Communications Intern
King County
FreshPosted Jan 13
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Communications Advisor
City of Seattle
Human Services Department
Location
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Salary
$56.57 - $84.88
per hour
Type
Full Time
More Communications & Media jobs →Closes
Not specified
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This role involves creating and managing clear, empathetic communications about the City of Seattle's efforts to address homelessness, including outreach, shelter services, and partnerships with local authorities.
The position supports media relations, prepares materials for city council and stakeholders, and translates complex policy issues into simple messages for the public.
It's ideal for someone with experience in public relations who cares about social issues and can work quickly in a fast-paced government environment.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, social science, public relations, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- At least 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or similar role, preferably focused on social issues or public policy
- Ability to draft, edit, and publish communications products like press releases, blog posts, FAQs, web content, and social media campaigns
- Skills in translating complex information into plain-language, human-centered messaging for public and stakeholders
- Experience in media relations, including drafting statements, Q&As, and supporting proactive media opportunities
- Proficiency in coordinating communications across departments, ensuring accuracy and alignment with deadlines
- Ability to support city council and constituent liaison by preparing presentations, talking points, and briefing materials
Full Job Description
HSD’s Legislative & External Affairs (LEA) team is hiring a Communications Strategic Advisor (SA2) to help shape and deliver clear, human-centered communication about the City of Seattle’s homelessness prevention and response efforts in partnership with the department’s Homelessness division.
As the main communications support for the Homelessness division, this role will become a trusted subject matter communications lead, and help translate complex, fast-moving homelessness response operations into timely and accurate communications for residents, partners, media, and elected officials.
In addition, communications coordination and support for Seattle City Council on homelessness related topics will be central to this role.
The SA2’s portfolio will cover the department’s eviction prevention response, outreach services and efforts to connect unsheltered neighbors to shelter and services, and other homelessness response investments, including the City’s partnership with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and initiatives to build, relocate, and preserve shelter including activation of City facilities during severe weather emergencies.
Requirements
Communications Strategy and Deliverables
-Draft, edit, and publish a steady stream of communications products, including press releases, media materials, blog posts, one-pagers, FAQs, briefings, web content, and social media campaigns.
-Translate complex information into plain-language, human-centered messaging for the public and stakeholders.
Media Relations
-Serve as a key contributor on media responses, including drafting statements, reactive lines, Q&As, and background materials.
-Coordinate review and approval across appropriate City partners to ensure communications are factually accurate, aligned, and meet deadlines.
-Support proactive media opportunities that elevate impact and outcomes.
City Council and Constituent Liaison Support (Homelessness)
-Collaborate on constituent and stakeholder response coordinating input across multiple departments and subject matter experts.
-Draft and/or finalize responses to Council offices ensuring messaging is consistent, responsive, and aligned with City leadership communications expectations.
-Support Council engagement by preparing brief, high-impact presentations, talking points, one-pagers, and briefing materials.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, social science, public relations, journalism, OR a related field?OR a combination of education AND/OR training AND/OR experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work
Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably with a focus on social issues or public policy
OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties
Additional Information
The pay range for this opportunity is $56.57 - $84.88 an hour.
*This opportunity is open until filled with the first resume pull date expected to be February 3rd, 2026
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
4. Supplemental questionnaire response
5. Optional but Encouraged: Portfolio of Recent Work
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, which may include a detailed background check, pre-placement physical exam, and/or full driver's abstract, dependent upon position.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
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Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Who may apply: This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different viewpoints and life experiences.
Your application will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
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