Communications Specialist

Job Summary

Anticipated hiring salary is between $74,760 - $90,552 depending on qualifications. The Communications Specialist develops and delivers compelling, visually engaging communications across multiple channels to support the Port of Tacoma's mission, strategic priorities, and public engagement objectives. The position serves as the Port's primary graphic design resource, creating and producing a large volume of high-quality visual communication materials and graphic design assets for digital and print channels. Working collaboratively with the communications team and staff across the organization, the Communications Specialist manages the Port's social media channels and develops written and visual content that informs, educates, and engages internal and external audiences while ensuring consistency with the Port's brand standards and communication objectives. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with a strong background in visual storytelling, exceptional graphic design skills, strong writing and editing abilities, and demonstrated success managing social media for a large organization.

Essential Functions

Support the development and execution of the Port's social media strategy by planning, creating, and publishing engaging content, including text, images, videos, and infographics, across all Port social media channels. Monitor platforms for audience engagement, respond to comments and direct messages, and analyze performance metrics to inform continuous improvement.

Design and produce a variety of graphic design materials and visual assets for digital and print communications, including social media graphics, infographics, reports, flyers, signage, presentations, and other communications materials. Ensure visual content aligns with Port brand standards and communication objectives.

Conceptualize, research, write, edit, and produce content in alignment with the Port's strategic projects and initiatives for use across a variety of communications channels, including e-newsletters, intranet, website, flyers, fact sheets, presentations, and other materials, maintaining a consistent voice, tone, and quality.

Collaborate with the communications team and staff across the Port to align messaging, identify story opportunities, gather information, and develop content that supports organizational priorities and initiatives.

Track, analyze, and report on social media performance metrics to evaluate content effectiveness and provide recommendations for improving audience engagement and content performance.

Provide support for emergency, incident, and crisis communications as needed by assisting with the development and dissemination of timely, accurate, and responsive messaging during critical situations.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or a closely related field required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree. A portfolio demonstrating graphic design and visual communications work is required. Minimum of two (2) years of communications, marketing, public relations, or related experience in a corporate, government, nonprofit, or agency environment is required. Demonstrated experience in social media management and graphic design is required.

Additional Requirements

A positive and collaborative work style with strong interpersonal and communications skills; highly organized and detail-oriented; strong time management skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and competing priorities; ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

Demonstrated graphic design skills with the ability to conceptualize, develop, and produce professional-quality visual communications materials for a variety of digital and print platforms.

Advance proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Experience with motion graphics a plus.

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to create clear, engaging content for a variety of internal and external communications channels.

Ability to establish and maintain respectful, cooperative, and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to support communication and outreach efforts that engage a wide range of audiences and communities.

Ability to ensure all content aligns with brand standards, maintains a consistent voice and tone, reflects organizational values, and effectively tells the story of the Port.

Ability to use analytics and reporting tools to evaluate social media and digital communication performance and make data-informed recommendations to improve audience engagement and content effectiveness.

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; and Health & Safety. The Port seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.

Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.

Unless altered by an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or by a written employment agreement signed by an employee and the Executive Director, the conditions of employment for this position are 'at-will', which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.

THE PORT OF TACOMA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.

As an employer of choice, the Port is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the Port offers vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Port-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The Port's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.