Public Relations Specialist

About the role

The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) enforces labor laws through strategic enforcement, policy development, and community engagement, with a commitment to race and social justice. This position will work on projects that further the visibility and public knowledge of the development, implementation, and outreach of Seattle's existing and future labor standards.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and/or generating content from within the department that highlights the work of staff, partners, and the Department.
• Maintaining internal and external webpages, drafting department reports and other written materials.
• Crafting OLS blog posts, media releases, online newsletters, and funding announcements; publish and distribute when approved.
• Designing and illustrating material to visually convey complex issues in documents, web, and other media.
• Updating and editing informational material, including posters, listserv announcements, reports, presentations, and other materials.
• Helping to build and execute earned and ethnic media strategy.
• Developing and executing communication plans as assigned by the Communications Manager; report status and results when requested.
• Serving as backup for Communications Manager responsibilities, including but not limited to constituent communications, responding appropriately with minimal guidance from management, and maintaining repositories for all communications and public records requests.

Qualifications

• One year of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or other fields involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.
• A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field is preferred.
• Two years of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or other fields involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.
• An AA degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field is preferred.
• Three years of professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or other fields involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.

Additional Information

This full-time (1.0 FTE) civil-service position is eligible for overtime, is classified as Public Relations Specialist BU, and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PROTEC17 – Professional Unit. Pay: The full pay range for this step-progression position is $40.76 - $47.39 per hour. New employees typically begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $40.76 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

Working Schedule: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three times a week. This position will require the ability to work a flexible schedule, as there may be occasional travel that is required. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Hiring Timeline: First round interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for the week of August 17-21, 2026. Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 31 – September 11, 2026.

Accommodations: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Sandra Wong at Sandra.Wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

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.

To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach: A PDF of your current resume, and a cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this job announcement.

Why Work at the City? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together.