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You will be updated with latest job alerts via emailDo you excel at crafting clear impactful messages and building connections with diverse audiences Are you ready to be the voice of a community-centered utility that provides essential public services to the City of Seattle
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for adynamic Media RelationsManager to come in and leadits mediaand communications efforts acrossnumerousplatforms.
The Media Relations Manager is a critical member of the Communications team at SPU responsible for leading the planning analysis and coordination of SPUs media relations and public information programs. This role serves as a key advisor to the executive team providing guidance on media relations strategies emergency response communications and media outreach. The Media Relations Manager will also collaborate with the Mayors Office Communications team other City departments and surroundingjurisdictionsto ensure coordinatedtimely and effective communication efforts. As the primary spokesperson for the utility this position will play an essential role in managing the public image of SPU mitigating potential reputational issues and promoting the utilitys services and projects to key stakeholders.This position will manage a Social Media Lead and work in partnership with the Communications Director to implement strategic communications for large utility-wide initiatives. The Media Relations Manager will also provide leadership in social media crisis communication and content development.
If you feel this may be the perfect job for you please continue reading and APPLY!
About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU):Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people environment and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality vital services across four major lines of business: providing water solid waste drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality reliable and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) please visit:
SPU commits toOur City Values andRace and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive andequitablein our recruiting hiring and promotional opportunities.
Why join us
We know workisntonly about what you doitsalso about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance including:
Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
Hybrid work schedule
Generous benefits package
Free public transportation options
City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Media Relations Program and Strategy:
Providestrategic advice to the executive team on media relations strategies and emergency response communications.
Lead and manage SPUs media relations program including proactive outreach managing media requests and pitching stories to raise awareness of SPUs work and initiatives.
Lead crisis communications efforts ensuringtimelyandaccuratemedia responses in urgent situations.
Coordinate with the Mayors Office Communications team other City departments and externaljurisdictionsto ensure cohesive messaging and responses.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for SPUrepresentingthe utility in media interactions and public-facing communications.
Monitor SPUs media coverage and track sentiment to inform strategic communications decisions.
Public Information and Communication Programs:
Communicate to internal and external audiences as an authoritative representative of SPU on a variety of significant issues related to the Citys priority programs and services for the purpose of garnering support shaping opinions advocating controversial positions and achieving important City and utilityobjectives.
Develop implement and evaluate public information programs that align with SPUs goals and enhance public understanding of utility services.
Advise on and shape department policies or programs providing recommendations thatimpactSPUs communication strategies and publicperception.
Work closely with other Communications team members to plan and execute campaigns that engage key stakeholders including customers the community and elected officials
Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure consistent and clear communication across all platforms.
Oversee the production of high-quality public information materials including press releases media kits speeches and social media content.
Support customer engagement efforts and mitigate negative impacts on the organizations reputation through effective communication strategies.
Leadership and Team Management:
Actively provide leadership focus and direction to cross-functional departmental or jurisdictional teams as an authoritative representative SPU to achieve important Cityobjectivesrelated to priority programs and services
Manage and mentor a Social Media Lead to execute media relations strategies and social media engagement.
Serve as the technical expert in spokesperson duties to provide media training to staff and leadership to ensure effective and consistent communication with external audiences.
Foster a collaborative and innovative environment ensuring team members are equipped with the tools and training needed to succeed.
Occasionally serve as Acting Director.
Policy and Advocacy:
Represent SPU in strategic communication forums and inter-agency teams advising on policies or programs that affect the Citys ability to deliver public services.
Provide recommendations for the development of significant policies and programs thatimpactthe utility and its communicationobjectives.
Team Expectations:Participatein quarterly executive team briefings. Incorporate accessibility and language access into our work.
Special Conditions:City of Seattle employeesare required toreport to their worksite at least 3 days per week. This position willfrequentlybeto work/be on call in the evening and on the weekend.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Experience:Six(6) years of experience performing professional level duties in media relations corporate communications or public policy/legislative analyst related functions; or and equivalent combination of education and experience.
AND
Education:Bachelors degree in communications journalism political science public administration or closely related field.
OR
Experience and Education Equivalency:In lieu of a degreeeight(8) years of experienceperforming professional level duties in media relations corporate communications or public policy/legislative analyst related functions; or and equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
Work is usually performed in an office environment.
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of or experiencewith social media content strategies
Supervisory experience
How to Apply:
Submit complete City of Seattle online application
Upload your current resumeAND
Include a cover letter that addresses your knowledge experience and interest related to this position
*** You mustsubmitboth a resume and cover letter. If you do notsubmitthese documents your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded beforesubmittingyour application. ***
The full salary range for this position is $50.08 - $75.12 per hour.
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 Citys website at: may apply:The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people with disabilities veterans and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. 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.
Learn more aboutSeattle Public Utilities atour web page Experience:
Manager
Full-Time