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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal corporation comprised of seven member agencies that collaborate to provide a reliable and…