Director, External Relations Communications & Marketing

Some of what you'll be doing:

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.

Why you'll love it here:

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “ Collective Bargaining Agreement ” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.

• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.

• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.

• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.

• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.

• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.

• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.

• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.

• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.

• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here . IND123

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .

Location: Downtown Seattle

Organization: External Relations

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Sep 11, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Minimum Salary: 209,863.00

Midpoint Salary: 283,932.00

Req ID: 004303

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.