As the Director, 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 set direction and strategy for communication activities by determining approach, preparing key messages, identifying priority targets and third-party validators, establishing creative deliverables, and working with the Executive Director and Commission President.
- You will advise Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) staff on North Harbor communications issues, opportunities, and relationships.
- You will prepare annual communications and marketing plans and update plans quarterly.
- You will prepare monthly analysis of digital communications metrics against goals and determine annual investment in advertising and approve public facing creative.
- You will create and direct communications that highlight our Commission and executive leadership and Port priorities (state of the Port and similar events, budget open houses, media events, speaking opportunities, videos).
- You will 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.
- You will ensure the Port transparently communicates its actions to the public, promotes opportunities for engaging with the Port, supports the customer experience at Port facilities and builds public support for Port policies and operations.
- You will utilize diverse and effective communications tools to reach key audiences, recommend and invest in communications tools as necessary to address ongoing changes in technology user expectations and effectiveness.
- You will conduct bi-annual public opinion research and adjust work plans accordingly.
Who you are:
- Experienced - You have eight (8) years of experience in external relations, government relations, communications, marketing, community engagement, and/or operations. You also have four (4) years of experience supervising staff and managing a function in communication and/or marketing.
- Desired - We hope you have a bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public relations, Public affairs, or Political Science and/or master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Management, and/or Executive Development programs. We also hope you have an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
- Committed to Equity - You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
- Leader - You can lead through change, improve adversarial situations, and provide coaching, teaching, and mentorship to others. You can develop and implement strategies that align with overall Port goals and objectives while influencing and leading change throughout the department.
- Strategic Thinker - You can independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action.
- Business & Political Acumen - You have a keen sense of the political realities and look at the bigger picture of a situation, weigh it carefully, and provide sound recommendations that are in the best interests of the organization.
- Excellent Communicator - You have excellent verbal, written, and listening skills, can clearly communicate complex information to diverse audiences, build effective professional relationships, and use tact and diplomacy in sensitive situations.
What else you need to know:
- Work Schedule - Your normal work schedule will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to work during emergencies.
- Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management's discretion, with two days per week in the office, based at Pier 69.
- Washington State Residency Requirement - Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
- Security Requirements - As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.
