City of Seattle is hiring: Temporary Senior Public Relations Specialist in Seatt

Vision: Seattle is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation. Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities. At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we are recognized across the country for our efforts in combining different modes of transportation to make travel easier and more convenient. As our city grows quickly, we're always thinking about how to make transportation more accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable for people who live, work, and visit Seattle. We're passionate about creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city for everyone. We have important jobs to do at SDOT. We look after the city's transportation network, add more bicycle and pedestrian paths, take care of over 240 bridges, and help people get better access to the regional transit system. We're a team of nearly 1,200 hardworking people, ready to serve Seattle's public transportation needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter the weather. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Communications & Public Engagement team is seeking a talented Senior Public Relations Specialist to manage SDOT’s social media platforms and serve as a key media relations contact. This is a temporary position (6 months, with a potential extension to 1 year). This dynamic role involves creating engaging, public-focused content, responding to community feedback, analyzing performance metrics, and refining strategies. As the public face of SDOT in media interactions, you’ll act as an on-the-record spokesperson, prepare press materials, and coach leadership on messaging and media engagement, including multicultural outreach. You’ll also develop strategic communications, provide staff training, and support emergency communications during major incidents. This position is a unique opportunity to lead high-impact projects, shape public perceptions, and contribute to SDOT’s mission of creating a safer, greener, and more equitable Seattle. We’re looking for a positive, creative, and proactive professional with a passion for transparent and trust-building communications. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Social Media Management: Manage SDOT’s social media platforms (X [formerly Twitter], Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Flickr). Create engaging, easy-to-read content like posts, photos, videos, and graphics to inform the public about SDOT projects. Monitor comments and respond to questions or customer concerns. Collaborate with project/program managers to provide solutions and updates. Analyze social media performance, track trends, and recommend strategy improvements. Media Relations: Research and respond to media inquiries; set up interviews and briefings with SDOT leadership as needed. Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for SDOT, preparing materials like press releases, blog posts, and talking points. Coach leadership on media messaging and strategy while supporting inclusive efforts, such as translating materials and working with multicultural media outlets. Strategic Communications: Develop communication strategies and identify compelling stories that highlight SDOT’s positive impact on creating a safer, greener, and more equitable Seattle. Provide communication advice and training materials for staff to ensure best practices are widely adopted. Support brand reputation, audience engagement, and transparency while maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information. Assist with emergency communications during major incidents, which may occasionally require early mornings, nights, or weekends. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete. Hiring Process Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered: Completed NEOGOV online application, Supplemental questionnaire responses, Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications, Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education. The full salary range for this position is $45.74 - $53.27 per hour. #J-18808-Ljbffr