Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

General Statement of Duties/Supervision Why Tumwater? Tumwater is more than just a city, it’s a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-picture vision. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we’re just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, brewery-hopping, or live music, you’ll find easy access to it all. Here in Tumwater, we’re building a future that’s highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to grow your career. The Opportunity Performs professional communications, marketing, and public engagement work in support of Parks & Recreation programs, events, facilities, and initiatives. Responsibilities include developing and implementing communication strategies, preparing marketing and outreach materials, managing digital and print communications, coordinating media relations, and supporting community engagement efforts. The position serves as the department’s primary communications and marketing resource and works collaboratively with staff, community organizations, vendors, and partner agencies to promote programs, strengthen community awareness, and maintain consistent branding and messaging standards. Work requires creativity, strong written and verbal communication skills, independent judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced public service environment. As part of the larger administrative team, provides office coverage and back-up administrative support. Distinguishing Characteristics This is a professional-level communications and marketing classification responsible for department-wide outreach and public information efforts. The position independently manages marketing and communication projects from concept through publication and distribution. Work involves strategic messaging, graphic design, digital communications, public engagement, and media coordination. The position serves as a key communications resource for Parks & Recreation programs, events, and initiatives. Essential Job Duties Essential Functions Communications & Marketing Develops and implements communication and marketing strategies for Parks & Recreation programs, services, facilities, events, and initiatives. Creates written, graphic, digital, and multimedia communication materials including newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters, news releases, social media content, electronic communications, and website updates. Develops messaging and outreach strategies to improve public awareness and community engagement. Ensures consistent branding, style, accessibility, and communication standards across department materials and platforms. Content Development & Media Relations Writes, edits, proofreads, and reviews communication materials for clarity, accuracy, grammar, style, and consistency. May serve as a department contact for media inquiries, interviews, and public information requests with guidance from supervisor. Assists with communicating complex, sensitive, or high-profile information in a professional and tactful manner. Coordinates photography, graphic design, and visual content supporting department communications and promotional efforts. Digital Communications & Technology Designs, updates, and maintains department websites, electronic communications, social media platforms, and other communication systems. Utilizes graphic design, website management, photo editing, and related communication software and tools. Evaluates emerging communication trends, technologies, and best practices to improve outreach effectiveness and public engagement. Project Coordination & Community Engagement Coordinates communication projects from development through publication and distribution, including vendor coordination and production oversight. Collaborates with department staff, partner organizations, community groups, businesses, and stakeholders to support events, outreach activities, and community engagement initiatives. Assists with promotion and communication efforts for City-sponsored programs, special events, and recreation activities. Responds to inquiries from the public regarding department programs, services, events, and facilities. Perform other related duties as assigned. Decision Rights & Problem Solving Exercises independent judgment in developing communication strategies, prioritizing projects, and recommending outreach approaches. Determines appropriate communication formats, messaging, and distribution methods based on audience and operational needs. Identifies and resolves communication challenges while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and brand consistency. Supervision Received / Exercised Received: Works under general supervision of the Parks & Recreation Management Analyst with considerable independence in planning and executing assigned communications and marketing activities. Exercised: May coordinate the work of vendors, contractors, interns, volunteers, or staff assisting with communications projects or special events. Formal supervisory authority is not typically exercised. Key Relationships Internal: Parks & Recreation staff, City leadership, Communications staff, Information Technology staff, and other City departments involved in programs, events, outreach, and public engagement. External: Residents, media representatives, vendors, community organizations, schools, recreation partners, businesses, contractors, and other agencies regarding communication, marketing, and outreach activities. Selection Criteria Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field; or Three (3) years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related public information work. Special Requirements Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record. Preferred Qualifications Experience performing communications or marketing work for a parks, recreation, municipal, or public agency organization. Experience with graphic design, digital communications, website management, and social media strategy. Experience supporting community engagement, public outreach, or special event promotion. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Communication, marketing, branding, and public outreach principles and practices. Graphic design, digital communication tools, website management systems, and social media platforms. Writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation techniques for public-facing materials. Public sector communication practices, accessibility standards, and community engagement principles. Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Developing effective messaging for diverse audiences and communication platforms. Building collaborative working relationships with staff, media representatives, vendors, community partners, and the public. Communicating professionally and effectively both orally and in writing. Handling sensitive or confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Tools & Technology Microsoft 365 Suite Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) Website content management systems Social media and digital communication platforms Photography, video, and multimedia tools Standard office equipment and communication software Working Conditions & Physical Demands Work is performed primarily in an office or administrative environment. Duties may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive hand or wrist movements associated with computer use. The position may require occasional bending, reaching, or light to moderate lifting of office materials or equipment. Work may include attendance at meetings, site visits, or public events, which may require travel to various locations. Some assignments may involve interacting with the public in stressful or contentious situations or working under deadlines and competing priorities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly. Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. The City of Tumwater offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. (Benefits for part-time employees are pro-rated.) Paid Time Off Vacation: Start with 144 hours of paid annual leave your first year — increasing with service up to 288 hours per year. Sick Leave: Earn 8 hours per month to care for your health or for immediate family illness or loss. Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year, including two floating holiday for flexibility and a community service day. Retirement & Savings State Retirement Plans: Membership in Washington State’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/LEOFF) with contributions from both you and the City. Deferred Compensation (457b) & Roth IRA: Save for the future and reduce taxable income; contribute up to IRS limits with catch-up options if over 50. 401(a) Match: The City will match up to 5% of employee contributions. Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): City contributes $225/month for current and future healthcare expenses. Insurance & Wellness Medical, Dental, Vision: The City contributes $2,420/month toward coverage (pro-rated for part-time). That’s about 85% of family coverage! If your premiums cost less, you can take 60% of the unused contribution as cash in your paycheck. Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available. Life Insurance: $50,000 group term policy fully paid by the City. Wellness Commitment: Programs and resources to support your physical and mental health. Discounts: City employees qualify for Liberty Mutual auto and home insurance discounts. Work-Life & Career Hours of Work: Standard schedule is 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday. Alternative schedules may be available depending on the position. Some roles may require occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime. Career Opportunities: We believe in growing our talent — the City actively promotes from within and supports career development. The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factors. We are committed to wellness, safety, environmental stewardship, and racial equity in our workplace and community. #J-18808-Ljbffr