Communications Officer

Full Job Description

Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful?

Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community to Seattle’s Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department as a Communications Officer.

Join us in transforming the delivery of public safety services.

The Community Assisted Response and Engagement Communications Department is seeking a Communications Officer to develop and implement strategic communications for the Department.

The successful applicant will have the expertise to manage public relations, media relations, media response, digital media, internal and external communications.

Additionally, you will be an expert in the tools and platforms used in communications, including webpage management, newsletters, and social media platforms and contributes to a master communication plan that aligns with the strategic initiatives of CARE.

Requirements

• Works under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Public Affairs & Policy.
• Serves as a spokesperson for CARE to the media by reinforcing the positions and perspectives of the Department.
• Develops and implements a communication strategy that includes media outreach and social media content creation.
• Researches and writes press releases, and content for the CARE website, infographics, blogs, and newsletters.
• Acquires and maintains a detailed knowledge of the CARE policies, principles, and strategies, and keeps up to date with relevant developments.
• Prepares and collaborates in the coordination of press conferences, and event planning.
• Supports and evaluates results of communication campaigns with the public affairs team.
• Works with key internal players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with the values and mission of CARE.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the media community and key external players.
• Manages the daily incoming media inquiries and develops responses with subject matter experts.
• Prepares media releases and distributes them to print, electronic and social media. Posts releases on the CARE website.
• Owns and manages public facing webpage and web design.
• Acts as a point of contact for public information requests and or complaints.
• Maintains composure in a high-pressure environment with politically sensitive, complex situations. Acts with discretion, maintaining confidentiality, and seeking and following legal guidance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Safety, Public Policy or a related area, AND three years of experience working in public or private communications.

OR

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

*Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background investigation.*

Additional Information

The Ideal Candidate Should Possess:

• Command of social media platforms with exceptional public speaking and writing skills.
• A strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail, working well under pressure, and meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of Web and SharePoint site management systems and basic graphic design.
• Self-motivated and organized, with a keen interest in driving strategic messages to key internal and external stakeholders.
• Content writing experience for all media platforms and proven social media and networking expertise.
• Knowledge or familiarity working in public safety—from various systems and responders to relevant privacy concerns.

Additional Information

Work Environment and Physical Demands: CARE has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Hours are flexible based on business needs, including the potential for evening and weekend assignments.

Compensation and Benefits: This position is part of a broadband discretionary pay program. The full salary range for this position is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.

Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program.

More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family members/most-employees-plans.

Race and Social Justice Initiative: The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Application Process: For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the above listed qualifications.
• Attach a writing sample demonstrating your communications writing (e.g., Blog Post or Press Release)

Application Submission Guidelines: All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting.

Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.

The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted.

Background Check Requirements: Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and successful outcome of the background investigation.

Who may apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The CSCC 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.