Communications Director/City Clerk - Sunnyside, WA

JOB TITLE: · Communications Director/City Clerk · POSITION OVERVIEW: · Under limited supervision from the City Manager, the City Clerk performs highly responsible administrative and technical work to ensure transparent and compliant governance. This position serves as the officia ...

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Communications Director/City Clerk

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under limited supervision from the City Manager, the City Clerk performs highly responsible administrative and technical work to ensure transparent and compliant governance. This position serves as the official custodian of the City records, coordinates City Council meeting processes, administers public disclosure requirements, and ensures compliance with state and local laws related to public records, open meetings, legal notices, and legislative actions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Additional job functions may vary due to department or City needs/requirements. Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

Council Meeting & Legislative Support

· Prepare City Council agendas and agenda packets; coordinate the review of materials for accuracy and completeness.

· Ensure Proper legal notices and publication requirements are met for meetings, ordinances, resolutions, public hearings, and special meetings.

· Attend regular and special Council meetings; record and prepare accurate minutes.

· Manage Council follow-up, including routing and filing of ordinances, resolutions, agreements, and related documents.

· Guide parliamentary procedures and meeting protocol.

Records Management

· Serve as the custodian of official City records and the city seal.

· Administer the City's records management program, including retention, preservation, archiving, and destruction per state law.

· Guide staff on policies and processes for records management.

· Train City staff on records responsibilities, systems, and retention procedures.

Public Records Disclosure

· Serve as the City's Public Records Officer; oversee the public records request process to ensure compliance with RCW 42.56 and related requirements with assigned department staff.

· Conduct research for complex or non-routine requests to reduce legal reliance and support consistent, timely responses.

· Develop and maintain procedures for public disclosure and ensure continuous improvement of processes.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees

· Coordinate board and commission appointments and advertisements.

· Ensure preparation and retention of agendas, packets, and minutes for boards and commissions as assigned.

Legal, Elections, and Compliance Functions

· Receive and process claims for damages, petitions, subpoenas, and other notices filed with the City.

· Coordinate municipal election matters with the County as needed.

· Review official documents for accuracy and attestation before execution.

· Ensure compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, and other statutory requirements.

Customer Service & Administrative Support

· Respond to inquiries from staff, elected officials, and the public; provide information on policies.

· Conduct research on legislative actions, contracts, historical records, and other topics.

· Participate in professional organizations and training to support continuous improvement

· Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum amount of knowledge, skill, and ability necessary to competently perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

· State and local laws regarding public records, open meetings, legal notices, and legislative processes.

· Records Management principles, systems, technology, and archival practice.

· Municipal organization, operations, policies, and functions.

· Modern office practices, including digital records systems and office software.

Skill & Abilities to:

· Organize and prioritize multiple, complex tasks under tight deadlines.

· Prepare accurate minutes, notices, and official documents.

· Interpret and apply municipal codes, policies, laws, and regulations.

· Provide clear written and verbal communication.

· Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

· Build effective working relationships with the elected officials, staff, and the public.

· Use independent judgment, initiative, and attention to detail in completing assignments.

· Train and guide others on processes and procedures.

· Perform essential functions of the job.

Education & Experience:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

· Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Political Science, or related field preferred.

· Three (3) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in local government, records management, or a related field.

· An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements:

Certain licenses and certifications, if required, may be acquired on the job as agreed upon by the City and Employee. Subject to change based on operational needs.

· Municipal Clerk Certification or achieve within three (3) years of employment.

· Notary Public Certification within six (6) months of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will have the following:

· Proven

· Knowledge

· Experience

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described below are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed mainly indoors in an office setting.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working from a computer.
• Some evening and/or weekend work for meetings, presentations, and out-of-town travel may be required.
• Some site visits throughout the community may be required.
• In-person attendance at evening meetings is required.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Pay: $9, $10,920.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person