Role Description
The Office of Economic Development (OED) drives inclusive and equitable economic growth so every Seattle resident can access quality jobs, thriving businesses, and opportunities for prosperity. We partner across communities, industries, and City departments to coordinate strategies, tell the story of our work, and ensure economic development resources reach the people and small businesses who need them most.
We are seeking a Senior Public Relations Specialist for a temporary assignment to support OED’s citywide communications, public relations initiatives, media engagement, and strategic messaging. This role reports to the Communications Director and plays a key part in elevating the department’s voice, managing high-impact communication projects, and ensuring consistent messaging across audiences, including elected officials, media, community organizations, and the broader public. This assignment runs through February 1, 2027, with standard Monday–Friday hours and some local travel for interviews, events, and field-based storytelling.
Job Responsibilities
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Planning, designing, and coordinating the production of a wide range of public relations materials
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Creating tactical content for elected officials, media, external partners, community organizations, and the public
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Leading communication and outreach campaigns, including ethnic media coordination
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Managing key communication platforms such as websites, blogs, newsletters, social media, and listservs
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Supporting media relations as the primary back-up to the Communications Director, including responding to media inquiries, writing press releases, and preparing talking points
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Supporting strategic communication planning with program teams to synthesize complex content and shape cohesive, department-wide messaging
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Leading and supporting communications project management across major campaigns, launches, and interdepartmental initiatives
Major Upcoming Projects
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OED Year in Review report
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Small Business Handbook
You will be successful in this role if you have:
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Strong writing skills across formats—press releases, blogs, executive remarks, reports, and talking points
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Demonstrated experience in communications project management with multiple stakeholders
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Experience fielding and responding to media inquiries and knowledge of media relations best practices
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The ability to synthesize complex information and tell unified, impactful stories across programs and audiences
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A commitment to equity-centered storytelling, including the ability to thoughtfully and accurately elevate the experiences and successes of BIPOC small businesses and communities
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Strong collaboration skills; this role regularly partners with 5–6 program teams
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Comfort managing website updates and coordinating revisions (WordPress experience helpful)
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A detail-oriented, curious mindset with an ability to ask questions and propose creative solutions
Nice to have (not required):
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Photography skills
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Familiarity with GovDelivery or Nuix
Qualifications
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Four years of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or other fields involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials
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OR Three years of such professional experience AND an Associate degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, or a related field
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OR Two years of such professional experience AND a Bachelor’s degree in similar fields
Requirements
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This non-benefited temporary assignment is exempt from the Civil Service and is overtime-eligible.
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Non-benefits-eligible temporary workers receive premium pay in lieu of benefits.
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This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17 - Professional Unit.
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The full salary range for a Temporary Senior Public Relations Specialist is $49.25 – $57.31 per hour, with a starting rate of $49.25 per hour.
Application Process
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In addition to completing the application fully by the posted deadline at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle, please include:
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Resume
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Cover letter
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2–3 short-form writing samples focused on a business, community organization, or public-service topic
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The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications.
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Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.
Who may apply:
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This temporary assignment is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
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The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.
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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.
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The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Background Check:
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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).
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Applicants will be provided the opportunity to explain or correct background information.
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Employment is contingent upon verification of credentials and successful completion of the background check.
Accommodations & Hiring Questions:
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Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or to request accommodations.
