Director of External Affairs

Overview

Director of External Affairs — City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). Reports to the Department Director and provides leadership to a team of 3-4 FTEs. Works in a large, dynamic, cross-functional environment to manage public affairs programs, communications, and related strategies with a focus on racial equity.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and delegate duties to implement a large-scale strategic communications and external affairs program and related projects.
• Develop and implement organizational plans and plans specific to business areas; lead staff through planning and implementation activities.
• Provide strategic direction for marketing campaigns and define scope, methods, metrics, and reporting activities.
• Align work with HSD’s racial equity and social justice values; address racial, structural, and institutional bias to reduce disparities.
• Analyze audience segments, define messaging, and drive strategic public affairs initiatives.
• Determine public affairs strategy for controversial matters and emergency/crisis communications; establish mechanisms for timely sourcing of success stories and factual information for communications.
• Lead media relations as HSD’s point of contact with reporters; manage proactive and reactive media engagement; write and distribute news materials; monitor coverage.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders and elected officials; conduct research and analysis to shape decisions and actions.
• Ensure accessibility and clarity of content; oversee social media, digital communications, and department website; produce content for newsletters, blogs, and web.
• Lead community engagement efforts; promote stakeholder involvement and public input to inform actions and decisions.
• Define legislative affairs strategy and actions.
• Mentor and develop staff; demonstrate agile leadership and a culture of change, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience).
• Experience: At least seven years in strategic communications or external affairs in a large mission-driven organization or government setting; two years leading and supervising staff.
• Required Skills: Strong strategic writing and presentation skills; ability to analyze issues, solve problems, and work in a politically sensitive environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines; proven use of social media, marketing techniques, and managing sensitive communications.
• Required Commitment: Passion for public service, commitment to diversity and integrity.
• Certification/License: None.

• Master’s degree in a field related to job duties.
• Eight+ years of experience managing similar work in a large public sector agency.
• Three years leading and supervising staff.
• Experience as a media relations officer with diverse communities.
• Certifications or training in strategic communications, advocacy, marketing, or related areas.

Additional Information

Hiring Process: Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit: online application, current résumé, and cover letter. Employment offers are contingent on verification of information, background check, pre-placement physical exam, and driver’s abstract.