Public Records Program Manager

Salary: $118,892.53 - $160,544.89 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26-00665
Department: Finance & Enterprise Services
Division: FPM-Operations
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Summary
Why it's a great opportunity: In this role, you will lead the County's public disclosure and records management program, establishing countywide policies and practices aligned with the Washington State Public Records Act. You will guide a growing team while strengthening structure, consistency, and standards across all departments. You will apply statutory and regulatory requirements to ensure all County departments operate with clarity, compliance, and confidence.


Your work will involve close collaboration with a dedicated team, cross-departmental partners, senior leadership, and the public. You will balance day-to-day team management with advancing a long-term vision for an effective, transparent, timely, and service-focused public disclosure and records management program that supports both the County and the community.


Why it's a great department: The Finance & Enterprise Services Department delivers enterprise-wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship. Finance & Enterprise Services staff provide a broad portfolio of high-impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management.


Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise-level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities. The Finance & Enterprise Services Department is focused on creating a culture where employees can help improve service delivery to make a meaningful impact on County operations and the community. The Department leads with safety, empowerment, and collaboration to create an environment where every person can contribute, challenge ideas, and continuously improve.
How to be successful in the role: To be successful in this role, you will combine exceptional customer service, program leadership, and training expertise with the ability to navigate complex public records requirements. You will effectively manage competing priorities, evaluate risks, and apply the Washington State Public Records Act and related laws to guide countywide practices. A strategic focus on long-term program goals and organizational needs will help drive continued success across the County.

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the County's Public Disclosure and Records Management programs, including development of goals, policies, strategic direction, training materials, and documentation.
• Lead and manage the program team composed of a Records Management Office, Agency Public Records Office, Records Specialists to support search functions, and Records Center Assistant.
• Ensure consistent interpretation of laws, rules, and policies and compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures; monitor risk and oversee exemption and appeal processes.
• Research and stay current on state law changes and recommend policy or legislative improvements.
• Oversee the full public records disclosure process, including intake, evaluation, redaction, exemption logging, and release, and complex, multi-departmental, or high-risk requests in coordination with Public Records Officers, legal counsel, and communications.
• Track performance metrics and ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
• Assist the public with record requests and resolve grievances and appeals.
• Manage countywide records retention, storage, and destruction guidance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
• Coordinate with the Records Management Officer on retention schedules and disposition processes as well as the organization's records management strategies, policies, and processes.
• Analyze and interpret complex reporting as it relates to public records and records management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in business, records management, public administration, information technology or closely related field may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in public records management for a government agency or legal setting including 1 year of supervisory experience.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

Preferred qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in business, records management, public administration, information technology, or related field if preferred.
• Certified Records Manager (CRM) or similar industry recognized credential.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.


We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Our benefits:

Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:

Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days

A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.

Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.

Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25

Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.

Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.

Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.

Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
ORCA Passport Program
Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.
Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.

Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01


A resume and cover letter are required to be attached individually to your application for consideration of this position. Have you ensured that both are attached?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a certified records manager?

• Yes
• No

Required Question