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Jobs · OTHR · Washington

Director, External Relations Communications & Marketing

Port of Seattle · Seattle, WA · 6 days ago
OTHRFull-time

About the role

As the Director of External Relations Communications & Marketing, you will establish the comprehensive communications strategy direction on all issues facing the Port of Seattle. You will communicate the Port's strategic vision, decisions, and economic and community development opportunities in a transparent, relevant, and compelling manner to build trust and interest.

You will advise Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) staff on North Harbor communications issues, opportunities, and relationships, and prepare annual communications and marketing plans, updating them quarterly. You will analyze digital communications metrics monthly, determine annual investment in advertising, and approve public-facing creative.

You will create and direct communications highlighting Commission and executive leadership and Port priorities, including events like the State of the Port, budget open houses, media events, speaking opportunities, and videos. You will also play a leadership role in incident response and advise Executive, HR, and Legal on sensitive Port matters.

You will lead and direct the work of media relations, creative services, writers, and marketing leads, ensuring transparent communication of the Port’s actions to the public, promoting engagement opportunities, and supporting the customer experience at Port facilities.

You will utilize diverse and effective communications tools to reach key audiences, recommend and invest in new tools as needed, and conduct bi-annual public opinion research to adjust work plans accordingly.

Responsibilities

  • Set direction and strategy for communication activities, including approach, key messages, priority targets, third-party validators, and creative deliverables.
  • Prepare and update annual communications and marketing plans quarterly.
  • Analyze digital communications metrics monthly against goals and determine annual advertising investment.
  • Create and direct communications for Port priorities, including events, media engagements, and videos.
  • Lead incident response and advise Executive, HR, and Legal on sensitive matters.
  • Lead and direct media relations, creative services, writers, and marketing teams.
  • Ensure transparent communication of Port actions, promote public engagement, and support customer experience at Port facilities.
  • Recommend and invest in communications tools to address technological changes and user expectations.
  • Conduct bi-annual public opinion research and adjust work plans accordingly.

Requirements

  • Eight (8) years of experience in external relations, government relations, communications, marketing, community engagement, and/or operations.
  • Four (4) years of experience supervising staff and managing a function in communication and/or marketing.
  • Apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.
  • Lead through change, improve adversarial situations, and provide coaching, teaching, and mentorship.
  • Develop and implement strategies aligning with overall Port goals and objectives.
  • Assess and solve problems independently and rapidly in stressful situations.
  • Demonstrate business and political acumen, providing sound recommendations in the best interests of the organization.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

Desired:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Affairs, or Political Science.
  • Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Management, and/or Executive Development programs.
  • Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

Schedule

Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week), with slightly flexible start and end times. You may be required to work weekends, holidays, or during emergencies.

This role operates in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management’s discretion, with two days per week in the office, based at Pier 69.

Security & Residency Requirements

  • Must establish and maintain a residence in Washington State within 30 days of employment.
  • Must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and an FBI criminal history background check.
  • Employment is contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision care options for you and your family.
  • Paid Vacation: Approximately four weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
  • Paid Sick Leave: At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
  • Holidays: More than ten days per year.
  • Pension/Retirement Plans: A pension and additional savings plans.
  • Getting to Work: Subsidized parking, low-cost public transit card, and hybrid work opportunities.
  • Parental Leave: Six weeks of paid leave for new additions to your immediate family.
  • Development: Tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships.
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Actively fostering a culture where all employees succeed and reach their fullest potential.
  • Work-Life Balance: Resources to help you create healthy and balanced habits.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $209,863.00

Maximum Salary: $283,932.00

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