Communications Advisor

The Mayor and City Council are striving to bring Seattle to the top of the list of cities known for positive change innovation and sound financial management. The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is charged with improving the lives of Seattle families by helping children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed providing support so students achieve academically and the achievement gap is reduced and making sure students graduate from high school prepared for college or career. The use of data and personal narratives to tell the story of the DEELs impact toward achieving education equity for Seattle children youth and families is central to our work.

The Communications Advisor will report to the Communications Manager and work in partnership with key department leadership staff and the Mayors Office to broaden awareness of the Departments investments public programs and priorities. We seek a well-rounded contributor to our team with a broad set of capabilities ranging from social media media relations photography video graphic design marketing strategies to project management. The use of data and personal narratives to tell the story of Department of Education and Early Learnings (DEEL) impact toward achieving education equity for Seattle children youth and families is central to our work.

Heres more about what youll be doing:

Your top priorities will be:

• Media relations
• Social media management
• External affairs event scheduling and presentation preparation

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Working as an integral member of the DEEL communications and external affairs team to highlight work done by DEELs service divisions and share program information with the public
• Leading the departments media relations strategy including relationships with key media outlets advertisement buys and coverage of DEEL work in print web video and other formats
• Managing and maintaining DEELs social media accounts (Facebook Twitter)
• Managing department listserv (GovDelivery) and producing quarterly newsletter
• Developing and managing communications plans for key department activities such as funding opportunities program enrollment investment announcements and legislation
• Supporting regular communication functions such as website maintenance (CMS/Ingenuix blog) email inbox monitoring media monitoring SharePoint site construction stakeholder engagement meetings (in-person and virtual) photography videography and graphic design
• Convening and facilitating community engagement meetings (in-person virtual and webinars)
• Representing DEEL as spokesperson in meetings and media interviews

• Supporting major projects including the preparation of Families Education Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy Oversight Committee (LOC) and City Council presentations
• Developing a Language Access Plan to promote equitable access to Department resources cradle-to-career
• Cultivating of the Departments relationship with community-based in-language and ethnic media outlets

• Providing customer service to City colleagues and the general public on matters related to department business

You will be most successful if you have experience in a broad set of areas including social media media relations visual content creation marketing strategies and project management. A commitment to listening creating space for diverse perspectives and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success. Specifically youll be prepared to take on this role if you have a combination of the following:

Skills and Knowledge:

• Communicating clearly and effectively in person and through written communication preferably in cross-cultural contexts
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines

• Race and social justice issues content expertise or prior experience in education-related fields a plus
• Photography videography or graphic design

The ability to:

• Work with the following programs: Microsoft Suite Adobe Suite Indesign Powerpoint GovDelivery Ingenuix/CMS platforms WordPress WebEx Zoom and social media platforms (Facebook Twitter).
• Generate creative solutions to problems by identifying available resources and working collaboratively.
• Navigate and adapt to dynamic political environments.

This full-time (1.0 FTE) position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1 Exempt. It is exempt from FLSA (not eligible for overtime) and the Civil Service System.

Pay: The full salary range for this position is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. The salary for this individual role has been identified between $66.00-$68.00 per hour.

Working Schedule. This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three days a week.

Hiring Timeline: Interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for August 10-14 2026 with a second round scheduled for August 17-21 2026.

Accommodations: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Sandra Wong at to request accommodation.

Benefits: 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 Citys website at: Please select an option under the Most Employee Benefits heading.

Why work at the CityAt the City of Seattle public service is more than a job; its a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works lives or plays in our city. With 12000 employees across 40 departments and 1100 job titles we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role youll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example inclusive innovative equitable and community-focused while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday July 28 2026.To be considered for this position in addition to completing your application fully please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• Cover Letter

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We encourage you to review the City of Seattles Application and Interviewing Tips Guide which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates who demonstrate alignment with the skills and experience described above.

Questions:If you have questions please contact Sandra Wong at .