Diversity Recruiters™
Director of Communications - Seattle Housing Authority
Diversity Recruiters™, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
We are seeking a visionary, politically savvy, and mission-driven Director of Communications to lead SHA’s communications strategy and elevate our voice in the community. This is a senior leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and direct execution. The new director will be responsible for revitalizing how SHA engages with stakeholders and tells our story to the public; they are also key to protecting and enhancing the agency’s reputation. Diverse audience engagement is crucial, as we have a wide range of internal and external audiences, including residents, staff, community partners, elected officials, media, and the general public. This is more than a communications job— it’s an opportunity to lead the public voice of an agency that changes lives every day. You will be part of a collaborative leadership team, work on issues that matter deeply to the city, and help shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle. A successful Director of Communications is a forward-thinking, strategic and collaborative leader. The person in this role will have a successful track record of co-creating a team culture that is creative, transparent and agile. The Director will have an authentic commitment to the needs of residents and will foster both curiosity and accountability within the organization. External
Strategic Leadership
– Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports SHA’s mission, priorities, and long-term goals. Message Development & Political Acumen
– Craft clear, compelling messages that reflect nuanced understanding of the political and community landscape, ensuring alignment with agency priorities. Media & Public Relations
– Serve as lead spokesperson; build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets; anticipate and manage high-profile and crisis situations. Raise Human Profile
– Tell our story and the stories of our residents through mass media and collaborations with other agencies and partners. Internal
Team Leadership
– Manage a talented communications team; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture; mentor and develop staff. Build Relationships
– Improve staff connection to executive director and other SHA leaders. Project Management
– Oversee major campaigns, publications, events, and digital initiatives from concept through delivery, ensuring they are on time, on budget, and on message. Break Silos
– Share organizational and departmental priorities and achievements to broad audiences. Build Capacity
– Provide expert support and guidance to other SHA leaders. Skills and Competencies
Proven record of success in senior communications roles, preferably in leading public agencies, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations where public engagement is a central function. Exceptional political judgment and ability to navigate sensitive issues with tact and discretion. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, measurable communications plans and deliver impactful results. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an understanding of audiences possessing varied education, economic, cultural, language and ethnic backgrounds using an appropriate and effective portfolio of communication styles and techniques. Experience managing media relations, crisis communication, social media, and issues management at an executive level. Leadership experience in building high-performing teams, including developing mastery of emerging technologies and techniques. Knowledge of housing, urban policy, or community development is a plus. Ability To
Identify emerging issues and develop strategies aimed at assuring the fulfillment of the agency's mission. Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with audiences possessing varied education, economic, cultural, language, and ethnic backgrounds using an appropriate and effective portfolio of communication styles and techniques. Maintain current knowledge of, and advise on changes to program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions. Effectively use Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Creative Suite (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign) to create web pages, documents, spreadsheets, etc. Work in an office environment, utilize remote work options, as well as work at field sites. Engage and manage contact with dissatisfied, rude, or frustrated individuals. Work in a high stress work pace involving continuous deadline pressure. Experience
Ten years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field, including five years in a leadership position. Bachelor’s degree in communications, or related field (e.g. public relations, political science, etc); however, five additional years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the degree. For more information, please visit: https://www.diversityrecruiters.com/job/director-of-communications/
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We are seeking a visionary, politically savvy, and mission-driven Director of Communications to lead SHA’s communications strategy and elevate our voice in the community. This is a senior leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and direct execution. The new director will be responsible for revitalizing how SHA engages with stakeholders and tells our story to the public; they are also key to protecting and enhancing the agency’s reputation. Diverse audience engagement is crucial, as we have a wide range of internal and external audiences, including residents, staff, community partners, elected officials, media, and the general public. This is more than a communications job— it’s an opportunity to lead the public voice of an agency that changes lives every day. You will be part of a collaborative leadership team, work on issues that matter deeply to the city, and help shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle. A successful Director of Communications is a forward-thinking, strategic and collaborative leader. The person in this role will have a successful track record of co-creating a team culture that is creative, transparent and agile. The Director will have an authentic commitment to the needs of residents and will foster both curiosity and accountability within the organization. External
Strategic Leadership
– Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports SHA’s mission, priorities, and long-term goals. Message Development & Political Acumen
– Craft clear, compelling messages that reflect nuanced understanding of the political and community landscape, ensuring alignment with agency priorities. Media & Public Relations
– Serve as lead spokesperson; build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets; anticipate and manage high-profile and crisis situations. Raise Human Profile
– Tell our story and the stories of our residents through mass media and collaborations with other agencies and partners. Internal
Team Leadership
– Manage a talented communications team; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture; mentor and develop staff. Build Relationships
– Improve staff connection to executive director and other SHA leaders. Project Management
– Oversee major campaigns, publications, events, and digital initiatives from concept through delivery, ensuring they are on time, on budget, and on message. Break Silos
– Share organizational and departmental priorities and achievements to broad audiences. Build Capacity
– Provide expert support and guidance to other SHA leaders. Skills and Competencies
Proven record of success in senior communications roles, preferably in leading public agencies, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations where public engagement is a central function. Exceptional political judgment and ability to navigate sensitive issues with tact and discretion. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, measurable communications plans and deliver impactful results. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an understanding of audiences possessing varied education, economic, cultural, language and ethnic backgrounds using an appropriate and effective portfolio of communication styles and techniques. Experience managing media relations, crisis communication, social media, and issues management at an executive level. Leadership experience in building high-performing teams, including developing mastery of emerging technologies and techniques. Knowledge of housing, urban policy, or community development is a plus. Ability To
Identify emerging issues and develop strategies aimed at assuring the fulfillment of the agency's mission. Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with audiences possessing varied education, economic, cultural, language, and ethnic backgrounds using an appropriate and effective portfolio of communication styles and techniques. Maintain current knowledge of, and advise on changes to program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions. Effectively use Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Creative Suite (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign) to create web pages, documents, spreadsheets, etc. Work in an office environment, utilize remote work options, as well as work at field sites. Engage and manage contact with dissatisfied, rude, or frustrated individuals. Work in a high stress work pace involving continuous deadline pressure. Experience
Ten years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field, including five years in a leadership position. Bachelor’s degree in communications, or related field (e.g. public relations, political science, etc); however, five additional years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the degree. For more information, please visit: https://www.diversityrecruiters.com/job/director-of-communications/
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