Strategic Communications Lead

Reports To: Civic Architect

Targeted Hiring Range: $79,934 - $88,000

• Full Salary Range: $79,934 to $108,172

Type: Permanent; Full-Time, Salary/Exempt

Application Process

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Marketing/communications samples required for Round 2 interviews.
• Applications due by September 15, 2025.

Partnership: Civic Commons is a fiscally sponsored project of Seattle Foundation

About Civic Commons

Civic Commons is dedicated to acting on our region’s biggest economic and social challenges. By elevating community voices and uniting different sectors around mutually agreed goals, Civic Commons aims to build the infrastructure and collective muscle needed to address the root causes of inequity in Washington state.

Civic Commons is an independent civic intermediary, designed to build trust and strengthen the civic fabric of Seattle and Washington state. We sit in the “messy middle” as not a direct service provider, nor a funder, but a process consultant and convener. Our work centers on shifting perceptions, elevating dialogue, and amplifying civic partners like City Club, Leadership Tomorrow, and Town Hall to create more inclusive, resilient communities.

What’s the Opportunity?

The Strategic Communications Lead will be responsible for shaping, executing, and advancing Civic Commons’ communications strategy. This role will balance hands-on content creation with big-picture narrative-building, ensuring Civic Commons has a distinct voice separate from Seattle Foundation, while amplifying the organization’s vision and civic impact.

This is a hands-on role for an entrepreneurial communicator who thrives in startup-like environments. You’ll craft compelling narratives, strengthen media relationships, and translate complex civic issues into clear, culturally relevant stories that resonate across Washington state.

Communications Strategy

• Lead communication planning, strategy development, and implementation.
• Serve as a thought partner to leadership, aligning communications with organizational goals.
• Build and grow Civic Commons’ audience and outreach across platforms.
• Maintain strong awareness of local issues, trends, and the civic landscape to ensure timely, coordinated messaging.
• Capture and craft stories that elevate the Civic Commons vision and connect to lived experiences.
• Manage and promote surveys, reports, and the Scorecard for Shared Prosperity.
• Translate qualitative and quantitative data into compelling content and messaging.

Content Development & Execution

• Develop and manage an editorial calendar across newsletters, blog posts, event promotions, and social media.
• Write and edit op-eds, press releases, public radio scripts, and other earned media pieces.
• Create marketing and communications collateral to support community engagement and funder outreach.
• Update and maintain website content (quarterly) and public-facing materials.
• Balance original content creation with contributions from team members and partners.

Media & Public Engagement

• Build and sustain strong media relationships in Seattle and across Washington.
• Identify and secure earned media opportunities to amplify Civic Commons’ narrative.
• Act as brand steward, ensuring messaging consistently reflects values, equity focus, and civic impact.

Collaboration

• Partner with organizations (City Club, Leadership Tomorrow, Town Hall, etc.) on shared communications initiatives.
• Work cross-functionally to distinguish Civic Commons’ identity from Seattle Foundation.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for general communications inquiries.

What Are We Looking For?

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field, OR equivalent experience including 3–5 years of experience in communications, journalism, media relations, or related fields.
• At least 3 years in nonprofit/community-based communications (preferred).
• Strong track record in storytelling, earned media, and digital engagement.
• Exceptional writing/editing skills; ability to simplify complex civic/policy issues.
• Experience translating qualitative/quantitative data into accessible content.
• Entrepreneurial spirit; thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
• Strong project management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and inclusive communications approach.
• Familiarity with racial equity and social justice movements.
• Tools: Squarespace, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, social platforms, Microsoft & Google Suite.
• Bonus: Established relationships with Seattle-area or Washington state media and civic partners.

Location & Work Environment

• Position based in Washington state.
• Hybrid schedule: ~1 day/week in-office (Wednesdays, downtown Seattle).
• Occasional evening/weekend events or press opportunities.
• Capability of working at a PC for extended periods. Press events may require periods of physical activity involving standing, walking, and moderate lifting.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions of the role

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $79,934 – $88,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Full Salary Range: $79,934 – $108,172.
• 100% employer-paid: medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, LTD.
• 403(b) retirement plan, 5% match (rising to 10%), 100% vested immediately.
• PTO: 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 weeks sick leave, 4 wellness days, 13 holidays.
• Stipends: $1,200 remote work, $750 wellness, $1,200 transit.
• Professional development budget.

Safety and Health Requirements

Civic Commons places the health and safety of its employees and the communities we serve as our highest priority. To support this priority, we require that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Waivers are available for accepted medical and religious exemptions.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Civic Commons is committed to advancing racial equity using an intersectional lens, and integrating our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts into all that we do. We hold ourselves accountable to uphold our organizational values and strive to do better every day