Communications Advisor

The Seattle Municipal Court has an exciting opportunity for a Communications Advisor, an integral member of the court's Strategy Service Area. Serving as the court's communications lead, this role advises court leaders and staff on communications strategy, organizational messaging, and branding. The role develops a range of communication materials for internal and external audiences, aligning with the court's mission, strategy and ensuring a consistent voice for the court. The successful candidate needs to be able to write skillfully, quickly, and collaboratively. The position will serve as primary public information officer and public disclosure officer for the court. Candidates with the ability to effectively communicate with multi-cultural communities and who have a commitment to being respectful and impartial when addressing public inquiries are encouraged to apply.

About Seattle Municipal Court

The Seattle Municipal Court's (SMC's) mission is to provide a forum to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. SMC is dedicated to advancing social justice by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. The court works collaboratively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the City of Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI).

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING:  

• Experience leading communications strategy for an organization.

• Committed to furthering the court's mission and success.

• Experience collaborating with varied audiences including elected officials, staff and leaders, interested parties, media, and the public.

• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills, creative strategic thinker, flexible, and adaptable.

• Highly organized, with the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, deadline-driven working environment under minimal supervision.

Here's more about what you will be doing:

• Plan, create, write, edit, proofread a variety of communication materials including communication plans, press releases, PowerPoint presentations, and talking points.

• Develop and implement organizational branding guidelines.

• Develop messaging and guidelines for spokespersons reflective of the court's mission, culture, and strategy.

• Create and maintain external and internal facing one-pagers, FAQs, and web content.

• Creating regular proactive content for social media, blogs, and newsletters.

• Use data for effective communication and storytelling.

• Liaison with media, responding to inquiries, and advising court leaders on strategy.

• Receive, track, and respond to public requests for court administrative records and court case data in accordance with SMC policy and Washington State Court Rules.

• Leverage a variety of programs and applications including MS SharePoint (and other enterprise content-management systems e.g. Ingenuix, WordPress), email marketing tools (e.g. GovDelivery), Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams), and creative software (e.g. Canva, Camtasia).

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.

We recognize that women and people of color are less likely to apply if they don't see themselves perfectly in the requirements. We encourage everyone to apply and to supplement your history with good ideas and well-thought plans for implementation.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, social science, public relations, journalism, OR a related field OR a combination of education AND/OR training AND/OR experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably with a focus on criminal justice, general government, or public policy.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

• Proven ability to navigate complex relationships and work effectively with diverse interested parties.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• An understanding of Undoing Institutionalized Racism.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with the following will increase a candidate's ability to succeed in this role.

• Experience serving as a media relations or public information officer.

• Professional certification(s) related to strategic communications, marketing, public relations, business communications, copyediting, or public participation.

• Formal training or understanding of digital or social media and related tools, applications, and standards.

• Formal training or understanding of change management, organizational development, or strategic planning.

• Formal training or understanding of project management.

• Formal training or understanding of public records compliance.

• Formal training or understanding of public policy, local government, or a politically nuanced environment.

SALARY

The full salary range for this position is $46.08 - $69.12, however, we anticipate paying in the range of $48.19 - $58.19.

Work Environment

This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office a minimum of twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. The person in this role must reside within the State of Washington.

Hiring Process

In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required:  

• A Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.

• A resume indicating your relevant experience and education.

• Supplemental Questions all answered.

• Attach examples or include web links to your own work, including writing samples, communication plans, press releases and/or content layout/design.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

• A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court's background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.

• This is a full-time position, working 40-hours per week; it is Civil Service Exempt and exempt from the overtime (FLSA exempt).

• For more information about the Seattle Municipal Court, visit www.seattle.gov/courts

Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience; skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. 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 of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.  

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