Legislative Assistant (Part-Time) - Councilmember Rivera

Full Job Description

The Legislative Department has an outstanding opportunity for a 24-hours per week Legislative Assistant – Communications to join the Office of Councilmember Maritza Rivera, Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhoods Committee for District 4 (Wallingford, University District, Roosevelt, Wedgwood, Laurelhurst, Ravenna, View Ridge, Windermere).

This is a dynamic, fast paced, and highly collaborative environment that provides an opportunity to demonstrate strong strategic communications and storytelling skills; social media expertise; and the ability to quickly draft press releases, statements and newsletters that elevate the Councilmember’s priorities.

This role also requires clear, professional and timely communication with constituents to help address their concerns and requests.

The position requires a self-starter with exceptional communication skills, a talent for creating compelling content, and proven experience managing and growing social media platforms.

This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent organization, the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-changing environment, and discretion with confidential matters.

This position is part of collaborative, hard-working office where teamwork and individual responsibility are valued. The office is comprised of four staff members, with this position reporting directly to the Councilmember. This at-will appointment serves at the discretion of the Councilmember.

The initial review of applications will take place for those received by Tuesday, April 14, at 4:00 pm Pacific Time. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, and the position will remain open until filled.

YOU WILL BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION IF YOU:

• Have proven experience shaping and executing communications strategies for public officials, organizations, or brands.
• Can become deeply knowledgeable in the Councilmember’s portfolio of departments, priorities, and accomplishments.
• Have ability to anticipate news cycles and generate coverage of Councilmember’s policies and legislation
• Can manage many tasks at once, absorb large amounts of information, and prioritize effectively.
• Have demonstrated skill in managing and growing social media accounts.
• Bring creativity and sound judgment to content creation and message development.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, constantly shifting environment and can pivot at a moment’s notice when the need arises.

Requirements

Communications and Public Relations Functions

• Key contributor in planning, development, and implementation of communications strategies that support the Councilmember’s priorities.
• Draft clear, compelling, and timely written materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, community updates, and web content.
• Help respond to constituent concerns and requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage Councilmember’s social media platforms, including content creation, posting, monitoring, analytics, and growing engagement.
• Manage digital newsletters, including drafting original content, designing layouts, and tracking performance metrics.
• Help respond to press inquiries, prepare background material, and ensure accurate and consistent messaging.
• Capture and edit photos and short videos for use on social media and digital platforms.
• Assist in maintaining a consistent and strategic communications voice and brand for the office.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the general scope of the Legislative Assistant -Communications position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.

Qualifications

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, a strong candidate might also have prior experience that offers similar knowledge, skills, and abilities (or a combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform this role):

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, political or issue-based campaigns, or related field.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, track projects, and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision or oversight.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and remain calm under pressure; a track record of reliability, hard work, cooperative style, the ability to contribute as a team player and also work independently.
• A portfolio or track record showing increased social media engagement, audience growth, or influence building.
• Experience working for an elected official, executive or similar public facing role.
• Ability to remain steady under pressure while exercising confidentiality and discretion.
• A reliable, hardworking, collaborative, and proactive work style.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, and proficiency with social media management and video editing tools and content creation platforms.

Additional Information

The initial review of applications will take place for those received by Tuesday, April 14, at 4:00 pm Pacific Time. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, and the position will remain open until filled. Qualified candidates may be invited to interview as early as May 4, 2026.

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThis position is classified as Legislative Assistant and is exempt from the Seattle Civil Service System.

The full salary range for this classification is $22.48 - $76.53 per hour.

The salary range for this part-time position has been identified as $35.00 - $39.00 per hour, based on a 24-hour workweek, which equates to an annual salary range of $43,848 - $48,859.20.

Additionally, the City 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.

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.

The Legislative Department works collectively to realize the City’s vision of racial equity. WORK ENVIRONMENTThis position will be onsite at Seattle City Hall located at 600 Fourth Ave.

2nd Floor, Seattle, WA. WHY WORK AT THE CITYThe 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.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete a NEOGOV online application and supplemental questionnaire.
2. Attach a PDF of your cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

3. Attach a PDF of your resume.

Applications received without the requested materials will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please email the hiring team at LEG_Careers@seattle.gov