SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) is currently recruiting to fill seventeen vacancies on the Seattle Human Rights Commission. The Commission seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds in human rights, law, public policy, advocacy, social services, education, and business. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, City Council, and the Commission and should live or work in Seattle.
The Seattle Human Rights Commission advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on human rights and social justice issues. In 2015, the City of Seattle declared Seattle a Human Rights City. As a result, the Commission works with the City to protect the inherent human rights for all residents. Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles, the Commission works to impact the lives of people in Seattle through its policy work, community outreach, and works with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights to end discrimination. Read more about the Seattle Human Rights Commission on the SOCR website.
Participation on the Commission requires a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours per month. This includes attendance at monthly meetings, participation in committee work, meetings with City officials, communicating with state legislators, and addressing human rights concerns. The Commission also hears appeals of discrimination cases from the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.
The Human Rights Commission is seeking candidates:
- with lived experience being unhoused, human trafficking, and/or the criminal justice system
- with a strong commitment to racial equity and social justice
- reflective of the diverse community of Seattle
Commissioners are appointed for two years. All appointments are subject to confirmation by the City Council and serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should complete an online application. Applicants can include a letter of interest and resume. Please email Meredith Stone (Meredith.stone@seattle.gov) for any accommodations and to inform her of your completed application. Additional questions will be sent to applicants once the online application is received. Applications received by Friday, May 19 at 5pm will be reviewed for the first round of interviews by the Commission.
The Seattle Human Rights Commission encourages individuals who are interested in applying to attend a monthly Commission meeting. Meetings are held virtually and in person at City Hall on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Commission meetings are open to the public. Agendas and meeting links can be found on the Commission website.
The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the City’s Boards and Commissions. The City welcomes applications from persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, persons of different faiths, immigrants, youth, aging individuals, persons of all sexual orientations, and persons with marginalized gender identities.
Please be advised: When you submit an application for a city commission or board, your application materials become part of public records. While unlikely, this does mean that it is possible for other individuals or agencies to request copies of your submissions.
About the Seattle Office for Civil Rights
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) works to advance civil rights and end barriers to equity. SOCR enforces laws against illegal discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and contracting within Seattle city limits. SOCR leads the Race and Social Justice Initiative, a citywide effort to end institutional racism in City government and to achieve racial equity across our community.
