Job Description

Opportunity Description The Seattle Promise program and the Public Relations and Strategic Initiatives office are hiring a Director of Communications for Seattle Promise. Salary Range : $95,690 to $132,141 annually (depending on experience). Opportunity is open until filled; first review of materials will begin October 3, 2025. Position Summary Under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Relations and Strategic Initiatives and working closely with the Sr. Executive Director for Seattle Promise, this position serves on the Seattle Promise leadership team and leads the Seattle Promise program's public relations and strategic communications efforts. Public relations (issues management, policy development, internal and external communications, media relations, social media management, advertising and marketing, writing, and web development) Strategic communication planning and execution: creating, implementing, managing, and measuring effective campaigns. This position may supervise staff, including full-time staff, interns, and/or student program ambassadors as the program matures. This position is funded by the City of Seattle's Family, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy, fully funded through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension with the renewal of the City's Education Levy. This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. About Us Seattle Colleges is a district of three distinct colleges (North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, South Seattle College) and five specialty training centers. We are the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington, committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and staff who reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community. Seattle Colleges offers a benefits package including competitive pay, promotional opportunities, health and retirement plans, paid leave, transportation benefits, tuition waivers, PEBB Wellness Plan, and EAP. Staff and faculty have access to professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences. Seattle Promise Seattle Promise is a partnership created in 2018 with the City of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools to create more equitable higher-education opportunities. It offers two years (up to 90 credits) of tuition and financial support for fees, books, and supplies to students in financial need, with personal guidance from 12th grade through associate degree completion. The program provides priority access to ORCA transit cards, Path to UW advisors, paid internships, mentoring, scholarships, and more. Seattle Promise has been recognized by The Seattle Times as a flagship program. Application Procedures Attach a cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job Attach current resume Attach a PR/Communications/Marketing plan created and implemented by the applicant Required materials must be completed and submitted online. Notice To Applicants Interviewing is conducted virtually via video conference options (e.g., Zoom or Microsoft Teams). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Seattle Colleges will not sponsor work visas. What You Will Be Working On Representation Represents Seattle Colleges and the Seattle Promise program Representation: External Coordinate with other programs and initiatives; facilitate check-ins with leadership and stakeholders; represent Seattle Colleges/Seattle Promise with external partners; collaborate on community engagement and advocacy efforts. Representation: Internal Represent Seattle Promise and the District Communications and Strategic Initiatives office in districtwide communications; align strategy with multiple programs and departments; ensure consistent branding; respond to communications needs; develop audience- and program-specific content; train Seattle Promise Student Ambassadors. Representation: Seattle Promise Team Serve on the strategic communications team and leadership teams; act as communications counsel for the Seattle Promise program staff and participate in team meetings and retreats. Communications Lead development and implementation of programs that enhance Seattle Promise’s image and recruit/retain students; coordinate with teams to ensure a seamless student experience; contribute to policy development and decision-making; manage digital marketing, social media, website, and CRM communications Planning Lead strategic communications plans for key audiences (students, parents, external/internal stakeholders) with goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics; collaborate with leadership and program teams to implement recruitment, enrollment, retention, and completion plans Internal Communications Direct internal communications to increase faculty and staff awareness and support for program goals and updates Media Relations Lead media relations, act as spokesperson, prepare talking points and FAQs, publicize coverage, and manage the communications budget for Seattle Promise Products and Materials Oversee graphic identity and top-tier communications products; maintain brand standards and the Seattle Promise editorial and brand style guide; manage the Seattle Promise website and social media; develop content for high school students; produce materials for executive leadership; ensure inclusivity and accessibility in communications Assessment Support program assessment with the Director of Research and Planning; conduct annual communications audits and develop recommendations This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job; team members are expected to contribute beyond the listed responsibilities. What You Bring as a Candidate (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations or journalism or related field; plus an equivalent combination of 10+ years of professional experience Progressive leadership and experience in public relations, strategic communications planning and execution, and working in complex environments with multiple stakeholders Experience managing budgets with multiple sources of funding Strong judgement, business acumen, confidentiality, and communications counsel Experience presenting to executives and community leaders; ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines Experience leading teams of content creators; ability to work with executives and diverse stakeholder groups; experience creating culturally responsive and accessible communications Management and supervisory experience; ability to travel between Seattle Colleges campuses Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation Seattle Colleges provides reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources. Office Setting ADA guidelines apply; ability to operate office equipment, communicate with staff and students, work at a computer, and endure typical office conditions. Notice of Non-Discrimination Seattle Colleges is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on protected classes. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified persons with disabilities. Title IX and ADA/504 coordinators are available for questions about discrimination or grievance procedures. Background Check Prior to hire, a background check will be conducted. A Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Seattle Colleges

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