Communications Director

Mayor Katie Wilson’s election was powered by thousands of people from every corner of Seattle who came together around a shared vision that it's time for something new — something more hopeful, more just, and more equitable. A vision that we can tackle big challenges and carry out ambitious projects. That we can take on the affordability crisis, bring people inside, and make our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  

As a coalition builder, she understands that we're in this together. No matter what neighborhood you live in, where you grew up, or how much money you make, you have a right to be here and to live a dignified life. She regularly reminds Seattleites every day that “This is your City.” 

To achieve this new kind of participatory and inclusive governance, Mayor Wilson seeks a seasoned Communications Director who can translate the Mayor’s policy agenda, vision, and values into a public narrative that connects with everyday people in Seattle and engages them in their city government. 

The Communications Director reports to the Deputy Mayor, is an integral member of the Mayor’s Senior Leadership team, and serves as the Mayor’s chief communications advisor. The Director leads a multi-disciplinary communications team that covers all aspects of public communications: media relations, digital and social media channels, speech writing, website and blog development, constituent services and communication, and internal employee communication. They will work in a fast-paced office, communicating daily with Seattle residents, visitors, and workers.   

The Communications Director will join the Wilson team after a three-month interim leadership period in which a strong foundation of systems and strategy has been developed. We are looking for a Communications Director ready to step into this program and drive execution with our talented team. 

This is an exciting moment for municipal leadership. Progressive Mayors elected across the country are driving agendas focused on affordability and sustainability. Join us to help tell Seattle’s story of what is possible when we work together to translate this vision into action.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Strategic Communications Leadership:
  • Executing Mayor’s Office communications in alignment with established core values, policy priorities, and messages
  • Guiding media relations, including messaging, interview preparation, and press engagement
  • Supporting drafting and review of press releases, statements, advisories, and other public-facing materials in strong partnership with subject matter staff
  • Monitoring emerging issues and developing rapid response strategies
  • Guiding an interactive social media strategy, including core audiences, stories, tone, and brand, for the creative team to drive 
  • Developing and managing internal communications that keep the City’s workforce informed, engaged, and aligned with the Mayor’s vision, fostering transparency, connection, and shared purpose across departments
  • Overseeing Citywide branding and communications, rapid response during Citywide emergencies, and Citywide communications initiatives such as Plain Language and ADA Accessibility
• Communications Systems and Processes:
  • Maintaining strong internal systems for planning, content development, review, and approvals
  • Overseeing workflows for proactive communications, rapid response, and interdepartmental coordination
  • Creating or refining tools, templates, and protocols that improve efficiency and consistency
• Communications Support and Training:
  • Working directly with the Mayor on narrative development, message discipline, and public speaking preparation
  • Coaching senior leadership as needed to enhance clarity, tone, and effectiveness in high-priority engagements
  • Directing and approving briefing materials, talking points, and messaging guidance for major events and decisions in partnership with subject matter Directors and staff
  • Briefing and staffing the Mayor at community and media events, and during interviews
  • Coordinating relevant communications trainings for Mayor’s Office staff
• Communications Team Management and Support:
  • Providing mentorship and operational support to the six-member Communications Team 
  • Strengthening team coordination, prioritization, and workflow management
  • Maintaining a collaborative and organized team environment that supports high-quality, timely, and creative communications
  • Building upon the capacity of Cabinet members to represent the Mayor’s vision with clarity and confidence, strengthening citywide alignment in public communication.
• Senior Leadership Team Participation:
  • Serving as a member of the Mayor’s Senior Leadership Team
  • Offering strategic insight into issues management, narrative alignment, and proactive communication opportunities
  • Building a strong partnership with the Director of Community Relations and a collaborative culture across the communications and community relations teams
  • Partnering with Cabinet members and city department communications leads to ensure congruent, timely, and aligned citywide messaging 
• Collaboration and Relationship Building:
  • Working collaboratively with departmental communicators to amplify programs, services, and initiatives, ensuring residents and workers receive timely, accurate information.
  • Building and maintaining strong reciprocal relationships with local and national media and, along with the Press Secretary, serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Mayor and the City of Seattle

In addition to the ability to perform the tasks described above, you’ll be most prepared to successfully take on this role with a combination of the following: 

• Skills:
  • Operating with clarity and calm 
  • Leading a communications strategy in a political space
  • Utilizing systems to manage a complex communications enterprise
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships, particularly with the press
  • Using data to support decision-making in a communications context 
  • Communicating with a race and social justice lens
• Vision:
  • Strategic clarity about mass communications strategies directly to and with the public
  • Clear vision about progressive governance
  • Storytelling and strong narrative capacity
• Experience:
  • Stabilizing and strengthening communications functions
  • Managing a communications team, including supporting staff growth, holding a team accountable for their performance, maintaining clear lines of responsibility, and building a welcoming, inclusive team environment
  • Working with and inside government
  • Providing guidance to leadership and acting as a trusted expert in public-facing communications
  • Delivering quality content under time constraints while maintaining attention to detail
  • Serving as a media liaison 
  • Developing content for engagement with media (such as talking points, press releases, responses to inquiries, speeches, etcetera) 
• Abilities:
  • Communicating nuance with sensitive and politically controversial topics 
  • Maintaining alignment with Mayor’s Office goals and key priorities
  • Resolving conflicts and incorporating lessons learned going forward
  • Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets 
  • Working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines every day

This position is classified as an Executive 3. It is exempt from FLSA (not eligible for overtime), as well as exempt from the Civil Service system. The full pay range for this position is $78.96 - $130.31 per hour. The salary range for this individual position has been identified as $101.43 - $104.64 per hour. 

The first round of interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 and Friday, August 14, 2026. Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Finalists will meet with the communications team the week of August 24. Interviews are planned to take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.

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 Lindsey King at [email protected] to request accommodation.

This is an in-person position. Employees will be expected to be in-office five days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor. 

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

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. Please select an option under the “Most Employee Benefits” heading.

Why work at the City? 

At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s 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 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll 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!

Please note: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please:

• Provide thoughtful and accurate responses to all supplemental questions
• Attach a PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle’s 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. 

This position is open to all applicants that demonstrate alignment with the skills and experience described above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. 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. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at [email protected].