About the Department

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) leads Seattle’s citywide efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We coordinate resources, empower communities through preparedness education, and work proactively to reduce the impacts of disasters on residents, neighborhoods, and critical infrastructure. OEM is nationally recognized for innovative community outreach, equitable preparedness programs, and a deep commitment to building a more resilient Seattle.

Join us in helping Seattle stay ready, connected, and resilient! We’re hiring a Community Engagement Specialist to strengthen relationships with Seattle’s diverse communities, deliver impactful preparedness education, and support volunteer-driven resilience programs. In this role, you will bring emergency preparedness to life- translating complex concepts into hands-on learning, building trust with community partners, and ensuring all communities have equitable access to lifesaving information. If you’re passionate about community empowerment and making a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply.

Position Duties

As the Community Engagement Specialist, your work will include:

Community Outreach & Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with community-based, volunteer, and faith organizations, with a strong focus on historically underserved groups.
• Lead grassroots engagement activities, including public trainings, tabling, workshops, and events across Seattle neighborhoods.
• Build trust through culturally responsive, equity-forward engagement.

Training & Education

• Deliver emergency preparedness trainings tailored to diverse audiences (CERT, Ready Together, Community Safety Ambassadors, Stop the Bleed, and more).
• Develop and adapt training materials, curriculum, and presentations that are accessible, clear, and actionable.

Program Coordination & Data Tracking

• Maintain contact databases, track program metrics, and document community partnerships.
• Support community-centered planning efforts by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups, ensuring community input is reflected in broader OEM planning.
• Assist with contract management and volunteer programs as needed.

Emergency Response Support

• Serve in the 24/7 Staff Duty Officer rotation, providing after-hours support for citywide emergency needs.
• Respond to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations and serve in assigned roles, often under time-sensitive or high-stress circumstances.

Major Projects

You may lead or support work in areas such as:
• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
• Community Safety Ambassador program
• Disaster education and outreach campaigns
• Ready Together neighborhood readiness training
• “Stop the Bleed” training and related initiatives

What Skills and Strengths Will Make You Successful

• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse groups with confidence and cultural humility.
• Clear and accessible communication, especially when translating technical information into community-ready content.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism and skill in navigating conflict or high-emotion situations.
• Self-starter who can initiate engagement confidently.
• Skilled at engaging individuals with diverse communication styles and facilitating inclusive, community-centered conversations

What Will Make You Effective

• Experience in emergency preparedness, community resilience, volunteer management, and/or public education.
 • Understanding of emergency management principles • Creativity and innovation in engagement strategies.
 • Deep commitment to racial equity, accessibility, and inclusive program design.

Please note: This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications

We’re seeking a community-focused professional who thrives in dynamic environments, values equity and inclusion, and is energized by connecting with diverse communities. We welcome transferable skills, nontraditional experience, and lived experience.

A strong applicant will demonstrate a mix of the following qualifications:

• Emergency management or preparedness experience
• CERT or Train-the-Trainer credentials
• Experience working with diverse volunteer groups
• Experience in community outreach, engagement, education, or partnership building
• Project or program coordination experience
• Ability to work respectfully with underrepresented communities and adapt approaches to community needs
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends as needed for community events and during emergencies
• Certifications such as ICS 100/200, IS 700/800 are helpful (or ability to complete within first year of employment).
• A valid Washington State driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 3 months of hire. 

Other Qualifications

This full-time, salaried position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, CL&PS – L17, and reports to the Community Engagement Program Manager. It is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17 – Strategic Advisor Unit. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. After a pay equity and budget analysis, the targeted salary for this role is $130,646.16 annually ($62.57/hr, based on 2,088 hours/year)

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/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Why work at the City of Seattle? 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. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives! 

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Here are some tips on applying and interviewing with us!

To be considered, you must include a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample with your application by the posted deadline at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle

• Cover Letter: Explain why you want to do this work with OEM and how your experience aligns with the qualifications
• Resume: Summarize your experience, knowledge, skills, and qualifications

Please note: OEM does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable, human centered process.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants who demonstrate alignment with the qualifications listed above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strongly encourage people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences to apply.

Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting interviews at the beginning of June, with an expected start date in July 2026.

Pre-Employment Requirements: If selected to advance in this hiring process, applicants will need to successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation. Applicants will also be required to provide a complete 5-Year driving record from the Department of Licensing.

Accommodations and Questions: We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or to request accommodations.