Community Affairs Director (Exec. 1)

Salary: $99,973.44 - $164,972.88 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Job Number: 2023-02188
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Division: General Manager/CEO
Opening Date: 12/13/2023
Closing Date: 1/9/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Language Premium: No
Position Description
Are you an experienced communications leader interested in an opportunity to make an impact in the City of Seattle?
We're looking for a savvy communications professional to take on the role of Community Affairs Director here at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). Reporting to the Chief of Staff, our Community Affairs Director is responsible for shaping internal and external communications strategies that advance the utilities core services and oversees the deployment of all marketing initiatives.
Robust communications and strategic partnerships are essential to supporting SPU's goals of advancing equity and inclusion, protecting public health and our environment, ensuring affordability and accountability, and providing excellent service.
Do you have the vision and skillset to help us achieve these objectives?
In addition to developing and implementing strategic communications, as Community Affairs Director, you will lead a team of 9 - 12 communication professionals, whose focuses include:

• Strategic Communications
• Crisis Communications
• Editorial and Print Production
• Social Media
• Storytelling
• Media Relations
• Partnership Development
• Digital Communications

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
  
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race 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 and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities (As Appropriate)
  
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
  
• Generous benefits package
  
• Free Orca Pass
  
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
  
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities
As Community Affairs Director, you will be responsible for driving an integrated communications strategy, internally and externally, working cross-functionally to communicate with journalists and thought leaders, developing specific communications materials and campaigns, and supporting communications for SPU leadership.
You will also advocate for the people SPU serves by understanding their concerns and working with them, strategic partners, sister agencies, and SPU staff to address community interests and equitable service. You will develop strategies and own the day-to-day execution of programs ranging from meetings with stakeholders, to public education campaigns that advance the work of SPU.
Through influential leadership, you will:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for executive leadership, policymakers, and liaise with SPUs internal stakeholders on issues that impact employees; Closely work with internal teams and other City departments to develop strategy around change management communications, branding and launches, promotions, and programming

• Manage ongoing executive communications opportunities, including media briefings, speaking engagements, and customer and partner activities, and develop creative consumer PR strategies

• Act as a strategic communications counsel, partnering with senior leaders to build internal and external content such as fact sheets, standard operating procedures for communications, position papers, marketing materials, press releases, presentations, reports, signage, infographics, and digital resources for dissemination across various communications platforms targeted to specific SPU audiences

• Advocate for the people SPU serves through understanding their concerns and working with them, partners, sister agencies and SPU staff to best address community interests and equitable service

*Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
Experience:
Candidates will need to possess the qualifications below:

• Ten years' experience in external affairs, communications, and/or marketing with progressive leadership responsibility, and a track record of creating innovative communications plans and strategies that employ measurable tools and tactics. Experience working with national progressive policy/advocacy organizations is especially valued.

• Excellent project and team management skills, alongside a profound enjoyment for leading and mentoring individuals in their professional development

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills, with proven success tailoring messages to a variety of audiences, particularly in translating complex policy and advocacy work to a diverse range of stakeholders

• Keen understanding of promoting thought-leadership to strengthen an organization's identity and support differentiation in a competitive market

• Experience with media relations and crisis communication

Education:
Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree, or similar advanced degree preferred.
OR
A combination of education, training, or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work.
Desired Qualifications:
You don't have to hold all the qualifications below, but you should have several of the following:

• Master's degree, or similar advanced degree preferred
  
• Experience in public affairs, lobbying, community organizing, or other campaign/political work
  
• Management experience with a sound knowledge of utility and community practices
  
• Relationships or familiarity with Seattle community leaders, community organizations, and elected officials
  
• Experience with on-camera interviews
  
• Multi or bilingual
  
• An entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in a changing, fast-paced, high-performing world-class organization
  
• Ability to develop and enhance strong communications standards, workflows, and identity guidelines while disseminating content across multiple mediums, including social media, and newsletters

Additional Information
This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Who 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.
The full salary range for this position is: $99,973.44 - $164,972.88
How to Apply:

• Submit complete City of Seattle online application
  
• Upload your current resume, AND
  
• Include a cover letter that addresses your knowledge and experience related to this position

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ernest Stephens at
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
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
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: