Description

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.

**Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered**

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;

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
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.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lottcleanwater/jobs/1489935/public-communications-manager