Communications Officer

Position Description

Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful? Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community and join us in transforming the delivery of public safety services!

SCD is hiring a Communications Officer (SA1) to help develop and deliver clear, transparent communications about public safety and first response efforts in partnership with the department’s 911 Center and Diversified Response divisions.

This role will become a trusted subject matter communications lead that helps translate the complex, urgent nature, and diverse world of first response into transparent and accurate communications for residents, partners, media, and elected officials. This position works directly with the Chief of CARE and under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff and Executive Team. They serve as a key advisor on behalf of CARE to city officials – including the mayor’s office, city council, major stakeholders, and senior officials of other public safety agencies.

Job Responsibilities

Communications and Public Affairs Strategy and Deliverables

• Plans, coordinates, and manages CARE’s integrated strategic external and internal communications strategy and public relations functions.
• Draft, edit and publish consistent communications products for distribution, including press releases, newsletters, website content, social media campaigns, live interviews, blogs, FAQs, and briefings.
• Translate complex information into plain-language, objective and transparent messaging for the public and stakeholders.
• Key advisor and contributor to department website content, design, development, and audits.
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership for marketing and online services to create and communicate CARE’s messages and ensure overall continuity of organizational brand consistency and image.
• Supports and evaluates results of communication campaigns with the team.

Events and Planning

• Attends speaking engagements, press conferences, community outreach, exhibitions, press tours, photo opportunities, etc. as required.
• Conducts in-depth research, prepare presentations, and coordinate logistics for the appointing authority and senior COS officials to ensure smooth and successful events.
• Leads as technical expert in public speaking and assists with writing and editing internal or external speeches

Public and Media Relations

• Manages incoming media inquiries and develops responses with subject matter experts.
• Acts as a point of contact for public information requests and or complaints.
• Develops and maintains relationships with media community, internal, and key external agencies/organizations or groups that are important to effective communications with the CARE department.

Legislative and Stakeholder Support

• Collaborate on constituent and community partner response while coordinating with Executive leadership and across multiple departments and/or subject matter experts
• Draft and/or finalize responses to stakeholders, city council and/or regional partners ensuring messaging is consistent, responsive, and aligned with City leadership communications expectations.

General Duties

• Support the promotion and communications of public safety related events and activities, as well as issues relevant to the CARE department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Safety, Public Policy OR a related field
• Minimum three years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably with a focus on working in public or private communications.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background investigation.

OR: An equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position’s duties will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Additional Information

The Ideal Candidate Should Possess:

• Exceptional written and oral communications skills, including public speaking and writing experience for all media platforms
• Command of social media and networking expertise.
• Understanding of Web and SharePoint site management systems and basic graphic design.
• Self-motivation with strong organization and project management skills
• A keen interest in driving strategic messages to key internal and external stakeholders.
• Meticulous attention to detail, working well under pressure, and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge or familiarity working in public safety—from various systems and responders to relevant privacy concerns.
• Collaborative and reliable team mentality
• Proven ability to navigate complex relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders

Additional Information

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Work is performed in a busy 24/7 call center environment and public safety field response. Work involves sensitive contact with members of the public via telephone, who are in crisis.

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.

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.

Race and Social Justice Initiative: The City of Seattle recognizes that 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.

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.