Communications Advisor

Position Description

HSD’s Legislative & External Affairs (LEA) team is hiring a Communications Strategic Advisor (SA2) to help shape and deliver clear, human‑centered communication about the City of Seattle’s homelessness prevention and response efforts in partnership with the department’s Homelessness division. As the main communications support for the Homelessness division, this role will become a trusted subject‑matter communications lead and help translate complex, fast‑moving homelessness response operations into timely and accurate communications for residents, partners, media, and elected officials.

Communications coordination and support for Seattle City Council on homelessness‑related topics will also be central to this role. The SA2’s portfolio covers eviction prevention response, outreach services, efforts to connect unsheltered neighbors to shelter and services, and other homelessness response investments, including the City’s partnership with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and initiatives to build, relocate, and preserve shelter, including activation of City facilities during severe weather emergencies.

• Draft, edit, and publish a steady stream of communications products, including press releases, media materials, blog posts, one‑pagers, FAQs, briefings, web content, and social media campaigns.
• Translate complex information into plain‑language, human‑centered messaging for the public and stakeholders.

• Serve as a key contributor on media responses, including drafting statements, reactive lines, Q&As, and background materials.
• Coordinate review and approval across appropriate City partners to ensure communications are factually accurate, aligned, and meet deadlines.
• Support proactive media opportunities that elevate impact and outcomes.

• Collaborate on constituent and stakeholder response coordinating input across multiple departments and subject‑matter experts.
• Draft and/or finalize responses to Council offices ensuring messaging is consistent, responsive, and aligned with City leadership communications expectations.
• Support Council engagement by preparing brief, high‑impact presentations, talking points, one‑pagers, and briefing materials.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, social science, public relations, journalism, or a related field; or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably with a focus on social issues or public policy; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

The pay range for this opportunity is $56.57 – $84.88 an hour. The position is open until filled, with the first resume pull date expected to be February 3, 2026.

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following:

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
• Supplemental questionnaire response.
• Optional but encouraged:
  Portfolio of recent work.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, which may include a detailed background check, pre‑placement physical exam, and/or full driver’s abstract, dependent upon position.

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.

This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different viewpoints and life experiences. Your application will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religion or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 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.