Public Communications Manager
Salary
$65,223.81 – $87,405.14 Annually
Location
Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full time
Department
Community Relations
Job Number
2015-14
Closing
11/24/2015 5:00 PM Pacific
- Description
- **Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered** Under direction from the Environmental Planning and Communications Director, responsible for planning, developing and implementing a broad range of public information, involvement, education, outreach, marketing, and internal communications, effectively engaging the public in LOTT programs and projects.
- Examples of Duties
- Essential Functions: This position exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment, with responsibilities that include but are not limited to the following:
• Provide support to the Senior Leadership Team and Executive Director regarding all 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;
• Develop communication, outreach, and promotional materials for varied audiences, providing concept, text, editing, and design guidance for LOTT’s website, social media, reports, brochures, infographics, and other materials and tools;
• Lead internal staff communications programs and activities, coordinating with Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources Manager, 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;
• Serve as the point person for 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;
• Coordinate, research, write/create, and present reports, documents, graphics, and presentations for a variety of audiences, including elected officials, civic groups, businesses, and professional associations;
• Serve as a public “face” of LOTT, providing presentations to community groups, attending events, and representing LOTT 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, events, communications, and promotional materials;
• Serve as Public Information Officer for emergency preparation and response;
• Coordinate with local agencies to leverage resources, minimize duplication of effort, and contribute to shared outreach goals;
• Plan and organize events in support of public involvement and outreach efforts;
• Serve on a variety of internal and interjurisdictional project teams to provide communications support;
• Manage contracts, including selection of contractors and consultants; development of scopes of work, specifications, and budgets; oversight of work progress and budgets; and review and approve completed work;
• Work with the Division Director and other staff to forecast and manage workload;
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.The Public Communications Manager works primarily in an office setting but will be required to work in all areas of LOTT facilities, including travel to remote community locations and LOTT worksites in order to meet with community representatives, give presentations, accompany tour groups, determine on-site signage and/or exhibit needs, take photographs, and obtain information from LOTT staff, consultants, and contractors. The ability to navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces, climb stairs, and routinely operate motor vehicles is required. Although treatment facilities are designed to optimize working and safety conditions, a number of health and safety conditions may be present, including a variety of toxic, corrosive, and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage.
- Typical Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise in:
• Principles, practices, and techniques used in planning and implementing comprehensive public communication, public participation, public sector marketing, risk communication, and public education programs;
• Preparation and dissemination of coordinated public communication messages and materials in a broad spectrum of print, social media, and other formats;
• Practices and principles of project management;
• Familiarity with local and state requirements related to public involvement and notification for capital projects and planning activities;
• Familiarity with water resource management issues, including wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, and drinking water.Skills:
• Excellent analytical, writing, speaking, and presentation skills, including ability to translate complex technical information into engaging formats understandable to the general public;
• Collaboration, conflict management, risk communication, and public engagement;
• Project management and organizational skills, including information management;
• Social media platforms, including Facebook at a minimum;
• Meeting planning and facilitation;
• Defining work plans, anticipating administrative and operational problems, and identifying and communicating program needs;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software suite.Ability to:
• Prioritize work, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences, including elected officials, the general public, management and other staff;
• Independently analyze a wide array of information and make sound, reasonable judgments and recommendations;
• Effectively represent LOTT’s interest to a variety of panels, interagency committees, and community groups;
• Interact positively with diverse individuals, using tact, patience, and courtesy;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, consultants, contractors, public officials, and the general public;
• Self-start and operate with or without daily direction from Supervisor;
• Maintain files and records in accordance with LOTT and regulatory requirements;
• Contribute to a supportive, productive, and positive workplace;
• Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance. - Additional Information
- Education/Experience: Bachelors Degree with major study in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or closely allied field and a minimum four years professional experience in public relations, communications, public participation, or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform position duties. Professional experience providing public communications services for government agencies, utilities, and/or environmental organizations is desirable.
Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days from date of hire.
**Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered**
- Agency
- LOTT Clean Water Alliance
- Address
-
500 Adams St NE
Olympia, Washington, 98501.
- Phone
- (360) 528-5715
- Website
- http://www.lottcleanwater.org