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  • Community and Government Relations Officer

    Tacoma, Washington United States City of Tacoma, WA Full Time $147,243.20 - $207,313.60 Annually Apr 12, 2025
    City of Tacoma Employer:

    City of Tacoma, WA

    Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim. Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry. A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views. Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view our YouTube video!                

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Position Description

    Join Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and Lead Our Community Engagement and Government Relations Efforts!

    Are you a strategic leader passionate about building strong community relationships and navigating complex government landscapes? Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an experienced Community & Government Relations Manager to lead our efforts in fostering trust, driving advocacy, and advancing our mission through impactful engagement with government, Tribal nations, community stakeholders, and educational institutions.

    About the Role:

    Reporting directly to the Utilities Deputy Director for Customer Experience and External Affairs, you will lead a dynamic, high-performing team of six dedicated to building and strengthening TPU's relationships with key external partners. In this role, you will drive strategic engagement efforts that align with our mission, enhance TPU's presence through impactful community sponsorships and K-12 education programs, and champion advocacy efforts that support and advance our organizational priorities.
    The ideal candidate for the Government & Community Relations Officer at TPU is a strategic and results-driven leader with a proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships across diverse stakeholders. They bring a deep expertise in government affairs, community engagement, and public policy, along with a passion for serving the community and customers. Leveraging innovation, they design and execute strategies that elevate TPU’s visibility, strengthen public trust, and advance key organizational objectives. They excel at leading multidisciplinary teams, cultivating a collaborative and high-performing environment.

    As a key representative of TPU, you will:
    • Lead Strategic Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with government entities (local, state, federal), Tribal nations, community stakeholders, and educational institutions.
    • Drive Advocacy & Education: Oversee advocacy, outreach, and education initiatives that foster community trust and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
    • Shape Policy & Legislation: Lead the development and execution of legislative policies and advocacy strategies, preparing policy documents and managing legislative consultant contracts.
    • Champion Community Initiatives: Oversee community engagement initiatives, K-12 education programs, sponsorships, and employee volunteer activities.
    • Provide Strategic Leadership: Support the Deputy Director in shaping policy development, setting TPU-wide goals, and driving cross-departmental alignment.
    • Represent TPU: Serve as a spokesperson for senior leadership and coordinate TPU’s community and government relations activities with trade groups and community associations.
    • Manage a Multidisciplinary Team: Lead and supervise a team of program managers responsible for education programs, community outreach sponsorships, local engagement, and government relations.
    • Ensure Compliance: Assist in ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
    • Manage Budget and HR: Participate in departmental financial and human resource activities, including budget planning, procurement, and employee development.

    Responsibilities Include:
    • Develop and oversee programs related to government and community relations, aligning with TPU’s mission and objectives.
    • Lead and supervise a team of managers responsible for diverse functions, including education programs, community sponsorships, and government relations.
    • Align and coordinate education, community, and government relations strategies across TPU.
    • Identify and address emerging government and community issues.
    • Collaborate with Executive and senior Leadership, the Public Utility Board, and the Tacoma City Council.
    • Develop and execute legislative policies and advocacy strategies.
    • Engage with legislative bodies, executive agencies, councils, boards, Native American Tribes, and commissions.
    • Provide strategic guidance to Executive and senior leadership.
    • Oversee community engagement initiatives, K-12 education programs, sponsorships, and employee volunteer activities.
    • Develop and refine legislative policies for TPU, ensuring alignment with operating divisions and the broader goals of TPU and the City of Tacoma.
    • Participate in departmental financial and human resource activities, including budget planning and employee development.
    • Serve as a designated representative for the Deputy Director and management spokesperson.


    Qualifications

    Minimum Education*
    Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, public policy, political science, communication or directly related field

    Minimum Experience*
    7 years including 2 years prior as supervisor or manager

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

    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: 4/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Top Government Public Affairs Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide

Top Government Public Affairs Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide
 

What is Public Affairs?

Public affairs refers to the relationship between an organization and its stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and the general public. Professionals in public affairs work to advance organizational goals and interests through strategic communications and relationship-building efforts.

Public affairs is a vital function within government and private organizations, ensuring their interests are represented in political and legislative decisions. In many cases, government public affairs jobs focus on navigating the relationship between organizations and government bodies, facilitating a better understanding between them.

 

Types of Public Affairs Jobs

The field of public affairs includes a variety of job titles, each with specific responsibilities. Some of the most common government public affairs jobs include:

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  • Government Affairs Specialist: This professional tracks legislation and influences policy decisions.
  • Public Policy Analyst: This role involves researching and providing policy recommendations to support organizational interests.
  • Public Affairs Manager: Manages communications between the organization and key stakeholders, often focusing on media relations and crisis communications.
  • Legislative Affairs Specialist: Monitors legislation and ensures that the organization complies and responds to changing laws.
 

Public Affairs Job Roles

Senior Director of Public Affairs

The senior director of public affairs position carries significant responsibility. This professional oversees the organization’s public affairs strategy, manages government relationships, and handles media interactions, including issuing news releases. They also ensure that communications with domestic audiences are clear and align with the organization’s goals.

Vice President of Public Affairs

A vice president of public affairs plays a strategic role within an organization, typically focusing on high-level public affairs campaigns. They often manage multiple departments and coordinate with government bodies to influence policy in the organization’s favor.

Government Affairs Specialist

A government affairs specialist tracks legislative changes and analyzes their potential impact on the organization. This role often involves collaborating with domestic audiences and stakeholders, including Washington, DC officials, and other political hubs.

Public Policy Analyst

Public policy analysts conduct research to assess policy initiatives, offering recommendations to help the organization navigate the complexities of government regulations. Many qualified candidates for this role have experience in both public and private sector work, where policy analysis is critical to decision-making.

 

Top Government Agencies for Public Affairs Jobs

Several government agencies are known for offering jobs in government public affairs. These agencies provide opportunities to work at the intersection of policy, communication, and government relations:

  • National Science Foundation: Offers public affairs positions related to science policy and public communication.
  • Department of Defense: Public affairs positions in this department often focus on defense policies and interactions with military branches, such as the Air Force.
  • Department of Health and Human Services: Public affairs roles here focus on health policy and community engagement, working to communicate key public health initiatives.
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Key Responsibilities and Skills

Public affairs professionals manage various tasks, from media relations to policy development, and must possess excellent communication skills to build stakeholder relationships.

Media Relations and Crisis Communications

Professionals in public affairs often manage the organization’s response to media inquiries and issue news releases when necessary. This is particularly important for managing crisis communications.

Public Policy Development and Analysis

Developing and analyzing public policy is a core responsibility for public affairs professionals. Those in government public affairs jobs conduct extensive research to provide strategic advice to their organizations.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Many public affairs professionals work with community stakeholders, ensuring the organization maintains a positive relationship with the public. This may also include outreach to non-profits like the humane society, which often collaborate with public agencies on key initiatives.

 

Education and Work Experience Requirements

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Qualified candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in public affairs, political science, or a related field to be considered for most government public affairs jobs. Experience working in government or with community outreach is also valued.

Organizations often look for candidates with experience performing strategic planning and leadership roles for higher-level positions such as vice president or senior director. Experience in cities like Washington DC, San Francisco, or Oklahoma City can also be advantageous, as these locations are key hubs for public affairs work.

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Public Affairs Job Salaries and Benefits

Salaries for government public affairs jobs vary depending on the job title and location. For example, wages in San Francisco or Washington, DC, may be higher due to the cost of living. Average salaries for public affairs professionals typically range between $60,000 and $120,000, with additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Public affairs offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. Many professionals start in entry-level roles and work in senior positions like vice president or executive director. Specialization in legislative affairs or public policy can further enhance career prospects.

 

Finding and Applying for Public Affairs Jobs

For those seeking a career in public affairs, there are several avenues to explore:

  • USAJobs: This is the primary portal for finding government public affairs jobs within federal agencies.
  • LinkedIn: Networking and job listings on LinkedIn can help you connect with professionals in the field and discover job opportunities.
  • Public Affairs Council: This professional organization provides public affairs professionals access to job listings, career resources, and networking opportunities.
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Resume and Cover Letter Tips

When applying for public affairs jobs, it’s important to customize your resume and cover letter for each position. Highlight relevant experience in public affairs, government relations, and community engagement. Be sure to include any experience in public policy analysis or media relations.

Interview Preparation and Assessment

In interviews for public affairs roles, employers often ask about your experience in policy analysis, media relations, and government outreach. Be prepared to discuss your skills in managing communications with domestic audiences, issuing news releases, and working with government agencies.

Career Advancement and Professional Development

Many professionals in public affairs find opportunities for leadership roles, such as vice president or senior director. Additionally, public affairs offers opportunities for specialization in policy areas, allowing professionals to focus on topics of personal interest.

Army Training and Public Affairs

Public affairs professionals within government agencies, including those in defense roles, may benefit from army training or experience in military branches such as the Air Force. Understanding military operations can be critical in developing effective public affairs strategies in defense-related positions.

 

Conclusion

Public affairs is a growing field that offers many career advancement and specialization opportunities. Whether you’re interested in working for a federal agency, a private company, or a non-profit like the humane society, there are numerous pathways to success.

With the right combination of education, experience, and networking, qualified candidates can find fulfilling careers in government public affairs jobs, helping to shape policy, build relationships, and ensure that their organizations are well-represented in the public arena.

Future Outlook for Public Affairs Jobs

The demand for public affairs professionals continues to grow, particularly in key cities like Washington DC and San Francisco. There are significant opportunities for advancement in this field, particularly for those with a strong background in media relations, policy analysis, and community engagement.

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