Communications Specialist III

Communications Specialist III

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Communications Specialist III to join our team. A day in the life of our Communications team can mean many things from designing outreach materials, editing publications, providing tours of our facility, developing social media campaigns, managing digital asset libraries, and supporting all staff events.

Our small team handles external and internal communications, working with staff across the organization to help them meet their communications goals. We also play an important role in representing LOTT and the WET Science Center to the public. The ideal candidate will learn about our operations and teams while bringing a diverse set of communications skills to the table. They are comfortable taking initiative, working independently, and lead with a focus on collaboration and support.

They typically work a Monday through Friday schedule; however, communications and outreach activities may occasionally require evening and weekend work, which is generally planned in advance.

Under general supervision of the Communications Manager, this position is responsible for assisting with planning, developing and implementing a broad range of public information, involvement, education, outreach, marketing, and internal communications activities that further LOTT's mission and goals. Typical duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide support to the Communications Manager, Senior Leadership Team, and Executive Director regarding aspects of internal and external communication
• Develop and implement strategic public communication and outreach plans and activities in support of capital projects, planning efforts, emergency response, and other LOTT activities and programs
• Identify and develop effective communications tools and networks, including fostering positive media relations and optimizing LOTT's use of social media outlets
• Coordinate communication program activities with and provide expertise and assistance to other LOTT staff to plan and implement long- and short-range goals, objectives, and activities
• Develop and maintain communication and outreach materials, such as LOTT's website, social media, reports, brochures, presentations, rack cards, signage, promotional materials, posters and flyers, displays, advertising, award applications, press releases, articles, and other materials
• Gather and compile information, conduct research, and develop, review, and refine content for communications materials, coordinating with staff and others as needed
• Coordinate production of printed materials, reports, and documents to meet identified timelines and established editorial and quality standards
• Identify, develop and manage engaging visuals, such as graphics, icons, graphs, and photographs to effectively convey ideas and improve communication products
• Serve as the digital accessibility lead, ensuring that public materials meet state and federal accessibility standards
• Develop and utilize consistent branding and organizational standards for communications materials
• Oversee planning and implementation of communication and outreach activities/events like public meetings, workshops, and tours, including coordination of logistics, scheduling, speakers, public notification, promotion, materials and supplies, and staffing assistance
• Develop and deliver presentations, host visiting groups, and guide tours of the treatment plant and other LOTT facilities as assigned
• Manage special projects and contracts as assigned
• Support internal staff communications programs and activities in coordination with Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources, and other staff
• Conduct public notification and involvement in support of capital project planning, ensuring compliance with State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) regulations and other permitting/planning requirements
• Respond to public inquiries, comments, concerns, and complaints, working with other staff to respond to a variety of requests for information and to investigate, reply to, and resolve issues
• Represent LOTT in a variety of settings, providing presentations to community groups, attending events, and serving on a variety of committees and groups
• Play an active role in preparations for monthly Board meetings and provide general support for Board activities and initiatives, such as annual retreats and special projects
• Support LOTT's education program by assisting in development of messaging and content for programs and promotional materials
• Serve as Public Information Officer for emergency preparation and response in the absence of the Communications Manager
• Serve on a variety of internal and interjurisdictional project teams to provide communications support
• Provide backup for other team functions as needed
• Demonstrate regular and reliable…