Communications Advisor

Position Summary: Communications Advisor

The Seattle Human Services Department's (HSD) Legislative & External Affairs (LEA) team seeks a Communications Advisor (SA2) to lead and deliver clear, human-centered communication for the City of Seattle’s homelessness prevention and response initiatives. This role is a vital partner to the department’s Homelessness division, serving as the primary communications support.

As the trusted subject matter communications lead for the Homelessness division, you will translate complex, rapidly evolving homelessness response operations into timely and accurate communications for residents, partners, media, and elected officials. A central aspect of this role involves coordinating and supporting the Seattle City Council on homelessness-related topics.

Your portfolio will encompass the department’s eviction prevention efforts, outreach services, and initiatives to connect unsheltered neighbors with shelter and services. This includes other homelessness response investments, such as the City’s partnership with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and projects to build, relocate, and preserve shelter, including the activation of City facilities during severe weather emergencies.

Job Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy and Deliverables: Draft, edit, and publish a consistent flow of communication 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 public and stakeholder consumption.
• Media Relations: Act as a key contributor to media responses, crafting statements, reactive lines, Q&As, and background materials. Coordinate review and approval with relevant City partners to ensure all communications are factually accurate, aligned, and meet critical deadlines. Support proactive media opportunities to highlight impact and outcomes.
• City Council and Constituent Liaison Support (Homelessness): Collaborate on constituent and stakeholder responses, coordinating input from multiple departments and subject matter experts. Draft and/or finalize responses for Council offices, ensuring consistent, responsive messaging aligned with City leadership expectations. Prepare brief, high-impact presentations, talking points, one-pagers, and briefing materials to support Council engagement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, social science, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, with a preference for experience focusing on social issues or public policy.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the position duties.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with organizations addressing homelessness.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to navigate complex relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Collaborative and reliable team member.
• An understanding of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Additional Information

The full pay range for this opportunity is $56.57 - $84.88 an hour. This role is open until filled, with the first resume pull date expected by February 3rd, 2026.

Key skills/competency

• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Content Creation
• Strategic Communications
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Policy Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Government Affairs
• Social Media Strategy
• Project Management