Public Records and Disclosure Analyst - Lead

Pierce County; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a Public Disclosure Analyst, Lead to serve as a subject-matter expert on public disclosure, handling complex records requests and guiding departments on procedures.

You will manage the full workflow, stay current on state laws, lead a team, and support transparency for the community.

Qualifications

• Seven years of related experience, including three years in public records work.
• Post-secondary education may substitute for up to four years of experience.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A background check is required as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, confidential responses to complex and sensitive requests.
• Lead complex, multi-departmental public records requests and coordinate resolution with legal, communications, and departmental staff.
• Lead and document comprehensive records searches and investigations with departmental staff to obtain responsive data and documents.
• Oversee the County’s full public disclosure workflow, from intake through release of records.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and compliance with federal, state, and local public records laws, policies, and procedures; assess and monitor risk.
• Research and stay current on changes in state law and apply updates to processes and guidance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures to meet statutory deadlines and track performance metrics.

Skills

Public records

Research

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Description

Summary

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

The Public Disclosure Analyst, Lead serves as a subject-matter expert on public disclosure. In this role, you’ll handle some of the most complex and visible public records requests, conducting research, applying independent judgment, and using technology to locate, gather, review, and produce public records. You’ll also be a trusted resource for the public, internal customers, and the team on public disclosure procedures and requirements. In addition to managing challenging requests, you’ll share your knowledge and provide guidance to department‑assigned Public Records Officers. Your experience and expertise will play an important role in promoting transparency and helping the community better understand the work Pierce County does.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Finance & Enterprise Services Department delivers enterprise‑wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship.

Finance & Enterprise Services staff provide a broad portfolio of high‑impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management.

Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise‑level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities.

The Finance & Enterprise Services Department is focused on creating a culture where employees can help improve service delivery to make a meaningful impact on County operations and the community.

The Department leads with safety, empowerment, and collaboration to create an environment where every person can contribute, challenge ideas, and continuously improve.

Learn more about the Finance & Enterprise Services Department here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

To be successful in this role, you will combine exceptional customer service with the ability to navigate highly complex public records requirements. You will effectively manage competing priorities, evaluate legal risks, and apply the Washington State Public Records Act and related laws to guide countywide practices. A strategic focus on long‑term program goals, team leadership, and organizational needs will help drive continued success for the County.

Your Future in this Role:

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Provide timely, confidential responses to complex and sensitive requests.
• Manage complex, multi‑departmental, and high‑risk public records requests; coordinate resolution of escalated issues with legal, communications, and departmental staff.
• Lead and document comprehensive records searches and investigations, including coordination with departmental staff to obtain responsive data and documents.
• With the Program Manager, oversee the County’s full public disclosure workflow, including intake, evaluation, search, redaction, exemption logging, and release of records.
• Assist the Program Manager to ensure consistent interpretation and compliance with federal, state, and local public records laws, policies, and procedures; assess and monitor risk.
• Research and stay current on changes in state law and apply updates to processes and guidance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures to meet statutory deadlines and track performance metrics.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Post‑secondary education may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Seven years of related experience, to include three years of public records work in a government agency or legal setting.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case‑by‑case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.

Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI‑generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job‑related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.