Job Description
The City of Tacoma's City Manager's Office is recruiting a full-time Chief Policy Analyst to the Mayor. This senior-level position supports the Mayor's executive decision-making by conducting responsive, data-driven research and analysis on emerging issues.
The role involves drafting policy briefs, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, and presentations that require discretion, judgment, and political awareness. The Chief Policy Analyst also serves as a liaison to the City Council and must work efficiently under tight deadlines with confidential information.
This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to having an immediate and lasting impact on the Tacoma community.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $105,643 - $148,741 per year.
Qualification
Candidates must have the ability to work under tight deadlines, handle confidential information, and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. Political astuteness and sensitivity to potentially controversial issues are essential.
- Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Experience handling confidential information.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and residents.
- Political astuteness and sensitivity to issues or requests with potential for controversy.
- Experience in policy research and analysis.
- Ability to draft high-quality policy briefs, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, and presentations.
- Discretion and judgment in communications.
- Experience serving as a liaison to elected officials or councils preferred.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct responsive, data-driven research and analysis to support the Mayor’s executive-level decision-making.
- Prepare clear recommendations on emerging issues.
- Draft high-quality policy briefs, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, presentations, and other communications.
- Exercise discretion, judgment, and political awareness in all communications.
- Serve as a liaison to the City Council.
- Work with confidential information and maintain confidentiality.
- Build and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and residents.
Conditions & Requirements
- Full-time employment with the City of Tacoma.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
- Political astuteness and sensitivity to controversial issues.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of $105,643 - $148,741 per year.
- Opportunity to have immediate and lasting impact on the community.
- Work in a dedicated team passionate about public service.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Online application review.
- Supplemental questions assessment.
- Possible phone or in-person interview.
- Reference checks.
- Background check.
Required Documents
- Completed online application.
- Completed supplemental questions.
- Resume (optional but recommended).
- Cover letter (optional but recommended).
How to Apply
- To apply, visit the City of Tacoma's careers portal on the official application portal. Create or to your applicant account. Complete the online application and all supplemental questions. Attach any optional documents such as a resume or cover letter. Review your application for accuracy and submit before the deadline of August 10, 2026.
Additional Information
- This position is classified as a Policy Analyst, Senior.
- The role is based at 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3764.
- The City of Tacoma is an equal opportunity employer.
- Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- For questions about the position, contact the City Manager's Office.
- The deadline for applications is August 10, 2026.
About Company
The City of Tacoma is a municipal government serving over 200,000 residents in Washington state. It operates through various departments including the City Manager's Office, which oversees policy development and implementation. This role directly supports the Mayor, making it a key position in shaping city policy.
Tacoma offers a dynamic work environment focused on community impact and innovation. City of Tacoma is named as the hiring organisation for the Chief Policy Analyst to the Mayor post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.