Communications Specialist III

LOTT Clean Water Alliance•Olympia, WA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Communications Specialist III to join our team. A day in the life of our Communications team can mean many things from designing outreach materials, editing publications, providing tours of our facility, developing social media campaigns, managing digital asset libraries, and supporting all staff events. Our small team handles external and internal communications, working with staff across the organization to help them meet their communications goals. We also play an important role in representing LOTT and the WET Science Center to the public. The ideal candidate will learn about our operations and teams while bringing a diverse set of communications skills to the table. They are comfortable taking initiative, working independently, and lead with a focus on collaboration and support. They typically work a Monday through Friday schedule; however, communications and outreach activities may occasionally require evening and weekend work, which is generally planned in advance. Learn more at www.lottcleanwater.org .

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with major study in communications, public relations, public participation, or closely allied field.
Must have the equivalent of at least three years of experience as a Communications Specialist II or other relevant professional experience in communications and outreach.
Effectively organize and prioritize workload to meet competing demands and deadlines
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong content creation, writing, and copy-editing skills
Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite
Proficient in Adobe suite tools, or the ability to learn
Proficiency with online tools and social media, such as email marketing platforms, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Zoom
Ability to communicate effectively in a clear, concise, professional manner to a variety of audiences
Ability to develop and lead communication and outreach activities to meet program objectives
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
Ability to engage audiences of all ages to foster support of LOTT’s mission and services
Ability to maintain effective public relations and interact positively with diverse individuals, using tact, patience, and courtesy
Ability to present a positive professional image to the general public, staff, and visitors, providing quality customer service to external and internal customers
Ability to contribute positively to LOTT's team-based culture and to a supportive, productive, and positive workplace
Ability to apply attention to detail to effectively prepare and edit materials in keeping with LOTT’s high standards
Ability to maintain files and records in accordance with LOTT and regulatory requirements
Ability to self-start and operate with or without daily direction from Supervisor
Must participate in LOTT’s Health & Safety Program

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of wastewater treatment, water quality, ecology, and/or related sciences preferred.
Professional experience providing public communications services for government agencies, utilities, and/or environmental organizations is desirable.
Graphic design and layout skills a plus
Experience using accessibility checkers and software a plus

Responsibilities

Provide support to the Communications Manager, Senior Leadership Team, and Executive Director regarding aspects of internal and external communication
Develop and implement strategic public communication and outreach plans and activities in support of capital projects, planning efforts, emergency response, and other LOTT activities and programs
Identify and develop effective communications tools and networks, including fostering positive media relations and optimizing LOTT's use of social media outlets
Coordinate communication program activities with and provide expertise and assistance to other LOTT staff to plan and implement long- and short-range goals, objectives, and activities
Develop and maintain communication and outreach materials, such as LOTT's website, social media, reports, brochures, presentations, rack cards, signage, promotional materials, posters and flyers, displays, advertising, award applications, press releases, articles, and other materials
Gather and compile information, conduct research, and develop, review, and refine content for communications materials, coordinating with staff and others as needed
Coordinate production of printed materials, reports, and documents to meet identified timelines and established editorial and quality standards
Identify, develop and manage engaging visuals, such as graphics, icons, graphs, and photographs to effectively convey ideas and improve communication products
Serve as the digital accessibility lead, ensuring that public materials meet state and federal accessibility standards
Develop and utilize consistent branding and organizational standards for communications materials
Oversee planning and implementation of communication and outreach activities/events like public meetings, workshops, and tours, including coordination of logistics, scheduling, speakers, public notification, promotion, materials and supplies, and staffing assistance
Develop and deliver presentations, host visiting groups, and guide tours of the treatment plant and other LOTT facilities as assigned
Manage special projects and contracts as assigned
Support internal staff communications programs and activities in coordination with Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources, and other staff
Conduct public notification and involvement in support of capital project planning, ensuring compliance with State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) regulations and other permitting/planning requirements
Respond to public inquiries, comments, concerns, and complaints, working with other staff to respond to a variety of requests for information and to investigate, reply to, and resolve issues
Represent LOTT in a variety of settings, providing presentations to community groups, attending events, and serving on a variety of committees and groups
Play an active role in preparations for monthly Board meetings and provide general support for Board activities and initiatives, such as annual retreats and special projects
Support LOTT's education program by assisting in development of messaging and content for programs and promotional materials
Serve as Public Information Officer for emergency preparation and response in the absence of the Communications Manager
Serve on a variety of internal and interjurisdictional project teams to provide communications support
Provide backup for other team functions as needed
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
Perform other duties as assigned
Foster a work environment that supports and facilitates LOTT’s Culture of Excellence, including the performance of efficient, effective, high-quality work, and employee satisfaction
Monitor employee productivity; provide constructive feedback and coaching
Monitor, identify, and resolve personnel, workload, and procedural problems
Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and development of assigned staff