Strategic Communications and External Affairs Advisor (SA2, Exempt)

Position Description

About the Human Services Department 

The Seattle Human Services Department's (HSD) mission is to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work and take part in strong, healthy communities. As Seattle continues to grow and evolve, HSD remains committed to addressing immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable, equitable social well-being. We prioritize collaboration with trusted organizations to deliver impactful services, applying a results-based accountability framework to ensure our strategies achieve meaningful, long-lasting outcomes. HSD focuses on six impact areas: Preparing Youth for Success, Supporting Affordability and Livability, Addressing Homelessness, Promoting Public Health, Supporting Safe Communities, and Promoting Healthy Aging.

Position Summary:  

The Strategic Communications and Council Affairs Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2) will sit on the Legislative and External Affairs (LEA) team at HSD.  The LEA team is dedicated to fostering connections and building understanding around HSD’s mission to support Seattle’s most vulnerable communities. LEA aligns external affairs with the department’s goals and values, prioritizing racial equity, social justice, and resilience. Key components of the LEA team include Strategic Communications, Marketing and Public Relations, Government Relations, Community Outreach, and Strategic Advising. 

The Strategic Communications and Council Affairs Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2) will play a critical role in advancing HSD’s mission by leading communication and engagement efforts that build understanding, trust, and support for our programs. Reporting to the Director of Legislative & External Affairs, this role serves as a key point of contact for City Council. This role also supports HSD’s goals through strategic outreach, fostering strong relationships with community members, external and internal stakeholders, and policymakers. Using a racial equity lens, this role ensures HSD’s voice is clear, consistent, and impactful, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable and historically underserved communities in Seattle. 

To be competitive for this role, you must have the following:  

• A proven record of providing strategic guidance to executives and elected officials 
• Experience advancing a human services mission 
• Aligning communications with organizational priorities 
• Expertise in navigating relationships across City, regional, and state agencies, as well as non-profit organizations 
• Demonstrating strong skills in both media relations and community engagement 

To be successful in this role, you must:  

• Be driven by a commitment to public service and a passion for building stronger, more equitable communities 
• Value and champion a diverse workforce, respecting a wide range of perspectives and experiences 

Job Responsibilities

City Council Liaison 

• Managing Relationships with City Council 
• You will serve as the primary point of contact between the department and Councilmember staff, Council Central Staff, and City Councilmembers as requested by the Director to ensure effective, clear, and consistent communication. 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Councilmember legislative staff and Central Staff, understanding their priorities and areas of interest. 
• Coordinating Legislative Communications 
• You will facilitate the department’s communication with the City Council on key legislative and budgetary matters, ensuring accurate and timely information sharing. 
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, and responses to requests for information, that are tailored for City Council audiences and provide regular updates on department initiatives and policy impacts. 
• Organize meetings between HSD leadership and subject matter experts with City Councilmembers and staff. 
• Facilitating Legislation Through City Council Process
• You will collaborate with department experts to facilitate the drafting of legislation, fiscal analysis, and law review, ensuring materials are accurate and meet legislative deadlines. 
• Prepare briefings on legislative matters for individual Councilmembers and Council Committees. Respond to questions in a timely manner supporting informed decision making. 
• Coordinate scheduling of Council Bill briefings with Councilmember staff and Council Central Staff to ensure smooth transition through the legislative process. 
• Track each Council Bill’s progress and provide regular updates to department leadership and Mayor’s Office, ensuring alignment with HSD’s mission and priorities 
• Providing Strategic Policy Guidance 
• You will offer insights to department leadership on City Council actions and potential impacts on departmental operations and strategic goals. 
• Analyze legislative and budget developments, advise on responses to Council led inquiries, and assist in shaping the department's legislative agenda in alignment with broader city goals. 

Communications Advisor 

• Developing Policy Related Communication Materials 
• You will craft a variety of communication materials, including presentations, program announcements, and briefing materials for Mayor’s Office and elected officials. 
• Communicate procedural, programmatic, or policy information clearly with an attention to detail. 
• Simplify complex or technical information for broader audiences. 
• Supporting Media Relations 
• You will assist the LEA director with media inquiries, particularly on high profile or complex topics. 
• Draft press releases and media briefings, coordinating with subject matter experts, and preparing staff for media engagements. 
• Collaborate with department leadership, City department partners, and the Mayor’s Office to ensure timely responses to media requests. 
• Providing Strategic Counsel to Senior Leaders 
• You will offer strategic communication advice to department leaders, using your research and subject matter expertise to shape decisions and actions. 
• Understand public policy development and help address challenges to improve outcomes for residents, including vulnerable populations and city stakeholders. 
• Representing the City on Sensitive Matters 
• You will confidently represent the city on complex sensitive and/or controversial issues. 
• Develop expertise on human services topics and engage with stakeholders, responding to community or business inquiries in a timely and organized manner. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Demonstrating Agility and Accountability 
• You will operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, balancing multiple interests and stakeholders while meeting deadlines.  
• Demonstrate self-motivation, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Driving Organizational Culture and Change 
• You will act as a catalyst for positive organizational change, fostering a healthy, growth-oriented work culture. 
• Exhibiting Emotional Intelligence 
• You will model and promote emotionally intelligent behaviors in teamwork, communication, and interpersonal interactions. 
• Commitment to Equity and Social Justice 
• You will be deeply committed to addressing disparities and advancing equity and social justice in all aspects of the role. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field. 
• Equivalent experience or education that provides comparable knowledge and skills may be considered in lieu of a degree. 

Experience 

• Five years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations, including strategic planning, public information, or stakeholder engagement. 
• Experience with policy and government relations in a large organization. 
• Proven experience working with diverse stakeholders such as elected officials, media representatives, community organizations, and cross-departmental teams. 
• Experience in handling complex or sensitive topics in public communications and effectively engaging with the public on issues of high public interest. 

Skills and Knowledge 

• Strong writing and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, and compelling communications tailored for various audiences. 
• Advanced interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including diplomacy and tact when navigating complex or sensitive issues. 
• Understanding of racial equity principles and experience applying these in communication strategies. 
• Analytical skills to provide insights and recommendations that inform decision-making and support the department’s goals. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure. 
• Proficiency in digital communications platforms, including social media and content management systems. 

Desired Qualifications:

Extensive Experience in Government Relations 

• Seven or more years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations, ideally within a government or large public sector organization. 
• Experience working directly with elected officials or government agencies to influence policy, provide strategic counsel, and manage legislative relationships. 

Proven Success in High-Profile Communications 

• Demonstrated ability to manage and execute complex communication strategies involving high-stakes or sensitive topics with high public visibility. 
• Experience serving as a public spokesperson and handling media relations during high-profile events, crises, or emergencies. 

Strong Project Management Skills 

• Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects with competing priorities, from planning to execution, while meeting deadlines. 
• Experience in cross-functional project management, working effectively with internal teams, external partners, and contractors. 

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is: $52.50 - $73.98 Hourly

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

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

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including potential background check.

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.

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  

Effective January 3, 2025, staff are required to be in the office a minimum of three days per week.