Communications Specialist

The Office of City Finance (OCF) OCF is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. While working closely with the City's Budget Office, OCF oversees the City's financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities and supports the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council by providing financial information and expertise. The Office of City Finance champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the Race and Social Justice Initiative -RSJI, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens.

OCF is looking for a Communications Specialist (Strategic Advisor 2, Exempt) to join our team in the Director's Office. This is a small, dynamic team that supports the City Finance Director. One of the key responsibilities of the Director's Office is to manage all communications and outreach needs across OCF. This includes handling media requests, addressing inquiries, and coordinating outreach efforts related to City Finance. In this role, you will collaborate closely with other divisions within OCF, making significant contributions to their projects. You will strategize and develop training and outreach programs in a dynamic environment to address the needs of a diverse audience. 

Additionally, this individual should be capable of analyzing various types of data, including financial information, and presenting it in a way that is understandable for different users and audiences. Finally, this role will involve managing both internal and external communications for OCF across the department. This includes launching an internal communications plan and also ensuring that all externally facing OCF materials are up to date across departments.

• Lead and coordinate external communications and education initiatives, including media relations, community outreach, and necessary presentations or training.
• Ensure OCF's external communications presence is accurate and up-to-date while developing internal tools for information sharing.
• Manage responses to all Public Disclosure Requests for the Office of City Finance, collaborating with relevant teams as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries directed to the Office of City Finance.
• Engage with City Departments to communicate about upcoming or ongoing system changes and inform taxpayers and stakeholders about tax modifications.
• Create and implement comprehensive communication strategies to reach external audiences, especially those with limited technology access.
• Foster relationships with organizations and businesses to enhance communication channels and manage public hearing processes related to rulemaking for new tax proposals.

 Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of professional experience in an internal or external communications role 
• Degree in communications, business, finance, or a related field 

(Combinations of education and/or training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class will be considered.)

Though not requirements, desirable candidates will have some of the following experience, skills, and ability:

• Proficient in managing public disclosure requests and media relations in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office
• Skilled in both internal and external government communications, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across stakeholders
• Proven excellent communication skills, including managing high-profile media requests and navigating sensitive public communications
• Demonstrated success in managing public disclosure processes and responding to high-visibility information requests
• Proven experience intaking data and manipulating it for communications materials
• Integrate racial equity and social justice principles into decision-making and daily operations, ensuring these values are reflected in all aspects of the work
• Proven experience utilizing new or unique ways to reach customers

PAY
This full-time position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, Exempt. The full salary range for this position is $54.60- $81.93 per hour. After a pay equity and budget analysis, the salary range for this role has been identified as $54.60- $68.00 per hour. 

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. Work is performed both in an office environment.

Collaborative, inclusive team environment

Application Process:

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Background Check: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Why work at the City of Seattle? The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all applicants that 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, or gender identity. The city encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.