Tacoma Creates Program Assistant Government Job Dept-A0080-23A Full Time

The Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality (OACV) within the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development (CED) department is currently seeking a creative and detail-oriented individual for the position of Tacoma Creates Program Assistant.
 
In this role, you will work closely with the OACV staff, providing essential support in the day-to-day administration of Tacoma Creates. Responsibilities will include effective communication with internal and external stakeholders via email and phone, managing and tracking program data, and organizing office processes. A significant focus of your role will be on communications efforts; you will develop and implement public-facing communications, encompassing social media, websites, newsletters, and traditional media. You will be responsible for maintaining, updating, and disseminating information related to Tacoma Creates programming, general opportunities, and cross-promotion of related programs and opportunities across various communication channels of OACV and the City of Tacoma.
 
Data and project management skills are essential for tasks such as screening applications and reports, creating and managing registration processes, and tracking overlapping processes and deadlines. Additionally, you will provide support in the planning, coordination, and production of Tacoma Creates meetings, public events, workshops, focus groups, and presentations. This includes assisting with the coordination of Tacoma Creates application review panels, ensuring smooth processing of applications and preparation of materials. You will also contribute to the development of organizational support tools, such as checklists and documentation of procedures, to streamline processes within Tacoma Creates.
 
Furthermore, you will actively support the planning, coordination, production, and tracking of community partnerships, community engagement efforts, capacity building programs, and public presentations or convenings. Your contributions will help strengthen the impact of Tacoma Creates and foster meaningful collaborations within the community.
 
The ideal candidate is…
Someone with strong administrative and communication skills who is passionate about the cultural sector and its importance in Tacoma. A super-organized person who likes working closely with a small and dynamic team, supporting the back-end work that leads to strong programming in the community. A person who is committed to equity and access, and who brings creativity and critical thinking to their work. Someone who likes working with logistical details and data, and who can turn data into compelling stories.
   
About Tacoma Creates: Tacoma Creates is a voter-approved initiative to increase access to arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences throughout Tacoma by reducing barriers to access and expanding offerings, particularly for underserved youth. Tacoma Creates was established to expand equity and access to Tacoma’s arts, culture, heritage, and science programs. Find out more about Tacoma Creates at www.tacomacreates.org.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Assist in the daily duties of administering Tacoma Creates
• Participate in planning and implementing phases of projects
• Perform detailed data review work on documents and reports
• Develop and coordinate public-facing communications with a focus on social media
• Participate in the collection, compilation, evaluation, and assessment of data based on research 
• Develop and prepare preliminary reports and recommendations
• Support planning, technical, and materials needs for meetings and outreach events
• Perform technical or entry-level professional assignments as directed by an immediate supervisor
• Work safely and cooperatively with co-workers and the public
• Perform related work as required

Benefits
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma’s Public Employees’ Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities. For more information on the City of Tacoma’s benefit package feel free to explore City of Tacoma Benefits.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress.  The City of Tacoma’s workforce goal is to reflect our community. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

(NOTE: This the City of Tacoma Management Support Technician, Senior classification)

Minimum Education*
High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Experience*
3 years of office and/or program support experience

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver’s License

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background in arts, culture, heritage, and/or science
• Minimum of one year of administrative experience in a non-profit or public sector organization, or other administrative experience related to arts, culture, heritage, and/or science programming 
• Experience with social media management, website development and management, and designing public-facing communications, including basic graphic design
• Experience with community engagement
• Experience supporting financial/accounting processes
• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high pressure environment
• Knowledge of the Tacoma community, especially related to arts, culture, heritage, science, and education fields
• Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and online programs
• Experience working in an equity-focused environment 

Knowledge: 

• The practices, procedures, and techniques of program planning, implementation and evaluation
• The practices, procedures, and techniques that support effective social media and traditional media communications
• The principles and practices of record keeping systems and general program management

Skills:

• Perform routine, technical and professional assignments
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Work with a broad spectrum of people

Apply online and attach a cover letter and detailed resume. It is the responsibility of the applicant to list all pertinent experience and training. Applicants must obtain a passing score to be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Applicants who qualify for veteran’s preference must attach a copy of their DD214, Member 4 copy, at the time of application.

Examination Process
This is a competitive selection process. You will be required to respond to essay questions outlining your knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #4 – #9 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored on the basis of information provided. It is your responsibility to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions carefully and provide complete and informative answers, including your roles in related position and key activities.  DO NOT respond with ‘see resume’ in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma
NOTE:  For questions regarding this specific recruitment contact Kat Flores, HR Analyst.

Human Resources primarily communicates via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must 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 online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)