Communications Specialist
Closes: July 22, 2021 @ 8:59 p.m. PST
Communications Specialist
Department: Communications
Reports To: Director
Hours: 40 Hours/Week – Full Time
Salary: $36.80 - $39.42/hour + Benefits*
Requisition #: 253
*The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.
Application Requirements:
- Resume
- Cover letter that addresses your experience with the position’s duties.
- Sample of work: 3 - 5 published writing samples and one (1) description, outline, or case study of a communications plan you developed and implemented.
Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Director, this position plans, organizes and implements Tribal communications and public relations in the Communications Department. This includes media contacts, public relations and/or community involvement, as well as the design and development of information for the website, social media, and other communications materials for both internal and external audiences.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage assigned communications projects, including developing communications strategies and schedules for implementation and evaluation. Prepare information, facilitate meetings and give presentations to appropriate audience as needed. Assist with identifying needed plans and strategies.
- Research, create written content, and coordinate and contribute to the production of public and employee communications products including the preparation of: news releases, social media and other digital messaging, newsletters, brochures, television stories, talking point development, exhibits and white papers.
- Support Tribal communications through the identification of communications opportunities and developing handouts, preparing/delivering presentations and developing communications/marketing collateral.
- Perform research activities through the exchange of company news media, trade journals, local and national releases for material and ideas to improve the Tribe's internal and external communications.
- Respond to inquiries from community members and the news media; research and provide information concerning Tribal operations.
- Identify and analyze issues of concern and emerging trends to supervisor; provide strategic communication objectives, techniques and plans.
- Provide back-up for communications staff as needed.
- Distribute press releases, Tribal Announcements, Tribal News, and similar publications; coordinate surveys; support Membership meetings and other outreach events.
- Contribute to special projects such as by coordinating and staffing outreach events, coordinating special mailings, coordinating and tracking award applications and nominations, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications and Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or a related field and a minimum of three years of communications work experience is required. Strong newswriting or public relations writing skills are required. Work experience in government, nonprofit or related public relations strongly preferred.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong writing skills, the ability to plan communications and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. Photography, social media and other digital skills are a plus.
Intermediate to extensive knowledge of word processing is required. Must demonstrate satisfactory experience performing writing at a professional level. Working knowledge of Associated Press style is preferred.
Experience in Native American customs and traditions is required, as well as a sensitivity and appreciation for Elders, youth and other members of this and neighboring Tribes. Experience with Tribal government strongly preferred.
Must have experience in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. Must stay up to date on current events and legal topics relevant to the Tribe and to communications.
Must be able to work long hours and carry an unpredictable schedule.
Must be able to ask difficult questions, often in an emotionally charged situation.
Must be able to recognize and respect communications protocols.
Must demonstrate a strong ethical belief system and desire to tell the truth while remaining unbiased.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to follow oral instructions and write news and feature stories using correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percentages.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Licenses, Certificates
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driver’s License restrictions must not prevent the employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy or driving a GSA vehicle.
Other Requirements
Must be a strong, dependable, trustworthy team member able to work for and with team members and across departments.
Must have reliable transportation.
This position must be able to work with all levels of personnel within the organization and with clients and vendors.
Must be able to work within a tight deadline and fact-check information quickly and accurately.
Must demonstrate ability to delve into a story to search for facts.
Must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral.
Must demonstrate an eye for detail.
Must be able to multi-task and set priorities.
This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
- Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
- Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
- The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
- The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level is moderate.
- The physical exertion is low to moderate.
- The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather
- Exposure to hazardous materials in minimal.
- Requires travel using employee’s own transportation.
- Requires work on- and off-site.
- May be required to work nights, weekends or holidays.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law
Online Application Tips:
- If you are using a MAC, use Safari. If you are using a PC, use Chrome.
- Do not use a mobile cellular device.
- Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, tribal documentation, etc.). Please include copies of any required degrees, certificates, training, etc.
- Native Hiring Preference – If selecting a native category (native, spouse, descendant), send in the appropriate documentation. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, contact us.
- Provide 3+ references. We cannot obtain references from direct family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, or children). One reference must be a recent past or present supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, skills/abilities, and attendance.
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- After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call contact Human Resources to confirm receipt.
If you have any questions about the online application, please call (253) 573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.