Strategic Community Engagement Administrator

The future of public transit is about more than just buses and routes—it’s about people, partnerships, and progress. Pierce Transit is hiring a Strategic Community Engagement Administrator to build coalitions, elevate public trust, and ensure our communities view transit as essential to their success. This position will serve as the driving force behind public perception and strategic outreach, ensuring that residents, businesses, and stakeholders are engaged in shaping the future of mobility in Pierce County. If you are a bold leader who can rally support, create impact, and inspire communities to embrace public transit, this is your opportunity to lead real change.

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applicants scheduled for 03/18/2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications at their earliest convenience. 

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!  That’s why we offer three on-site employee fitness rooms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
 
If your career goals change while you are employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a job at Pierce Transit.
 
All Pierce Transit employees are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation. (Employees who have participated in the Tacoma Employee's Retirement System (TERS) may elect to continue to participate in that system.)
 
Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare. 

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.
 
PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, and the ability to earn up to 2 Wellness Days by participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.   

If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem!  We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts).  Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.  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.

• Develops and implements strategies to build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups.
• Communicates and promotes Pierce Transit’s goals, services, and funding needs to external stakeholders and the general public.
• Serves as a liaison between the agency and business, nonprofit, and community leaders, ensuring alignment of transit goals with public priorities.
• Develops and leads agency-wide public engagement strategies, including organizing listening sessions, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.
• Advises the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Commissioners on public perception trends, outreach strategies, and reputation management efforts.
• Represents Pierce Transit at community, regional, and statewide forums related to public engagement, business development, and transit advocacy.
• Ensures that agency messaging is aligned with public engagement, transit funding education, and stakeholder priorities.
• Collaborates with the Government Relations team to align engagement efforts with legislative priorities and funding opportunities.
• Provides strategic consultation for Community Development team related to transit funding education and long-term investment strategies.
• Develops and implements agency-wide training to ensure compliance with Washington State laws governing public agency outreach and priority communication.
• Coordinates with the agency’s grants team to secure community and business support for funding applications and transit projects.
• Represents the agency at committees, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings related to transit, economic development, and community engagement.
• Organizes and attends meetings with agency leadership, business groups, and community organizations to align transit initiatives with regional needs.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Urban Planning, or a related field AND
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in large-scale coordinated efforts with community education/engagement, public affairs, advocacy, and/or a related field. 

Desired: 
Public sector experience desired.
 
Physical Requirements: 
The position involves sedentary work, such as exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Involves sitting most of the time, with common physical demands involving desk or office related work.

Licensing, certifications, and other legal requirements:  
Individuals must pass a background check.

Knowledge of:

• Public engagement, community relations, and partnership development strategies.
• Washington State laws governing public agency communication and election-related outreach.
• Strategic public relations and reputation management practices.
• Business and nonprofit stakeholder priorities.
• Regional, state, and national public engagement best practices.
• Microsoft Office products and project management tools.

Skill in:

• Developing and managing high-level engagement strategies aligned with agency priorities.
• Building and sustaining long-term partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and advocacy groups.
• Public speaking, facilitation, and stakeholder communication.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Analyzing public perception trends and developing strategic response plans.
• Coordinating large-scale public engagement initiatives.

Ability to:

• Advise executive leadership and the Board of Commissioners on public engagement, stakeholder relations, and perception strategies.
• Identify and build strategic partnerships and coalitions at local, regional, and national levels.
• Conduct high-level strategic planning for community and business outreach efforts.
• Analyze public and stakeholder feedback to align engagement strategies with agency priorities.
• Ensure agency-wide compliance with Washington State public engagement and election laws.
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Travel when needed, including to statewide and national forums.

Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership – Establishes clear priorities and direction for engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with agency objectives.
• Public Affairs & Reputation Management – Protects and enhances the agency’s image and long-term public support.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with internal and external partners to build trust and engagement.
• Communication – Speaks, writes, and listens effectively to diverse audiences.
• Awareness of External Influences – Understands political, economic, and demographic factors impacting public transit and community development.
• Accountability – Regularly meets expectations for work schedule, assignments, and departmental responsibilities.

Education Requirements
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:

1. The online application must include a chronological work and/or education history covering ten years.
2. Applicants must also attach a cover letter stating how they meet the qualifications for the position in order to be considered.
3. At least 3 professional references to include a recent or current supervisor with names, email addresses and current phone numbers.

 
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/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 Human Resources @ 253-581-8095 or jobs@piercetransit.org

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

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.

Salary : $116,877 - $147,886