COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH MANAGER

Communications and Outreach Manager

– Cascade Water Alliance

Bellevue, WA | $141,000 - $215,000 | Date Posted: 5/18/2026

The Communications and Outreach Manager will support Cascade’s communications, community outreach, and intergovernmental coordination for the Cascade Supply Program (CSP) and for the organization’s general external communications. The role requires a collaborative and strategic thinker who can engage stakeholders at all levels and support the CSP’s goal of establishing a resilient water supply through a future connection with Tacoma Water.

Key Job Responsibilities

Develops and implements strategic communications and outreach plans for the CSP, including:

Develops engagement and outreach plans for communities impacted by the CSP, including communication planning around potential tank sites, pipeline routes, and other facilities.

Develops engagement and outreach plans for stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, partner agencies, tribes, governments at all levels, elected officials, and others.

Leads and manages planning and implementation with CSP public relations consultant teams, including consultant contract and budget management.

Communicates and collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Serves as the primary contact for public stakeholders on the CSP.

Leads community outreach events.

Manages the CSP website, social media, traditional media, press releases, and other external-facing communications related to the program.

Leads Cascade’s outreach efforts in support of state and federal funding requests for the CSP.

Provides general communications and intergovernmental work for Cascade, including:

Coordinates with other staff to manage Cascade’s website, social media, traditional media, and other communications efforts.

Provides consistency and coordination between CSP communications and intergovernmental efforts and other Cascade activities and initiatives.

Supports Cascade’s legislative agenda, including state and federal priorities.

Supports other intergovernmental efforts as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, public relations, public policy or related field with extensive knowledge of government and community relations.

Five or more years of related experience in government and community relations or related field.

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Utility experience preferred, including knowledge of water utility operations.

Washington State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Strong written communication skills.

Strong background in public speaking and presentations to public bodies.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle politically sensitive, complex situations.

Experience in developing and implementing strategic communications and community outreach plans.

Experience in consultant contract oversight and managing the work of professional, technical outsourced staff.

Experience working with governing bodies of elected officials.

Experience with governments, elected officials, stakeholders, community groups, the media, and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain key working relationships with stakeholders, member staff, elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community groups.

Experience in multimedia communications, including website management, social media, traditional media and other tools.

Ability to work effectively in teams.

Compensation and Benefits
This is a full‑time position with an annual salary range of $141,000 - $215,000. Cascade offers an industry‑leading benefits package to employees and their dependents, including paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, disability), retirement plans (401(a), 457), and tax‑advantaged savings options (FSA, HRA, PPO, DCAP). Cascade contributes 7% and employees contribute 4% to their 401(a) retirement plan.

About Cascade Water Alliance
Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal corporation comprised of seven member agencies that collaborate to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for its members’ approximately 400,000 residents in King County. Established in 1999, Cascade’s members include five cities (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Tukwila) and two water and sewer districts (Sammamish Plateau Water and Skyway Water and Sewer District). Cascade’s mission is to provide safe, clean, and reliable water to its members in a cost‑effective and environmentally responsible way through regional leadership and strong relationships.

About the Cascade Supply Program
The Cascade Supply Program (CSP) is Cascade Water Alliance’s largest project and will transform the regional supply of water. Cascade currently contracts with Seattle Public Utilities to provide drinking water to its member agencies. The Seattle contract is set to decline in 2039, necessitating a new source of supply. In 2009, Cascade purchased the White River – Lake Tapps Reservoir system as a future municipal drinking water supply. In lieu of developing Lake Tapps Reservoir at this time, Cascade signed an agreement with Tacoma Water in early 2025 to replace the declining Seattle supply, deferring the development of Lake Tapps Reservoir until the 2060s. Phase I of the CSP will construct the transmission infrastructure to connect Tacoma Water to the Cascade service area; Phase II will provide the infrastructure to connect Cascade member agencies to the new Cascade transmission system; and Phase III will involve the future water treatment plant and connections.

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