Media Relations Manager (StratAdvsr1,CSPI&P BU-P)

Do you excel at crafting clear, impactful messages and building connections with diverse audiences? Are you ready to be the voice of a community-centered utility that provides essential public services to the City of Seattle?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for a dynamic Media Relations Manager to come in and lead its media and communications efforts across numerous platforms. 

The Media Relations Manager is a critical member of the Communications team at SPU, responsible for leading the planning, analysis, and coordination of SPU’s media relations and public information programs. This role serves as a key advisor to the executive team, providing guidance on media relations strategies, emergency response communications, and media outreach. The Media Relations Manager will also collaborate with the Mayor’s Office Communications team, other City departments, and surrounding jurisdictions to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective communication efforts. As the primary spokesperson for the utility, this position will play an essential role in managing the public image of SPU, mitigating potential reputational issues, and promoting the utility's services and projects to key stakeholders. This position will manage a Social Media Lead and work in partnership with the Communications Director to implement strategic communications for large, utility-wide initiatives. The Media Relations Manager will also provide leadership in social media, crisis communication, and content development.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Website

• 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.

Why join us?

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:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment

• Hybrid work schedule

• Generous benefits package

• Free public transportation options

• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions

• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Media Relations Program and Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice to the executive team on media relations strategies and emergency response communications.

• Lead and manage SPU’s media relations program, including proactive outreach, managing media requests, and pitching stories to raise awareness of SPU’s work and initiatives.

• Lead crisis communications efforts, ensuring timely and accurate media responses in urgent situations.

• Coordinate with the Mayor’s Office Communications team, other City departments, and external jurisdictions to ensure cohesive messaging and responses.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for SPU, representing the utility in media interactions and public-facing communications.

• Monitor SPU’s media coverage and track sentiment to inform strategic communications decisions.

• Public Information and Communication Programs:

• Communicate to internal and external audiences as an authoritative representative of SPU on a variety of significant issues related to the City’s priority programs and services, for the purpose of garnering support, shaping opinions, advocating controversial positions, and achieving important City and utility objectives.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate public information programs that align with SPU’s goals and enhance public understanding of utility services.

• Advise on and shape department policies or programs, providing recommendations that impact SPU’s communication strategies and public perception.

• Work closely with other Communications team members to plan and execute campaigns that engage key stakeholders, including customers, the community, and elected officials 

• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure consistent and clear communication across all platforms.

• Oversee the production of high-quality public information materials, including press releases, media kits, speeches, and social media content.

• Support customer engagement efforts and mitigate negative impacts on the organization’s reputation through effective communication strategies.

• Leadership and Team Management:

• Actively provide leadership, focus, and direction to cross-functional, departmental, or jurisdictional teams as an authoritative representative SPU to achieve important City objectives related to priority programs and services

• Manage and mentor a Social Media Lead, to execute media relations strategies and social media engagement.

• Serve as the technical expert in spokesperson duties to provide media training to staff and leadership to ensure effective and consistent communication with external audiences.

• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, ensuring team members are equipped with the tools and training needed to succeed.

• Occasionally serve as Acting Director.

• Policy and Advocacy:

• Represent SPU in strategic communication forums and inter-agency teams, advising on policies or programs that affect the City's ability to deliver public services.

• Provide recommendations for the development of significant policies and programs that impact the utility and its communication objectives.

• Team Expectations: Participate in quarterly executive team briefings. Incorporate accessibility and language access into our work.

• Special Conditions: City of Seattle employees are required to report to their worksite at least 3 days per week. This position will frequently be  to work/be on call in the evening and on the weekend.

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.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: 

• Work is usually performed in an office environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of or experience with social media content strategies

• Supervisory experience

How to Apply:

• Submit complete City of Seattle online application

• Upload your current resume, AND

• Include a cover letter that addresses your knowledge, experience, and interest related to this position

*** You must submit both a resume and cover letter. If you do not submit these documents, your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded before submitting your application. ***

The full salary range for this position is $50.08 - $75.12 per hour.

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.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Muzzin at katie.muzzin@seattle.gov