Sr. Public Relations Specialist (Construction Communications Support)
City of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- $40.08-46.68 per hour
- Permanent
- Full-time
Responsibilities/Duties for Sr. Public Relations Specialist (Construction Communications Support)
- Develop and implement communications plans and strategies to support Seattle City Light's Capital Improvement Program and ongoing construction projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with City Light employees (leadership and workforce), customers, community stakeholders, vendors, and other City department contacts.
- Respond promptly to customer inquiries and concerns while exercising tact and diplomacy.
- Conceptualize, research, and produce engaging and dynamic content including blog posts, social media content, website content, community presentations, newsletter articles, FAQs, fact sheets, press releases, talking points, and construction project notifications.
- Attend bi-weekly forecasting meetings to learn about planned and upcoming work.
- Work with the City Light web team to ensure project-specific information is accurate and up-to-date on City Light's website. Work with subject matter experts across the utility to gather project information and review, edit, and implement changes to website and blog content as needed.
- Coordinate and manage community outreach events and public meetings as needed.
- Work with Communications Division staff to coordinate communications plans and messaging.
- Develop metrics and measures to gauge effectiveness of communications.
- Provide direction and guidance to leadership and employees in developing strategic communications and conducting public relations.
- Participate in the on-call outage duty rotation, which may require independent interaction with the media, managing social media, and responding to requests for information.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related fields (or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience).Experience: Requires two years professional experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field involving the preparation and distribution of public information materials.Work Environment/Physical Demands
Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.License, Certification and Other Requirements
Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:
- 3-5+ years of experience performing the required job duties with demonstrated experience writing for a variety of audiences and for multiple channels.
- Familiarity with design, construction, and bid documents, including engineering drawings, traffic control plans, and construction specifications.
- Familiarity with construction/work sites and experience working with field personnel.
- Proven ability to effectively manage and implement communications campaigns.
- Proven track record of success in building strong relationships with employees at all levels across an organization (leadership and workforce).
- High degree of personal initiative and excellent interpersonal, listening, written, and verbal communication skills with a dedication to honesty, accuracy, and transparency.
- Ability to efficiently organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects in an evolving, deadline-driven environment while balancing the needs of various projects and stakeholders.
- Ability to defuse conflict, build relationships across work teams, divisions, business units, and with external audiences.
- Ability to research and compile information for the purpose of recommending solutions.
- Ability to work independently, as well as on a team, while using discretion in decision-making and sound judgment in problem-solving.
- Think outside the box to be innovative with digital and other communication trends. Make recommendations for improvements and enhancements.
- Promote diversity and social justice by ensuring that communications are conducted through an equity lens.
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.