Office Manager for the Mayor

Office Manager for the Mayor

Salary

$85,051.20 - $119,745.60 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

A0100-26A

Department

City Manager

Opening Date

07/23/2026

Closing Date

8/10/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City Manager's Office is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented Office Manager to support the Office of the Mayor.

We are looking for a candidate with exceptional organizational abilities, strong communication and writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to customer service. This role supports a fast-paced, high-impact environment and plays a key part in advancing the Mayor's priorities.

This position exercises significant independent judgment while managing the Mayor's schedule, coordinating constituent casework and letter writing, executing the Mayors community engagement and social media plan, and ensuring rapid and accurate follow through on all requests.

Key responsibilities include composing and managing monthly e-newsletters, supporting the Mayor's communications, assisting with constituent casework, organizing town halls and grassroots community engagement activities, and coordinating travel logistics. The role requires creativity, personal initiative, and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, communicates with professionalism and speed, and maintains a welcoming and service-oriented demeanor. Strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently are essential.

Additional responsibilities include routine office tasks and other duties as assigned.

Occasional travel between City facilities and work outside normal business hours may be required to meet operational needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and management of Mayor's calendar to maximize the advancement of key priorities and provide insight into trends, observations, and awareness of previous requests from individuals. Schedule and arrangement of appointments, meetings, speaking engagements, travel, and special events. Make and communicate schedule adjustments to meet time-sensitive requests and changes to meeting lengths.
• Facilitate a high level of trust; handle confidential and proprietary information appropriately; provide information and maintain records in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Maintain high-level of organizational and City Council issue awareness.
• Ensure preparation of meeting materials and coverage on behalf of the Mayor at various meetings, as appropriate.
• Compose correspondence and other forms of communication independently for the Mayor as requested using discretion and confidentiality; reference policies, rules, regulations and contracts in preparing correspondence in relation to assigned projects; may review and edit material prepared by others.
• Assist internal and external customers with issues and requests for action; gather background information and prepare summaries as appropriate; share information about urgent and important matters with the Mayor, Council Members, City Manager, and other executives.
• Work independently as well as with teammates and community partners to coordinate and execute special projects and initiatives.
• Arrange and coordinate travel, make or approve procurement card purchases, assist in preparation and tracking of budget, financial/budget reconciliation and invoice payments. Advise Council support staff on Council budget matters.
• Fulfill public disclosure requests on behalf of the Mayor and maintain records per the applicable policies and state laws.
• Effectively communicate with external and internal audiences in person, over the phone, or via email, answering and/or directing inquiries appropriately.
• Provide excellent customer service internally and externally including receiving, analyzing and handling inquires; delegating as necessary; and interpreting and explaining complex guidelines, policies, programs, rules, requirements and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external audiences to preserve the respect and reputation of the City of Tacoma and the Mayor and City Council.
• Research, gather, and compile information; independently prepare reports and correspondence; assists senior staff and/or elected leaders with preparation of complex reports and presentations.
• Provide assistance and support on special assigned projects. May support the functions of a committee, board, department, or intergovernmental coalitions by managing all aspects of meeting planning and preparations, attendance, minutes, and required follow-up actions and correspondence as needed.
• Regular check-ins with City staff and constituents who have requested services to ensure prompt updates and speedy resolutions to community concerns.
• Working in concert with the Mayor to execute the Mayor's community engagement and social media plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Experience*

6 years including 2 years of prior advanced senior-level or lead experience

• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Some positions may require a Washington State Drivers License

Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate for this role has:

• The ability to be flexible and adaptable, positively navigating situations with high ambiguity while working collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment
• Strong people skills; the ability to build strong professional relationships, professional credibility, and a trusting environment
• A customer service attitude and approach
• The ability to work with a high level of independence while managing a high-volume workload and exercise strong judgement in a variety of sensitive, complex, and/or highly-visible situations
• Familiarity with local government and experience staffing elected officials
• The ability to successfully prioritize and drive results on behalf of the Mayor in a manner that demonstrates objective neutrality and builds credibility and trust
• Demonstrated ability to be politically astute and sensitive to issues or requests that have the potential to be very impactful or possibly cause controversy
• A commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the City, including the anti-racist systems transformation commitments passed by Council in Resolution No. 40622
• Demonstrated respect for and commitment to identify and meet diverse customer needs and to continuously improve service
• The ability to coordinate event planning and meeting logistics that require communicating across cultural differences and/or anticipating the needs and expectations of a broad range of stakeholders
• A practice of leading by example and displaying honest and ethical behavior in all interactions, ensuring that words are consistent with actions and following through on stated commitments
• Proficient writing and communication skills.
• Experience with community engagement, marketing, hospitality, or related fields.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Apply

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references and passing a background check.

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $85,051.20 - $119,745.60

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 3:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should 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 email folders.

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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have 6 years including 2 years of prior advanced senior-level or lead experience? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

• Yes
• No

04

This role requires managing a complex and fast changing mayoral schedule. Can you describe your experience overseeing high volume calendars with frequent adjustments? How do you ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with leadership priorities?

05

This role involves staffing and supporting elected leaders in a high visibility environment. Can you share your experience working directly with elected officials or public leaders? How did you build trust while maintaining objectivity, professionalism, and political sensitivity?

06

Tell us about a time when you had to exercise independent judgment while handling sensitive or confidential information. How did you approach the situation to maintain trust and discretion?

07

This position involves drafting correspondence and managing constituent interactions on behalf of a leader, often without having every detail available. Can you share an example of a time when you had to communicate on behalf of an executive or department despite limited information? How did you ensure clarity, professionalism, and accuracy while still moving the issue forward?

08

Describe your experience coordinating events or meetings involving diverse community partners. How do you anticipate stakeholder needs and adjust plans quickly when circumstances change?

09

Our organization is committed to equitable service delivery and anti racist systems transformation. Can you describe a time when you adapted a process, engagement strategy, or communication to better serve diverse communities? What principles guided your approach?

10

Describe your experience organizing community events, such as, town halls and grassroots community engagement activities.

11

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Select one.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Professional organization
• Military organization
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Careers in Government
• Government Jobs
• Outreach Event
• National Diversity Network
• African American Job Network
• Disability Job Network
• Asian Job Network
• Latino Job Network
• Retirement Job Network
• LGBT Job Network
• Veteran Job Network
• International Association of Venue Managers
• Teamwork Online
• Venue Coalition
• Venues Now
• International Entertainment Buyers Association
• Other (see below)

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov