Communications Manager (UTC INTERNAL ONLY)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) seeks to fill the role of Communications Manager within the Communications Division. This position plans, develops, and administers extensive marketing, public outreach and engagement programs based on the commission’s strategic goals, performing ongoing and long-term monitoring to ensure efforts comply with program requirements and expected outcomes. This is a hybrid opportunity, requiring the incumbent to reside within Washington state and be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building when needed. Occasional travel throughout the state for public meetings and other purposes is also required.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with major study in communications, public relations or related field.
A minimum of five years’ experience in one or more of those fields.
Additional professional experience in information, journalism, communications or public relations may be substituted, year-for-year, for education.
Experience leading or supervising staff with demonstrated ability to perform the Leadership Principles below.
Knowledge of Principles of strategic communications planning.
Knowledge of Principles of website and social media communication, including design, content development and maintenance.
Knowledge of Editing methods.
Knowledge of Communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of Writing online content.
Knowledge of Capabilities of the news media and how it undertakes and completes its job.
Knowledge of Marketing principles and techniques.
Knowledge of Outreach methodologies and development of educational materials.
Experience working with diverse communities and understanding the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color; individuals who identify as LGBTQ+; individuals with disabilities; immigrants; limited English-speaking persons; veterans and others who have been historically marginalized.
Ability to Quickly make thoughtful and analytical decisions regarding message and communication strategy.
Ability to Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, the media, and the public.
Demonstration of Leadership Competencies: Develop teamwork through leadership defines team standards, responsibilities, processes, and goals. Promotes a cooperative and respectful work environment. Works for consensus. Anticipates and resolves conflicts. Identifies opportunities in adverse situations. Leverages team diversity to improve team effectiveness; promotes unique team talents. Appropriately and timely shares information, internally and externally. Models desired behavior.
EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.
Self-Awareness.
Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.
Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Principles and theories underlying government regulation of utilities and transportation companies.
Knowledge of Issues facing industries regulated by the commission.
Knowledge of Commission mission, goals, objectives and priorities.
Knowledge of Roles and responsibilities of private and public entities involved in the provision of telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, water, solid waste, railroad, private ferry, bus, household goods services, and the regulation of those service providers.
Skills to Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key public affairs stakeholders, including commissioners, agency managers and staff, members of the media, staff in the Governor’s communications office, legislative staff, consumers, and representatives of regulated companies.
Skills to Cultivate relationships with news, media, generate positive media coverage, write news releases, plan news briefing, and manage media outreach.
Skills to Provide training, counsel and material resources for other staff in media relations, publicity and community relations.
Skills to Oversee positioning and image for the commission.
Skills to Manage communications-related graphic design, photography, illustration, and printing efforts.
Skills to Analyze complex utilities and transportation issues and identify the issues of interest and importance to the media and public.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of three staff members responsible for media relations and external affairs, website maintenance and improvement, digital accessibility, internal communications, digital media, public outreach, Plain Talk, and special projects and initiatives.
Develop and implement communications strategies and tactics and respond to media and public inquiries and requests for information about matters before the commission.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with the media.
Work directly with the Communications Director to ensure accurate and current public information materials are available and accessible to consumers, regulated industries, and stakeholders.
Implement internal and external communications strategies and tactics.
Act as Plain Talk lead to ensure inclusive and accessible communication for all channels – digital, print, advertising, etc.
Ensure all agency communications are clear, easy to understand, and accessible to all.
Provide guidance to leaders and staff on Plain Talk best practices, design best practices and brand standards.
Lead efforts to ensure agencywide adherence to standards.
Manage the agency’s social media communications program.
Maintain an active presence on the commission’s social media channels.
Manage the agency’s internal communications program.
Provide guidance to leaders and staff about best practices for communicating across the agency, including timing, tone, channels and audiences.
Develop processes and policies to reinforce the best practices.
Identify and implement improvements to increase how employees engage with their colleagues and leaders.
Work with communications team to develop and distribute the weekly Good Morning UTC internal staff newsletter, IS quarterly newsletter and various external newsletters including UTC Connections and Mover News.
Ensure each issue meets high editorial standards and is editor-in-chief of the publications.
Write and produce informational materials for the news media, general public and commission staff to educate and inform the public and the news media. This includes news releases, presentations, reports to the governor, speeches, and various other communications.