Short Term Temporary or Out-of-Class (OOC) Strategic Communications Advisor (SA1, CSP&P)

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to serve temporarily as their key Strategic Communications Advisor (SA1, CSP&P) in the Communications Division to its Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business (DWW LOB). This position advises internal clients on how to reach intended audiences with key messages related to projects, participation in programs, required communications, customer awareness of utility initiatives, emergencies and service interruptions, and other customer and community calls to action. In support of internal clients, they develop and execute internal and external communications plans (for media, web, social media, employee emails, intranet and more) that align with the utility brand and goals. This position is part of SPU's Communications Division and will serve as part of SPU's 24/7 media on-call roster. This opportunity is expected to last through December 2026 and is open to all qualified candidates (internal and/or external). Short-Term/Interim temporary assignments are initially non-benefitted. 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 1.6 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. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the: SPU Website SPU Workplace Expectation 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.

Requirements

Three (3) years of professional experience in Communications or related field involving the development and implementation of public information strategies and the creation and dissemination of materials.
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field; if NO degree two (2) additional years of qualifying experience is required.
Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience(s) will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Nice To Haves

Experience acting in an advisory or coaching role to leadership or senior/elected officials
Knowledge of public works projects and/or construction and engineering projects
Experience working with community-based organizations, especially those serving diverse communities, communities of color, or people with low income
Experience developing and/or managing consultant contracts
Experience managing a large portfolio of projects with sound judgement and decision-making skills, and the ability to work with conflicting priorities
Comfortable with public speaking and presentation
Experience working with reporters and the news media
Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft Office Suite 2013, Office 365, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in utility communications projects and initiatives
Serve as the communications lead for the Drainage and Wastewater LOB
Provide strategic recommendations for communications plans and programs that help the LOB achieve their goals
Develop and implement the communications plans in partnership with SPU's communications team, including external and internal messaging, coordination with media relations team, overseeing related consultants and communications materials development
Support emergency communications efforts and assist with LOB coordination of media responses
Track and report on LOB results from communications effort