Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Manager

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 internal and external communications, media relations, community outreach, and marketing for City Light.
The Media Relations Manager plays an essential role within the Communications team and in support of the entire organization, serving as the primary spokesperson for the utility. The position provides strategic communications support, promotes/highlights utility work on behalf of our customers and stakeholders, and leads proactive and reactive media relations to improve the organization's reputation. This position also may be responsible for various writing projects, developing and implementing communications strategies for large, utility-wide initiatives, and working in partnership with other Communications team members on campaigns and customer/stakeholder engagement. This position will report to the Director of Communications.
Job Responsibilities

Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including, but not limited to, providing interviews to members of the media; developing and distributing news releases and advisories; pitching stories to local and industry media; identifying subject matter experts to represent the utility in media interviews and preparing them for those interviews. Strategize, plan and write content for the utility's Powerlines blog, social media, and other communication vehicles in coordination with the broader Communications team. Leadership for, participation in, and scheduling of a team of communicators who take turns providing after-hours, standby public information and media relations coverage, primarily for outage response. Coordinate communications activities with other City departments and the Mayor's Office as part of the Citywide Public Information Officer (PIO) team. Act as the primary City Light communications team member for supporting City Light's Incident Management Team during emergency activations and the Joint Information Center during activations of the City's Emergency Operations Center. Contribute to strategic communications planning to support utility programs, initiatives, and objectives.
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:
Experience:

At least three years' experience in media relations, including demonstrated work as a spokesperson.
Education:

BA/BS degree in journalism, communications or a related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Certification/License:

Current Washington State Driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications:
Experience in media relations, including demonstrated work as a spokesperson, preferably on behalf of a large, complex organization.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
Dedication to honesty, accuracy, and transparency.
Ability to coordinate and balance multiple projects at the same time, while maintaining a level head in emergency situations.
Demonstrate attention to detail, impeccable judgement, and work with limited supervision.
Exercise appropriate level of care with sensitive and/or confidential information.
Ability to defuse conflict, build relationships across work teams, units, and divisions and with external audiences.
Will seek opportunities to tell our story in support of our mission, vision, and values.
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.
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.
Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.
Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $56.57 to $84.88 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.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
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.