Marketing and Communications Manager at The U District Partnership

About the Marketing and Communications Manager Position

As the Marketing and Communications Manager, you will develop and lead the strategy and

execution of marketing and communications efforts that elevate Seattle’s University District as a

vibrant destination while strengthening the visibility, reputation, and impact of the U District

Partnership. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will work closely with a talented team of

managers to tell two interconnected stories: 1) the U District as a dynamic neighborhood to visit,

explore, and invest in, and 2) UDP as an organization driving meaningful change through its

programs, partnerships, and initiatives. Your work will span neighborhood branding, business

promotions and events, digital marketing, media relations, and organizational communications. You

will also help shape the next chapter of UDP's digital presence, including leading a comprehensive

website redesign.

You will join a fast-paced, collaborative organization with more than a century of service to the U

District and an ambitious five-year strategic plan. We are seeking a creative, strategic, and

self-directed communicator who understands how effective marketing can attract visitors, support

local businesses, shape perceptions, engage stakeholders, and demonstrate organizational impact.

You are organized, resourceful, and responsive, bringing a positive, collaborative spirit to your work

and approaching challenges with curiosity and a solutions-oriented mindset. Above all, you are a

skilled storyteller who can translate complex initiatives into compelling messages that build

excitement about the U District and appreciation for UDP's work.

BENEFITS:

• Employer-paid medical and dental
• Generous time-off: 24 days of PTO (sick leave included), increasing to 29 days at 3+ years, plus
• 11 paid holidays and two weeklong closures
  • (late May and the week between Christmas and New Year’s)
• Employer-paid ORCA card
• Retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Life and disability insurance

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As the Marketing and Communications Manager, you will join a collaborative team of managers

working across diverse programs and initiatives. You will lead UDP's marketing and communications

strategy, working closely with colleagues to advance the following priorities:

Neighborhood Marketing and Promotion

• Lead district-wide branding and positioning for the U District as a place to visit, shop, dine,

live, and do business.

• Develop and execute marketing campaigns that attract visitors, drive foot traffic, and support

local businesses.

• Lead marketing and promotional efforts for UDP's signature events, festivals, and business

promotions, collaborating with program managers to grow awareness, participation, and

attendance.

• Partner with UDP's Economic Development Manager to develop marketing materials that

showcase the district to prospective businesses, tenants, brokers, and investors.

• Conduct market research and track marketing trends to inform neighborhood branding,

audience development, and promotional strategies.

Organizational Communications and Storytelling

• Shape and communicate UDP's organizational narrative, highlighting its accomplishments,

strategic priorities, partnerships, and community impact to strengthen understanding and

support among stakeholders, funders, public officials, and the broader community.

• Lead media relations and public affairs communications, including developing media

strategies, pitching stories, preparing news releases and talking points, responding to

inquiries, and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate.

• Support the Executive Director, Board, and staff with strategic messaging, presentations,

public statements, and communications related to emerging issues and opportunities.

• Collaborate with program managers to translate complex initiatives into accessible,

engaging content that builds understanding of UDP's work and strengthens relationships

with community partners.

• Support communications and engagement with UDP's boards, committees, businesses, and

community partners, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for meaningful

participation.

Communications Strategy and Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for UDP

and the U District BIA, establishing priorities, timelines, goals, and processes for coordinating

communications across the organization.

• Lead a comprehensive redesign of UDP's websites, including content strategy, user

experience, design, and coordination with external developers, while ensuring the sites

remain engaging, accessible, and up to date.

• Manage UDP's digital communications channels, including social media, newsletters, and

email marketing, with a focus on growing audiences, strengthening engagement, and

measuring results.

• Lead content development and production, including writing, editing, photography, graphics,

short-form video, and other visual storytelling tools.

• Maintain consistent and effective branding across UDP and BIA communications, developing

templates, guidelines, and resources that support staff across program areas.

• Establish measurable communications goals and track performance through analytics,

audience feedback, and other indicators, using insights to improve engagement, campaign

effectiveness, and organizational impact.

• Manage relationships with outside creative professionals, vendors, and contractors as

needed to support marketing and communications initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, creative storytelling, technical

expertise, and a collaborative approach to their work. We are seeking candidates with the following

qualifications:

• Professional Experience – At least six years of experience in marketing, communications,

public relations, or a related field, with demonstrated success developing and executing

communications strategies and campaigns.

• Communications and Storytelling – Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication

skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling content tailored to

diverse audiences.

• Digital Marketing and Content Creation – Experience managing websites, social media, email

marketing, and digital campaigns, with the ability to create engaging written and visual

content using contemporary creative tools. Familiarity with SEO, analytics, paid digital

advertising, and website redesign projects is valued.

• Media Relations – Experience working with journalists, developing media pitches and news

releases, and securing earned media coverage. Familiarity with Seattle's media landscape is

a plus.

• Strategic and Creative Thinking – Ability to develop long-term marketing strategies while

managing the details of day-to-day communications, bringing creativity and a

results-oriented approach to the work.

• Project Management – Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to

independently manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Collaboration and Relationship Building – A positive, collegial approach to working with

diverse colleagues, businesses, community members, public officials, and organizational

partners, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and work effectively across teams.

• Leadership and Initiative – A self-directed professional who takes ownership of projects,

anticipates needs, and approaches challenges with resourcefulness and a solutions-oriented

mindset. Experience managing contractors, consultants, or staff is valued.

• Prioritization and Sound Judgment – Demonstrated ability to assess competing priorities,

make thoughtful and timely decisions, and focus time and resources on the work that will

have the greatest impact. Exercises sound judgment, balances strategic goals with

immediate needs, and navigates ambiguity with confidence and discretion.

• Community and Place-Based Marketing – An understanding of how marketing, events, and

communications contribute to neighborhood vitality, economic development, and community

engagement. Experience with business improvement areas, neighborhood organizations, or

similar place-based initiatives is a plus.

• Technical Proficiency - Experience using Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, and

Microsoft Office, along with other digital marketing and content creation tools, is a plus.

The position requires occasional evening and weekend work to support community events and

festivals, including the U District Chow Down and U District Street Fair.