Media Relations Manager; StratAdvsr,CSPI&P BU-P

Media Relations Manager (Strat

Advsr1,CSPI&P BU-P)

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Advsr1,CSPI&P BU-P) role at Seattle Public Utilities
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Do you excel at crafting clear, impactful messages and building connections with diverse audiences? Are you ready to be the voice of a community-centered utility that provides essential public services to the City of Seattle?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for a dynamic Media Relations Manager to lead its media and communications efforts across numerous platforms.

The Media Relations Manager is a critical member of the Communications team at SPU, responsible for leading the planning, analysis, and coordination of SPU’s media relations and public information programs. This role serves as a key advisor to the executive team, providing guidance on media relations strategies, emergency response communications, and media outreach. The Media Relations Manager will also collaborate with the Mayor’s Office Communications team, other City departments, and surrounding jurisdictions to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective communication efforts.

As the primary spokesperson for the utility, this position will play an essential role in managing the public image of SPU, mitigating potential reputational issues, and promoting the utility's services and projects to key stakeholders. This position will manage a Social Media Lead and work in partnership with the Communications Director to implement strategic communications for large, utility-wide initiatives. The Media Relations Manager will also provide leadership in social media, crisis communication, and content development.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses.

SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost‑conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family‑friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Hybrid work schedule
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Lead SPU’s media relations and crisis communications, including proactive outreach, media requests, and serving as primary spokesperson.
• Advise executive leadership on strategic communications, emergency response, and reputation management.
• Coordinate messaging with the Mayor’s Office, City departments, and external partners to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Develop and oversee public information campaigns and materials that support City and utility priorities and shape public understanding.
• Lead, mentor, and train communications staff, including media training for leadership; foster a collaborative, high‑performing team.
• Represent SPU in interagency forums and policy discussions, providing strategic recommendations that support City objectives.
• Supervise a Social Media Program Manager and develop an integrated program between media relations and social media.
• Occasionally serve as Acting Director.
• Team Expectations:
  Participate in quarterly executive team briefings. Incorporate accessibility and language access into our work.
• Special
  
  Conditions:
  
  City of Seattle employees are required to live in the State of Washington and report to their worksite at least 3 days per week. This position will frequently be required to work/be on call in the evening and on weekends and be able to report onsite in an…