Communications Strategist, Sr. job in Wenatchee

The Sr. Communication Strategist works to build the PUD’s positive public image, locally as well as regionally, and enhance public and employee knowledge and understanding of the District’s important role in providing reliable, affordable, renewable and efficient utility services in the county and environmental stewardship that benefits the community and region. The incumbent serves as the District’s initial official spokesperson, focusing on external communications and media relations, communicates District messages and positions with customer-owners, stakeholders and media through a variety of communication channels such as paid and earned coverage in print and electronic media, online, through social media, in presentations and conversations.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. Essential functions are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position. Secondary functions are activities not fundamental to the job and may need to be relaxed to accommodate an otherwise qualified applicant with a disability.

1. EF 30% Serves as the initial contact for the media and others seeking information about District positions, projects and programs. Often is the official spokesperson for the District. Working with the Communications manager, sets the tone for District messages and plays an important role communicating to and with customer-owners. Develops print and electronic story ideas and proactively seeks media placements. Assists with public disclosure requests, mainly those from the media.

2. EF 20% Develops materials for commission meetings; arranges interviews with commissioners and senior staff on matters considered by the commission; provides guidance to District staff who prepare materials for commission meetings.

3. EF 10% Provides customer-owner communications related to planned and unplanned outages; serves in an on-call rotation related to outages in response to weather, fire or other emergency situations; is a back-up to the Communications manager, as needed.

4. EF 10% Training & Development: Provides coaching and training to District staff related to written and oral communication efforts. Assists with development of internal and external communication plans, while supporting Districtwide compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act. Identifies opportunities to highlight District communication efforts through a variety of awards programs. Participates in industry and communicator professional associations to maintain best practices.

5. EF 10% Develops print and electronic communications related to District messages. Coordinates with graphic design team to produce effective internal and external print and electronic pieces. Drafts and coordinates design, production and mailing of the customer newsletter. Researches and proposes earned and paid media options. Negotiates and monitors advertising contracts in coordination with Communications and Conservation teams. Participates in assessing communication effectiveness through surveys.

6. EF 10% Develops, coordinates and implements special events on behalf of the District. Works with other divisions to ensure success at events and measures effectiveness of event and media coverage.

7. EF 5% Leads coordinated District team to design and develop the Annual Report.

8. EF 5% Maintains District’s graphic standards and logo use.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Post-Secondary Education:

Bachelor's degree (B. S., B. A.), preferably in Communications or related field, from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Typically requires a minimum of five (5) years’ of practical experience in media and/or public relations and the communications field. Utility industry experience preferred. Supervisory experience or demonstrated experience in a leadership role is desired.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary range of $77,120 - $96,400 (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year.

ABOUT US:

Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.

Rated by Sunset Magazine as one of the top 20 Western DREAM TOWNS and by Forbes in 2017 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!

Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled