Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Over 900,000 people in the Seattle area rely on Seattle City Light every day to keep their homes comfortable, businesses operating, and communities vibrant. It is our responsibility and privilege to provide our customers with power that is reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible. As a public utility, our goals are defined by our customers and the communities we serve. We strive to deliver reliable energy to customers while also working to advance equity, achieve excellence, operate sustainably, and take care of our employees.
 
City Light’s Communications Division plays a key role in furthering the utility’s mission, vision, and values. It provides corporate communications on behalf of the utility, including all internal and external communications, media relations, community outreach, and marketing for City Light.
 
Seattle City Light is seeking a Sr. Public Relations Specialist to provide communications support for City Light’s Capital Improvement Program and construction projects.
 
The Sr. Public Relations Specialist (Construction Communications Support) develops, coordinates, and implements public relations and communications plans for utility projects. The successful candidate collaborates with internal groups to develop communications. Work includes planning, designing, and coordinating public information materials as well as customer engagement strategies and activities. The successful candidate filling this role must have exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, good judgment, excellent planning skills, and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. The successful candidate must be willing to think outside the box to try new, innovative, and equitable ways to communicate with City Light customers, stakeholders, and other audiences through multiple channels. This position will report to the External Communications Manager.Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 
Responsibilities/Duties for Sr. Public Relations Specialist (Construction Communications Support)

• Develop and implement communications plans and strategies to support Seattle City Light’s Capital Improvement Program and ongoing construction projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with City Light employees (leadership and workforce), customers, community stakeholders, vendors, and other City department contacts.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and concerns while exercising tact and diplomacy.
• Conceptualize, research, and produce engaging and dynamic content including blog posts, social media content, website content, community presentations, newsletter articles, FAQs, fact sheets, press releases, talking points, and construction project notifications.
• Attend bi-weekly forecasting meetings to learn about planned and upcoming work.
• Work with the City Light web team to ensure project-specific information is accurate and up-to-date on City Light’s website. Work with subject matter experts across the utility to gather project information and review, edit, and implement changes to website and blog content as needed.
• Coordinate and manage community outreach events and public meetings as needed.
• Work with Communications Division staff to coordinate communications plans and messaging.
• Develop metrics and measures to gauge effectiveness of communications.
• Provide direction and guidance to leadership and employees in developing strategic communications and conducting public relations.
• Participate in the on-call outage duty rotation, which may require independent interaction with the media, managing social media, and responding to requests for information.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related fields (or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience).
 
Experience: Requires two years professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.
 
Work Environment/Physical Demands
Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
 
License, Certification and Other Requirements
Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• 3-5 years of experience performing the required job duties with demonstrated experience writing for a variety of audiences and for multiple channels.
• Familiarity with design, construction, and bid documents, including engineering drawings, traffic control plans, and construction specifications.
• Familiarity with construction/work sites and experience working with field personnel.
• Proven ability to effectively manage and implement communications campaigns.
• Proven track record of success in building strong relationships with employees at all levels across an organization (leadership and workforce).
• High degree of personal initiative and excellent interpersonal, listening, written, and verbal communication skills with a dedication to honesty, accuracy, and transparency.
• Ability to efficiently organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects in an evolving, deadline-driven environment while balancing the needs of various projects and stakeholders.
• Ability to defuse conflict, build relationships across work teams, divisions, business units, and with external audiences. 
• Ability to research and compile information for the purpose of recommending solutions.
• Ability to work independently, as well as on a team, while using discretion in decision-making and sound judgment in problem-solving.
• Think outside the box to be innovative with digital and other communication trends. Make recommendations for improvements and enhancements.
• Promote diversity and social justice by ensuring that communications are conducted through an equity lens.

 
Please note this job advertisement is not designed 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. 
The full salary range for this position is $40.08to 46.68 per hour.
 
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

 *Applications without a cover letter and/or current resume will be removed from consideration.*
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light 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. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
 
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
 
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.
 
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.