Senior Public Relations Specialist - Temporary

Senior Public Relations Specialist

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.
Job Responsibilities

In this assignment, you will coordinate, develop, and monitor public relations and communication activities for OED. Responsibilities will include:
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 include the OED Year in Review report and the Small Business Handbook
You will be successful in this role if you have:
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
Photography skills and familiarity with GovDelivery or Nuix are nice to have (not required)
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.
Qualifications

In addition to the ability to perform the work above, you must possess the following 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
Additional Information

This non-benefited temporary assignment is exempt from the Civil Service and is overtime-eligible. Non-benefits-eligible temporary workers receive premium pay in lieu of benefits. This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17 - Professional Unit.
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.
Why work at the City of Seattle? 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 more than 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 will help power a forward-looking city that leads by example—innovative, equitable, inclusive, 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 Here are some tips on applying and interviewing with us (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader). In addition to completing the application fully by the posted deadline at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle, please include:
Resume
Cover letter
2–3 short-form writing samples focused on a business, community organization, or public-service topic
Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.
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 all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Background Check: Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SMC 14.17). 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.