assistance Program

This position is located at 3005 112th Street East, Tacoma, WA. View the Google Map in full screen.



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