Senior Regional Government Relations Advisor and Liaison (SA2)

City of Seattle • Seattle, WA

14d • $57 - $85 • Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a skilled and collaborative Senior Regional Government Relations Advisor and Liaison to serve as a key member of its Government Relations and Legislative Affairs division. This position plays a central role in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with regional governments, elected officials, and intergovernmental bodies across the Puget Sound area. The work directly supports SPU's mission across all lines of business — water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste — and involves high-visibility projects with significant financial, political, and operational importance to the City of Seattle and its customers. 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 1.6 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. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Urban & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Law (JD), Communications, Business Administration, or a related field; AND Five (5) years of professional experience in government relations, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, project management, negotiations, or a closely related field.
• Applicants who do not possess a bachelor's degree may substitute seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in lieu of the degree requirement, provided the experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in intergovernmental relations, public policy, or government affairs in a regional or multi-jurisdictional context.
• Experience staffing elected officials or senior leadership and preparing high-quality written materials including briefings, memos, and policy summaries.
• Familiarity with utility operations (water, wastewater, stormwater, or solid waste) and related regulatory and infrastructure environments.
• Experience leading or participating in negotiations involving intergovernmental agreements, contracts, or partnerships.
• Knowledge of Puget Sound regional governance structures, including King County, regional cities, and salmon recovery frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams with diverse technical, legal, and policy expertise toward shared outcomes.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and work effectively at all organizational levels.
• Well-developed written communication skills with experience preparing speaking points, briefings, reports, correspondence, and legal agreements

Responsibilities

• Serve as SPU's primary liaison to King County, regional cities, the Port of Seattle, regional groups, and other external government partners, including staff and elected officials; coordinates with the Office of Intergovernmental Relations.
• Staff Seattle City Council members on the King County Regional Water Quality Committee and represent the City in its relations with the King County Flood Control District, and regional salmon recovery committees, and provide staff support for the Regional Water Supply Forum.
• Lead and support negotiations and development of intergovernmental agreements including franchise agreements, MOAs/MOUs, and interlocal agreements, in coordination with SPU subject matter experts and the City Attorney's Office.
• Support SPU technical and engineering staff with problem solving and relationships related to infrastructure and capital projects with King County, City of Bellevue, City of Carnation, and other jurisdictions.
• Co-lead the City Salmon Team with Seattle City Light on interdepartmental salmon recovery work in the Cedar Sammamish/Lake Washington Basin and Green Duwamish Watershed.
• Advocate for Seattle capital funding from the King County Flood Control District.
• Prepare briefings, memos, speaking points, and correspondence for the General Manager, Mayor's Office, City Council, and external partners.
• Serve as a key member of SPU's Government Relations and Legislative Affairs division and as an Emergency Operations liaison.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities
• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior