Citywide PR Lead: Equity-Focused Communications (Temp)

The Office of Economic Development (OED) drives inclusive and equitable economic growth so every Seattle resident can access quality jobs, thriving businesses, and opportunities for prosperity. We partner across communities, industries, and City departments to coordinate strategies, tell the story of our work, and ensure economic development resources reach the people and small businesses who need them most.

We are seeking a

Senior Public Relations Specialist

for a temporary assignment to support OED’s citywide communications, public relations initiatives, media engagement, and strategic messaging. This role reports to the Communications Director and plays a key part in elevating the department’s voice, managing high-impact communication projects, and ensuring consistent messaging across audiences, including elected officials, media, community organizations, and the broader public.

This assignment runs through

February 1, 2027 , with standard Monday–Friday hours and some local travel for interviews, events, and field-based storytelling.

Responsibilities

Planning, designing, and coordinating the production of a wide range of public relations materials

Creating tactical content for elected officials, media, external partners, community organizations, and the public

Leading communication and outreach campaigns, including ethnic media coordination

Managing key communication platforms such as websites, blogs, newsletters, social media, and listservs

Supporting media relations as the primary back-up to the Communications Director, including responding to media inquiries, writing press releases, and preparing talking points

Supporting strategic communication planning with program teams to synthesize complex content and shape cohesive, department-wide messaging

Leading and supporting communications project management across major campaigns, launches, and interdepartmental initiatives

Major Upcoming Projects

OED Year in Review report

Small Business Handbook

Qualifications

Strong writing skills across formats—press releases, blogs, executive remarks, reports, and talking points

Demonstrated experience in communications project management with multiple stakeholders

Experience fielding and responding to media inquiries and knowledge of media relations best practices

The ability to synthesize complex information and tell unified, impactful stories across programs and audiences

A commitment to equity‑centered storytelling, including the ability to thoughtfully and accurately elevate the experiences and successes of BIPOC small businesses and communities

Strong collaboration skills; this role regularly partners with 5–6 program teams

Comfort managing website updates and coordinating revisions (WordPress experience helpful)

A detail‑oriented, curious mindset with an ability to ask questions and propose creative solutions

Nice to have (not required)

Photography skills

Familiarity with GovDelivery or Nuix

Minimum qualifications

Four years of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or other fields involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials

OR three years of such professional experience AND an Associate degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, or a related field

OR two years of such professional experience AND a Bachelor’s degree in similar fields

Pay Rate

The full salary range for a Temporary Senior Public Relations Specialist is $49.25 – $57.31 per hour, with a starting rate of $49.25 per hour.

Background Check

Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance. Applicants will be provided the opportunity to explain or correct background information. Employment is contingent upon verification of credentials and successful completion of the background check.

Accommodations & Hiring Questions

Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or to request accommodations.

Who may apply

This temporary assignment is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. 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 encourages people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences to apply.

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