Communications Director

We’re looking for a leader who: 

Leads with curiosity, optimism, and cultural humility, bringing fresh thinking to a system ready for creative growth. 

Guides the organization through change with empathy, clarity, and steady, people‑centered leadership. 

Communicates with clarity, creativity, and inclusiveness, ensuring messages resonate across diverse communities. 

Brings a modern, forward‑looking vision for the Library’s brand and public presence. 

Infuses collaboration with creativity, playfulness, and an experimental mindset that energizes teams. 

Navigates the complexity of public‑sector communications with political savvy and sound judgment. 

Designs communication that builds access, belonging, and trust across Pierce County. 

Demonstrates strong operational and people‑leadership skills, empowering staff and managing resources thoughtfully. 

 This role offers a flexible hybrid/remote work schedule, making it an ideal opportunity for creative professionals who thrive in collaborative, modern work environments. Beyond flexibility, it also provides a unique platform for professional growth and strategic influence. You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams, shape high‑impact initiatives, and elevate the creative direction of one of the region’s largest Library systems. 

 As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, you'll help shape organizational strategy while ensuring the Library's organizational values – Cultural Humility, Human, Connection, Empowerment, and Transformative Hospitality -  shine through clear, engaging, and community centered messaging. 

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: Monday, March 9th, 2026 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 

This position is a strategic and creative change leader who shapes how our community experiences the Library. Translates vision into modern communication strategies for telling compelling library stories for meaningful public engagement, and in alignment with our Leadership Competencies. Serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, and the Library’s primary public voice, balancing innovation with stewardship, and collaboration with clear accountability. Oversees and directs departmental operations including administration, service delivery, community relations, project management, risk management and program development and implementation. Participates in labor strategy, negotiations and collective bargaining processes. Oversees and manages vendor relationships and contractual agreements.   

Essential Job Functions 

Each function below represents a core responsibility of the role. Percentages reflect the estimated time spent on each function. 

Essential Function 

Description 

% of Time 

Marketing & Communications 

Develops and implements forward‑thinking internal and external communication strategies aligned with the Library’s strategic plan. Encourages creativity, experimentation, and smart risk‑taking in branding, media relations, digital engagement, and storytelling to expand the Library’s reach and relevance. Translates complex or institutional information into clear, engaging, and visually accessible communications for staff and the public. 

45% 

Leadership & Administration 

Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff with clarity, fairness, and consistency. Leads and supervises in a union environment, applying labor agreements with integrity while holding teams accountable for results. Builds trust, navigates change effectively, and fosters a positive, high‑performing, customer‑focused culture. Ensures timely responses to inquiries and facilitates issue resolution. 

25% 

Finance & Resource Management 

Develops and manages operational and capital budgets. Oversees vendor relationships and contractual agreements. 

12% 

Accessibility & Inclusion 

Oversees the implementation of accessibility best practices in communications, championing inclusive design as a creative and strategic opportunity, not just a compliance requirement. Evidence of creative problem‑solving, innovation, or modernizing communications practices through digital platforms, visual storytelling, and culturally relevant approaches that engage diverse audiences. 

13% 

Secondary Responsibilities 

These tasks are performed occasionally or in support of primary duties: 

Serve on other committees as assigned 

Core Competencies 

Customer Focus 

Teamwork 

Communication 

Leadership 

Problem Solving 

Change and Learning 

Positive Attitude 

Professional Integrity 

Diversity 

Leadership Competencies 

Interpersonal: 

Builds Trustworthy Relationships 

Communicates Effectively 

People Management: 

Builds Successful Teams 

Manages and Develops People 

Business Management: 

Achieves Results 

Facilitates Innovation and Change 

Required Qualifications 

Demonstrated success leading teams through change or transformation, particularly in public-facing or community-serving organizations 

Experience navigating complex organizational or unionized environments while maintaining clear, plain-language internal and external communication 

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field. 

5–7 years of communications management experience, including 3–5 years supervisory experience. 

Valid Washington State Driver’s License. 

Must pass criminal background screening.  

Technology Requirements 

Required: 

Proficiency in Microsoft 365 software suite, especially Outlook, Teams, and office automation tools, including Copilot 

Ability to navigate web-based systems and electronic records. 

Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG, ADA). 

Preferred: 

Experience using digital tools and platforms to create visual, accessible, and audience-focused content 

Experience with presentation software and HR systems. 

Ability to analyze data for decision-making.  

Knowledge of government agencies 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally with or without assistance. 

Frequent sitting, standing, and reaching. 

Use of standard office equipment. 

Travel Requirements 

Regular travel for meetings, training, or events, with occasional travel outside of Pierce County. 

Reporting Structure 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Supervises: Communications Staff and Supervisors  

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