Communications Manager

Manager - Communications
The position title is Manager - Communications.

Salary Range
Advertised hiring range: $147,840 – $184,800. With tenure and strong performance, the maximum opportunity may be up to $221,760.

Introductory Period: Employees in regular positions must complete a twelve‑month introductory period.

Benefits (EPOA)

Employee‑funded medical, dental, and vision health care with zero cost to the employee

Employee Assistance Program and VEBA health reimbursement account

Washington State PERS retirement participation and optional 457 plan with employer matching 401(a)

Paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 days with tenure, 12 paid holidays per year, paid jury duty, short‑term and long‑term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life coverage

Optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, educational assistance, rewards and recognition programs, and position‑specific stipends

Overview
Responsible for overseeing, developing, and guiding comprehensive internal and external communications to enhance the District’s public image, engage key stakeholders, and effectively communicate the District’s mission, vision, and goals. Manages external website and internet content, serves as public relations counsel for all departments and all levels of District operations, and directs consistent and strategic communications programs.

Location: Onsite at Wenatchee, WA office. Not hybrid or remote. Relocation reimbursement is available.

Responsibilities

Supervise and mentor staff in creating and overseeing comprehensive internal and external communication strategies, project outreach, branding, and digital media programs, including timing, content, message themes, purpose, and intended audience. Manage cross‑departmental engagement, goal setting, performance management, workflow management, and budget oversight.

Respond promptly and professionally to requests for public information, public speaking, and program development from internal and external customers. Collaborate with HR, IT, Human and Organizational Performance, and other departments to support integrated communication strategies.

Manage strategic communication and issues management on a local, regional, and national basis. Oversee the development and maintenance of media reflecting the District’s principles, activities, goals, and achievements; offer two‑way communication links. Participate in external public energy association communications activities; support educational programs; provide leadership in issues management and education programs; prepare applications for utility organization awards and honors.

Manage and guide continuous improvement of the District’s internal and external websites and social media use for information sharing, training, education, and overall communication, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.

Serve as a communications adviser for the District and General Manager, offering anticipatory communication assistance at all administrative, management, and policy levels; provide information to board members on emerging issues and PUD news events for media interview preparation; support commissioners and managers in external public power agency participation; guide staff education on communication methods and strategies.

Lead or participate in special projects such as community outreach on critical issues, developing messages and initiatives to reach employees, the community, and other external audiences, and supporting communication activities on key District efforts and projects.

Manage communications during crises or significant organizational change. Serve as a public information officer on the Incident Command System team; mitigate communications risks; develop and implement crisis communications plans.

People Management

Direct resources: manage 10–19 staff members.

Overtime Exemption
Exempt.

Qualifications
Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field from a four‑year college or university is required.

Equivalent year‑for‑year experience may substitute for required education.

Experience

10+ years of experience in communications is required.

2+ years of experience in the utility industry is strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively with diverse audiences.

Strong understanding of public relations principles, strategic communications, and crisis management.

Knowledge of strategies to engage various internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Familiarity with the utility industry and the regulatory environment impacting public utilities.

Demonstrated technical writing ability.

Group facilitation skills, strong writing and editing abilities.

Advanced knowledge of corporate communications, including audio‑visual and all media, social media tools, layout, and printing.

Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Physical Demands

Sitting: Frequent (34–66 %).

Standing: Frequent (34–66 %).

Walking: Frequent (34–66 %).

Lifting 1–10 lbs (floor‑waist or waist‑shoulders or above‑shoulders): Occasional (11–33 %).

Lifting 11–25 lbs (floor‑waist or waist‑shoulders): Seldom (0–10 %).

Lifting 25–50 lbs (floor‑waist, copier paper): Seldom (0–10 %).

Climbing stairs, twisting at waist, stooping/bending, reaching, and wrist/hand/finger manipulation: Occasional (11–33 % for most). Frequent for repetitive motions, talking, hearing, visual acuity, and color discrimination.

Working Conditions

Exposure to weather: occasionally.

Proximity to moving mechanical parts: occasionally.

Atmospheric conditions (dust, fumes, etc.): occasionally.

Exposure to electricity and toxic/caustic chemicals: occasionally.

Noise intensity level: moderate.

District Values

Trust – act with integrity, empathy, competence, and transparency.

Safety – protect what matters most.

Stewardship – manage and oversee resources responsibly.

Collaboration – partner across teams for shared power.

Courage – step into the unknown to help the District grow.

Equal Opportunity / ADA
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE). The employer values diversity at all levels and considers all qualified applicants irrespective of protected classifications defined by law. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled individuals. The District will not sponsor work visas; candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

License Requirements
A valid driver’s license is required for this position. A valid Washington State driver’s license must be verified within 30 days of employment.

Disclaimer
The statements provided describe the principal functions of this job. This is not an all‑inclusive list of work requirements; employees may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve peak periods.

During the recruiting process, Chelan PUD may use a third‑party vendor for employment, education, and reference verification.

Pay Transparency Non‑Discrimination Provisions
Employees or applicants who inquire about pay will not be discriminated against. However, employees with access to compensation information must not disclose the pay of others except as authorized by law. 41 CFR 60‑I.35(c)

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