Communications Manager (UTC INTERNAL ONLY)

Communications Manager
This opportunity is only open to current UTC employees. No other applications will be considered.

Salary Consideration
The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of

$104,683 - $115,848 annually . There is also potential for growth and development of salary after appointment.

The Opportunity
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) seeks to fill the role of Communications Manager within the Communications Division. This position plans, develops, and administers extensive marketing, public outreach and engagement programs based on the commission’s strategic goals, performing ongoing and long‑term monitoring to ensure efforts comply with program requirements and expected outcomes.

Hybrid
Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building when needed.

Travel
Occasional travel during and outside normal work hours throughout the state for public meetings and other purposes.

Some of What You’ll Do

Manage a team of three staff members responsible for media relations and external affairs, website maintenance and improvement, digital accessibility, internal communications, digital media, public outreach, Plain Talk, and special projects and initiatives.

Develop and implement communications strategies and tactics and respond to media and public inquiries and requests for information about matters before the commission. Establish and maintain productive relationships with the media.

Work directly with the Communications Director to ensure accurate and current public information materials are available and accessible to consumers, regulated industries, and stakeholders. Implement internal and external communications strategies and tactics.

Act as Plain Talk lead to ensure inclusive and accessible communication for all channels – digital, print, advertising, etc. Ensure all agency communications are clear, easy to understand, and accessible to all. Provide guidance to leaders and staff on Plain Talk best practices, design best practices and brand standards. Lead efforts to ensure agencywide adherence to standards.

Manage the agency’s social media communications program. Maintain an active presence on the commission’s social media channels.

Manage the agency’s internal communications program. Provide guidance to leaders and staff about best practices for communicating across the agency, including timing, tone, channels and audiences. Develop processes and policies to reinforce the best practices. Identify and implement improvements to increase how employees engage with their colleagues and leaders.

Work with communications team to develop and distribute the weekly Good Morning UTC internal staff newsletter, IS quarterly newsletter and various external newsletters including UTC Connections and Mover News. Ensure each issue meets high editorial standards and serve as editor‑in‑chief of the publications.

Write and produce informational materials for the news media, general public and commission staff to educate and inform the public and the news media. This includes news releases, presentations, reports to the governor, speeches, and various other communications.

Required Experience and Education

A bachelor’s degree with major study in communications, public relations or related field.

A minimum of five years’ experience in one or more of those fields.

Experience leading or supervising staff with demonstrated ability to perform the Leadership Principles.

Knowledge of

Principles of strategic communications planning.

Principles of website and social media communication, including design, content development and maintenance.

Editing methods.

Communicating technical information to non‑technical audiences.

Writing online content.

Capabilities of the news media and how it undertakes and completes its job.

Marketing principles and techniques.

Outreach methodologies and development of educational materials.

Experience working with diverse communities and understanding impact of race, bias, discrimination and differential treatment of communities composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color; individuals who identify as LGBTQ+; individuals with disabilities; immigrants; limited English‑speaking persons; veterans and others who have been historically marginalized.

Ability to

Quickly make thoughtful and analytical decisions regarding message and communication strategy.

Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, the media, and the public.

Demonstration of Leadership Competencies
Develop teamwork through leadership defining team standards, responsibilities, processes, and goals. Promote a cooperative and respectful work environment, work toward consensus, anticipate and resolve conflicts, identify opportunities in adverse situations, leverage team diversity to improve team effectiveness, promote unique team talents, share information internally and externally, and model desired behavior.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies (expected of all employees)

The ability to take action to learn and grow.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.

Self‑Awareness.

Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.

Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.

UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees)

Accountability

Measuring Success and Improvement

Customer Focus

Results Focus

Communication Skills

Adaptability/Flexibility

Self‑Development

Continuous Process Improvement

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge of

Principles and theories underlying government regulation of utilities and transportation companies.

Issues facing industries regulated by the commission.

Commission mission, goals, objectives and priorities.

Roles and responsibilities of private and public entities involved in the provision of telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, water, solid waste, railroad, private ferry, bus, household goods services, and the regulation of those service providers.

Skills to

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key public affairs stakeholders, including commissioners, agency managers and staff, members of the media, staff in the Governor’s communications office, legislative staff, consumers, and representatives of regulated companies.

Cultivate relations with news, media, generate positive media coverage, write news releases, plan news briefings, and manage media outreach.

Provide training, counsel and material resources for other staff in media relations, publicity and community relations.

Oversee positioning and image for the commission.

Manage communications‑related graphic design, photography, illustration, and printing efforts.

Analyze complex utilities and transportation issues and identify the issues of interest and importance to the media and public.

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