Director of External Affairs

Overview Director of External Affairs — City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). Reports to the Department Director and provides leadership to a team of 3-4 FTEs. Works in a large, dynamic, cross-functional environment to manage public affairs programs, communications, and related strategies with a focus on racial equity. Responsibilities Direct, manage, and delegate duties to implement a large-scale strategic communications and external affairs program and related projects. Develop and implement organizational plans and plans specific to business areas; lead staff through planning and implementation activities. Provide strategic direction for marketing campaigns and define scope, methods, metrics, and reporting activities. Align work with HSD’s racial equity and social justice values; address racial, structural, and institutional bias to reduce disparities. Analyze audience segments, define messaging, and drive strategic public affairs initiatives. Determine public affairs strategy for controversial matters and emergency/crisis communications; establish mechanisms for timely sourcing of success stories and factual information for communications. Lead media relations as HSD’s point of contact with reporters; manage proactive and reactive media engagement; write and distribute news materials; monitor coverage. Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders and elected officials; conduct research and analysis to shape decisions and actions. Ensure accessibility and clarity of content; oversee social media, digital communications, and department website; produce content for newsletters, blogs, and web. Lead community engagement efforts; promote stakeholder involvement and public input to inform actions and decisions. Define legislative affairs strategy and actions. Mentor and develop staff; demonstrate agile leadership and a culture of change, accountability, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience). Experience: At least seven years in strategic communications or external affairs in a large mission-driven organization or government setting; two years leading and supervising staff. Required Skills: Strong strategic writing and presentation skills; ability to analyze issues, solve problems, and work in a politically sensitive environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines; proven use of social media, marketing techniques, and managing sensitive communications. Required Commitment: Passion for public service, commitment to diversity and integrity. Certification/License: None. Desired Qualifications: Master’s degree in a field related to job duties. Eight+ years of experience managing similar work in a large public sector agency. Three years leading and supervising staff. Experience as a media relations officer with diverse communities. Certifications or training in strategic communications, advocacy, marketing, or related areas. Additional Information Hiring Process: Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit: online application, current résumé, and cover letter. Employment offers are contingent on verification of information, background check, pre-placement physical exam, and driver’s abstract. #J-18808-Ljbffr