Are you energized by connecting people to opportunities and building strong, lasting community relationships? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where your work has visible impact every day? If so, we invite you to bring your passion for outreach and engagement to Pierce Transit.

Pierce Transit’s Community Development Division is seeking a dynamic Community Development Specialist to serve as a trusted ambassador for the Agency. In this highly visible role, you will plan, coordinate, and lead community outreach efforts that increase awareness of Pierce Transit’s services, programs, and initiatives. You’ll connect directly with residents, employers, schools, senior communities, and local organizations, ensuring they understand and can confidently access the transportation options that support their daily lives.

This position plays a key role in designing and delivering engaging education programs for students and seniors, hosting interactive in-person events, supporting digital learning initiatives, and creating meaningful touchpoints that strengthen trust and accessibility across our service area. From organizing community event booths to delivering presentations and facilitating hands-on learning experiences, you will help bring Pierce Transit’s mission to life in impactful and memorable ways.

This position is based out of our Lakewood, WA office. During peak outreach season, the schedule shifts to Tuesday through Saturday to support increased community engagement activity, including some evening commitments. During non-peak season, the schedule is Monday through Friday. Flexibility is essential, as community presence is at the heart of this role.

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too! That’s why we offer three on-siteemployee fitness roomsand an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.

If your career goals change while you are employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a job at Pierce Transit.

All Pierce Transit employees are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.(Employees who have participated in the Tacoma Employee's Retirement System (TERS) may elect to continue to participate in that system.)

Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.

PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, and the ability to earn up to 2 Wellness Days by participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.

If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem! We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts). Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.

• Assist in the planning, organization and implementation of a variety of outreach and education programs and activities to promote the use of Agency services to targeted groups within the service area.
• Assist in the development of programs and activities to meet the needs of various community groups and organizations, including schools, senior centers, community groups, and employers.
• Conduct public presentations at a variety of locations in the community while promoting Agency services and answering questions.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with groups to continue outreach and education on a reoccurring basis.
• Schedule, organize and staff booths for community outreach events, including but not limited to farmer’s markets, fairs and community events.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications staff on advertising and promoting outreach and education activities.
• Create and edit various marketing and/or promotional materials on various transportation options, both general and customized for specific work sites.
• Work with other departments on special projects and community events where vehicles may be provided to allow for public interaction.
• Review and update content on Community Development webpages
• Provide program support to the Community Development Sales and Outreach team.
• Represents Pierce Transit at Wellness Fairs, Transportation Fairs, and other specialty events. Advocates Pierce Transit’s ORCA and rideshare programs and the benefits the program provides.
• Provides information on topics pertaining to requirements for ridesharing, rideshare fares, bus service, Park and Ride locations, payment options for services, and other commute alternatives for specific needs. Prepares detailed correspondence and other materials as needed for the inquirer.
• Maintains data integrity and confidentiality. Audits and updates reports.
• Submits purchase orders and requisition entries to accounting. Follows up on outstanding invoices.
• Displays regular and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

Required:

• High school diploma, or equivalent, and
• Two (2) years of experience in customer service.

Desired:

• Public sector experience desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Basic filing and recordkeeping standards and practices
• Business English
• Standard office procedures
• Microsoft Office products
• Customer Relationship Management systems

Skill in:

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature (multi-tasking)
• Customer service
• Communications (verbal and written)
• Public speaking
• Public relations
• Creating presentations and promotional materials
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Organizational/time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer and database skills

Ability to:

• Create and maintain reports and documents
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations

Competencies:

• Regularly meets expectations for work schedule, accomplishing assignments, and serving as a source of supply and support for the department, customers, and/or the organization.
• Demonstrates responsibility for, and handles accurately, the details associated with one’s work.
• Working effectively and productively with others, sometimes in a team setting. Working cooperatively, effectively and productively with internal and external customers.
• Speaks, writes, and listens effectively in a variety of circumstances, sharing information and ideas with others.
• Focuses on building and protecting the image, reputation and long-term interests of a group or organization within the industry or community.
• Break down a problem and comes up with an effective solution.

Licensing, certifications, and other legal requirements:

• Individuals must pass a background check.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire.

Physical requirements:

• The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• May occasionally need to move boxes from 5 to 40 pounds.
• Able to transport supplies/materials from vehicle to building for meetings and presentations, set-up and tear-down outreach booths, and travel to/from various community locations to conduct work.
  

Working conditions:

• This position may work in an office or outdoor environment.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
• Regular outside work for outreach events.
• Work involves evening and weekend hours for outreach events, presentations, etc.