We already knew Seattle City Council member Sally Clark wasn't running for reelection, meaning she'd be leaving office at the end of this year. Today she announced she's bailing even sooner than that.

Clark has accepted a job as the University of Washington's new director of regional and community relations, and her last day on the council will be April 12. At least part of that job (which pays $155,000 a year) will be working as a lobbyist for the university to local government, says UW vice president of external affairs Randy Hodgins. The rest will be "working with community groups, listening to their concerns, and ... explaining what the university may be doing." That will focus on efforts like a new master plan for the university, zoning changes in the U-District, and the school's building projects.

In a statement released today, Clark said she "can't let this pitch go by."

Clark was appointed when Council Member Jim Compton resigned in 2006. Now, her replacement may be selected by the other eight council members. But it's unclear how soon the council will choose her replacement and whether that person will have to run in this year's election, where every single seat is up for grabs. Plus, what if there's a tie among the remaining eight members when they vote on her replacement? The council will release more details about all this soon, and I'll update this post when they do. UPDATE right here.

Here's Clark's full statement, and here's her resignation letter to Council President Tim Burgess:

In the employment variation on Murphy’s Law, the greatest opportunities never come along at the perfect time. I can’t let this pitch go by. Working on behalf of Seattle at City Council has been my best job ever for just over nine years and now I’m going to work on behalf of the difference a UW education can make in the life of individuals and our greater community.

From my perspective as a former student and as a Seattle Councilmember, I know the University of Washington is a powerful engine for good in our community. I know what it means to be a student on the Seattle campus and to have the greater city around you. I know the liberal arts, performing arts, sciences, law and business students and faculty fuel the economy and creativity of our community. I look forward to helping the UW and surrounding communities work together for future success.

My last day as a Councilmember will be Sunday, April 12.

Here's what Burgess released:

Council member Clark has been a dedicated, hard-working public official for the people of Seattle. I deeply appreciate her thoughtful approach to policy development, disarming leadership style, and sharp wit. She tackled projects of incredible complexity with patience, diligence, and grace. She is a trustworthy colleague and a good friend. Sally will be missed at City Hall.

And here's Mayor Ed Murray:

On behalf of the city, our employees and our residents, my heartfelt thanks to Sally Clark for her years of service to the people of Seattle. I’ve enjoyed working with Sally for years on neighborhood issues, civil rights, economic development and affordable housing. Her commitment to our community will live on in her work at the University of Washington. I look forward to a continuing and fruitful partnership with Sally.

2015 will be a busy year at the Council, from supporting housing affordability to renewing our transportation levy and rewriting our Comprehensive Plan. I look forward to working with the sitting Council and its new appointed member on a very full agenda in the months ahead.