This position was originally posted in April 2023. Please note that if you previously applied to this position, you do not need to reapply.

Are you interested in representing all of Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) as a Senior Public Relations Specialist? SPU is seeking dynamic senior communication specialist to provide SPU's varied external and internal communications work which includes writing, editing, and developing visuals. We're looking for someone who is passionate about crucial services for communities, and loves working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This ideal candidate understands SPU's mission, vision, principles, and strategic business plan.

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 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
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• 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 build a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join our team?
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
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Develop compelling campaigns, and powerful written and visual communications for Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) employees, customers, and communities as part of the Community Affairs team. Partner with internal teams to select, develop, refine and/or distribute information and ideas that are critical to SPU's 1400+ employees. Draft, edit and/or distribute information about SPU's water and waste services for blogs, media, social media, websites and other external communications tools. Crucial duties include:

Employee Communications

• Work with internal, cross-utility teams to establish objectives, understand content and audience, and develop communications strategies.
• Write stories and content.
• Develop graphics.
• Supervise internal inboxes and provide timely, thoughtful responses
• Apply varied communications tools: digital facility signage, broadcast emails, newsletters, internal websites, and in-person and digital meetings.
• Respond appropriately to urgent employee communications issues.
• Lead projects and develop coordinated communications strategies.
• Partner with Community Affairs team to develop and implement strategies
• Develop improved communication tools and tactics.

External Communications

• Work with internal, cross-utility teams to support campaigns related to SPU's essential water and waste services.
• Support emerging or urgent communications needs.
• Write content and develop graphics.
• Apply various communications tools: At Your Service Blog, social media, mailings, notices/letters, digital or print ads, newsletters, and websites.
• Partner with various Community Affairs staff to develop and implement communications strategies.

Communications support

• Support projects led by the Community Affairs team.
• Understand and support tactical communications work.
• Provide social media support and back-up during vacations.

Please note this job advertisement is not crafted 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. Experience: Two (2) years' professional experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism specific to developing communications strategy or plans, and/or writing, editing, and developing graphics for communications campaigns.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Marketing, Technical Communication, Journalism, English, or related subject area.

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

To be successful in this role, you should possess some of the following skills/experience:

• Two or more years’ experience developing and implementing creative communications campaigns and plans.
• Graphic design and video editing experience including experience with Adobe programs.
• Experience working as part of complex, fast paced team and acting in an advisory or mentor role to leadership or senior officials.
• Experience developing and delivering critical communication plans and campaigns.
• Experience communicating efficiently with a multicultural workforce and public, and ensuring projects meet organizational race and social justice objectives.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Application Requirement(s):

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Resume & Cover letter describing your skills and experience related to this position, as well as your answers to these questions:

1. How do you define excellent communications skills?
2. Why do you want this position and why are you the best candidate?

~Candidates submitting an incomplete Application Packages will NOT be considered~

This position is open until filled. However, priority will be given to candidates who apply by August 29, 2023.

Workplace Environment (Telework Expectation): 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.

Benefits: 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 full salary range for this position is $ 40.08 - $46.68 per hour.

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