Communications Officer

Position Description

Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful? Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community to Seattle’s Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department as a Communications Officer. Join us in transforming the delivery of public safety services. The Community Assisted Response and Engagement Communications Department is seeking a Communications Officer to develop and implement strategic communications for the Department.

The successful applicant will have the expertise to manage public relations, media relations, media response, digital media, internal and external communications. Additionally, you will be an expert in the tools and platforms used in communications, including webpage management, newsletters, and social media platforms and contributes to a master communication plan that aligns with the strategic initiatives of CARE.
Job Responsibilities

• Works under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Public Affairs & Policy.
• Serves as a spokesperson for CARE to the media by reinforcing the positions and perspectives of the Department.
• Develops and implements a communication strategy that includes media outreach and social media content creation.
• Researches and writes press releases, and content for the CARE website, infographics, blogs, and newsletters.
• Acquires and maintains a detailed knowledge of the CARE policies, principles, and strategies, and keeps up to date with relevant developments.
• Prepares and collaborates in the coordination of press conferences, and event planning.
• Supports and evaluates results of communication campaigns with the public affairs team.
• Works with key internal players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with the values and mission of CARE.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the media community and key external players.
• Manages the daily incoming media inquiries and develops responses with subject matter experts.
• Prepares media releases and distributes them to print, electronic and social media. Posts releases on the CARE website.
• Owns and manages public facing webpage and web design.
• Acts as a point of contact for public information requests and or complaints.
• Maintains composure in a high-pressure environment with politically sensitive, complex situations. Acts with discretion, maintaining confidentiality, and seeking and following legal guidance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Safety, Public Policy or a related area, AND three years of experience working in public or private communications. OR Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
* Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background investigation.*

Additional Information

• The Ideal Candidate Should Possess:
• Command of social media platforms with exceptional public speaking and writing skills.
• A strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail, working well under pressure, and meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of Web and SharePoint site management systems and basic graphic design.
• Self-motivated and organized, with a keen interest in driving strategic messages to key internal and external stakeholders.
• Content writing experience for all media platforms and proven social media and networking expertise.
• Knowledge or familiarity working in public safety—from various systems and responders to relevant privacy concerns.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: CARE has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate. Hours are flexible based on business needs, including the potential for evening and weekend assignments.

Compensation and Benefits:
This position is part of a broadband discretionary pay program. The full salary range for this position is $51.88 – $77.82 per hour. The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package…