City of Seattle
Media Relations Manager (StratAdvsr1,CSPI&P BU-P)
City of Seattle, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Do you excel at crafting clear, impactful messages and building connections with diverse audiences? SPU is seeking a dynamic Media Relations Manager to lead its media and communications efforts across platforms for a community-centered utility that provides essential public services to the City of Seattle. The Media Relations Manager is a key member of the Communications team, responsible for planning, analysis, and coordination of SPU’s media relations and public information programs. This role advises the executive team on media relations strategies, emergency response communications, and media outreach. The Manager will collaborate with the Mayor’s Office Communications team, other City departments, and external jurisdictions to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective communication. As the primary spokesperson for SPU, this position helps manage the public image, mitigate reputational issues, and promote SPU services and projects to stakeholders. It will manage a Social Media Lead and collaborate with the Communications Director on strategic communications for large, utility-wide initiatives, with 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! Responsibilities
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. Communicate as an authoritative representative of SPU on significant issues related to priority programs and services. 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 that affect SPU’s communication strategies and public perception. Plan and execute campaigns with internal teams and stakeholders, including customers and elected officials. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure consistent communication across all platforms. Oversee the production of high-quality public information materials (press releases, media kits, speeches, social media content). Support customer engagement efforts and mitigate negative impacts on the organization’s reputation through effective communication strategies. Act as a leader to cross-functional teams and, when needed, serve as Acting Director. Represent SPU in strategic communication forums and inter-agency teams, advising on policies affecting public services. Provide recommendations for the development of significant policies and programs that impact the utility’s communication objectives. Qualifications
Experience: Six (6) years of experience performing professional duties in media relations, corporate communications, or public policy/legislative analyst related functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration, or a closely related field. Equivalency: In lieu of a degree, eight (8) years of relevant experience. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of social media content strategies; supervisory experience. Work Environment and Special Conditions
Work is usually performed in an office environment. City of Seattle employees are required to report to the worksite at least 3 days per week and the role may require evening or weekend on-call work. How to Apply
Submit a complete City of Seattle online application. Upload your current resume and include a cover letter addressing your knowledge, experience, and interest related to this position. Note: You must submit both a resume and cover letter; applications submitted without both documents will not be considered. Salary and Benefits
The full salary range for this position is $50.08 - $75.12 per hour. 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 dependents. 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 essential services across four major lines of business: water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater. SPU serves Seattle residents and regional customers with high-quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services. Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. 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.
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Do you excel at crafting clear, impactful messages and building connections with diverse audiences? SPU is seeking a dynamic Media Relations Manager to lead its media and communications efforts across platforms for a community-centered utility that provides essential public services to the City of Seattle. The Media Relations Manager is a key member of the Communications team, responsible for planning, analysis, and coordination of SPU’s media relations and public information programs. This role advises the executive team on media relations strategies, emergency response communications, and media outreach. The Manager will collaborate with the Mayor’s Office Communications team, other City departments, and external jurisdictions to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective communication. As the primary spokesperson for SPU, this position helps manage the public image, mitigate reputational issues, and promote SPU services and projects to stakeholders. It will manage a Social Media Lead and collaborate with the Communications Director on strategic communications for large, utility-wide initiatives, with 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! Responsibilities
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. Communicate as an authoritative representative of SPU on significant issues related to priority programs and services. 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 that affect SPU’s communication strategies and public perception. Plan and execute campaigns with internal teams and stakeholders, including customers and elected officials. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure consistent communication across all platforms. Oversee the production of high-quality public information materials (press releases, media kits, speeches, social media content). Support customer engagement efforts and mitigate negative impacts on the organization’s reputation through effective communication strategies. Act as a leader to cross-functional teams and, when needed, serve as Acting Director. Represent SPU in strategic communication forums and inter-agency teams, advising on policies affecting public services. Provide recommendations for the development of significant policies and programs that impact the utility’s communication objectives. Qualifications
Experience: Six (6) years of experience performing professional duties in media relations, corporate communications, or public policy/legislative analyst related functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration, or a closely related field. Equivalency: In lieu of a degree, eight (8) years of relevant experience. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of social media content strategies; supervisory experience. Work Environment and Special Conditions
Work is usually performed in an office environment. City of Seattle employees are required to report to the worksite at least 3 days per week and the role may require evening or weekend on-call work. How to Apply
Submit a complete City of Seattle online application. Upload your current resume and include a cover letter addressing your knowledge, experience, and interest related to this position. Note: You must submit both a resume and cover letter; applications submitted without both documents will not be considered. Salary and Benefits
The full salary range for this position is $50.08 - $75.12 per hour. 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 dependents. 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 essential services across four major lines of business: water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater. SPU serves Seattle residents and regional customers with high-quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services. Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. 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.
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