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Communications Strategist-Public Information Officer

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Communications Strategist-Public Information Officer

Salary

$8,235.00 - $10,509.00 Monthly

Location

Edmonds, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Regular

Job Number

2025 - 019

Department

Community Services

Opening Date

06/30/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

Union Classification

AFSCME (Council 2)

Application Requirements

A completed online application, an attached resume, and an accompanying cover letter are required to be considered for this position. An incomplete application packet will disqualify you. Applicants may attach additional information that will assist us in the review and selection process.

Social Security Notice

Regular full time and regular part time City of Edmonds employees do not participate in the Social Security program. For information on how this may affect your retirement benefit, please call Social Security or visit their website https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/wep-chart.html.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Applications received through Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM will receive priority first review. This position will remain opened until filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

About the Positions:

The Public Information Officer/Communications Strategist is a professional-level position that directly impacts the relationship between the City and its citizens through the dissemination of critical information and the development of effective communication and engagement strategies. The incumbent is responsible for developing media and engagement strategies that promote a positive public image, create transparency, improve public engagement, and alleviate impacts of emergency and crisis situations.

Job Description: Communications Strategist/Public Information Officer

New hires generally start between $8,235.00 and $9,078.00 per month. Placement within the position’s full wage scale is based on qualifications and professional experience. The full wage scale for this position is between $8,235.00 and $10,509.00 per month.

The City currently offers hybrid works schedules based on the requirements of the position.

About the Department:

The Community Services and Economic Development Department provides functions and services intended to engage the community, connect with other governments and our State decision-makers, shepherd special projects, enhance the city's economic vitality and promote tourism. The Community Services division provides support to the Mayor and City Council, as well as all City departments, in public communications and engagement, as well as support for our priorities in State government. The Community Services division also provides administrative support to the Diversity Commission and its programs and activities.

About the City:

The City of Edmonds is a beautiful community on the Puget Sound waterfront with a population of 43,420 ( MRSC, 2024 (https://mrsc.org/research-tools/washington-city-and-town-profiles) ) and is the gateway to the Olympic peninsula via the state ferry system. Edmonds provides a full range of services, including contracted fire services, police services a municipal court, a community pool, a regional performing arts facility, public works and utilities, a regional wastewater treatment facility, along with community events and services through our Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. Six department directors report directly to the Mayor and oversee approximately 279 full–time-equivalent employees.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Plans and manages Public Information Office (PIO) activities for the City, including community relations, media relations, public relations, and marketing;

+ Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends solutions; provides leadership, direction, and guidance in PIO strategies, internal policy development, and priorities;

+ Develops information and public statements to ensure that the City's key messages reach the internal and external customers;

+ Writes, edits, and disseminates press releases, newsletters, bulletins, information packages, and public service announcements;

+ Assists in the development of media strategies for City programs and departments; places stories in media outlets and on the City website, and advises on placement of content on City website;

+ Provides expertise and advice on the development of effective public engagement strategies;

+ In collaboration with the Mayor’s office, and Department heads coordinates, leads, or supports public engagement activities;

+ Establishes effective relationships with journalists to promote the City's image; responds to inquiries from news media and City departments;

+ Designs, develops, and edits public communications and promotional materials utilizing a variety of media;

+ Attends City and local meetings to collect information and encourage effective communications;

+ Maintains program records and files; prepares special and recurring reports;

+ Promotes City services and events through a variety of communication platforms, including the integration of the City's website, social media, and other emerging platforms;

+ Develops, manages, and posts content for the social media, website, and other platforms; maintains a consistent writing style, voice, and branding across platforms;

+ Composes communications on a wide variety of subjects requiring knowledge of City procedures and policies; creates media articles, technical documents, special reports, and other communications.

+ Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events;

+ Conducts and coordinates assigned projects, research studies, surveys, and special events; analyzes and interprets data and communicates results;

+ Works effectively and collaboratively with the City's Web Systems Analyst and department web representatives to establish city-wide standards for online communications and ensure a cohesive and consistent communications strategy across departments.;

+ Supports the PIO function during emergencies as a part of the Public Information Team for the City's EOC.

+ Performs other related duties as assigned that are within the scope of this position classification.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; AND four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience, preferably within the public sector. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which allows the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

+ A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment. Criminal history is not an automatic employment disqualifier. Results are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

+ A valid Driver's License at time of hire and a driving record that is acceptable to the City’s insurance requirements.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

+ Office environment

+ Frequent interruptions

+ Travel to conduct work may be necessary at times, mostly locally

+ Some evening and weekend hours may be required for meetings and events

Physical Abilities:

+ Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone

+ Operating a computer keyboard or other office equipment

+ Reading and understanding a variety of materials

+ Sitting or otherwise remaining stationary for extended periods of time

+ Bending at the waist, reaching above shoulders and horizontally or otherwise positioning oneself to accomplish task.

Hazards:

+ Contact with angry and/or dissatisfied customers.

+ Prolonged exposure to glare from computer monitors.

+ Exposure to heavy dust in some work areas

+ Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, i.e. copier toner

Benefits information is available below and varies based on classification status. Regular, part time employees may be eligible for prorated benefits.

Please visit the HR Benefits Website (https://edmondswa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16495016&pageId=17263650) for more information.

01

Do you currently, or will you (by start of the position), posses a valid driver's license and be able to provide a copy of your driver's abstract? [Note - A WA state driver's license is required within 30 days of hire date]

+ Yes

+ No

02

What are your salary expectations? Please do not disclose current or prior position salary.

03

Describe your approach to proactive public engagement in 300 words or less.

Required Question

Employer

City of Edmonds

Address

121 5th Ave N Edmonds, Washington, 98020

Phone

425-775-7740

Website

http://www.edmondswa.gov