Careers

Description:

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

Skills/Eligibility:

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.

 

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.