Communications and Governmental Relations Manager (Salary - DOQ)

Transcription

1 Communications and Governmental Relations Manager (Salary - DOQ) Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County (better known as Cowlitz PUD) is a publicly owned municipal corporation of the State of Washington. The purpose of this municipal corporate organization is for efficient generation, transmission and distribution of electrical energy. The PUD is owned by the residents of Cowlitz County and operates on revenues from the sales of its services. The PUD has waived its right to collect tax revenue despite authority to do so. Reporting to the General Manager, the Communications and Governmental Relations Manager is responsible for coordinating and implementing government affairs and public relations programs required to meet District goals and objectives. This includes managing the organization s legislative agenda, together with public information and communications. The incumbant shall develop and maintain customer relations strategies, manage community service efforts, manage community and employee eduation activites and provid required intergovernmental support and services. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor s degree in communications, public affairs, engineering, political science or related field; and, shall have a minimum of three years experience in public relations, government affairs or an equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed for this position. Electric utility experience is preferred, but not required. An MPA or MBA is preferred. Cowlitz PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. This recruitment will remain open until Monday, January 5, To apply for this position you must provide a cover letter, resume, completed supplemental questions, self-edited writing sample and completed Cowlitz PUD application. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Please submit to: Cowlitz PUD Attn: HR PO Box 3007 Longview, WA OR Scan and to: jobs@cowlitzpud.org

2 Communications and Governmental Relations Manager Supplemental Questions Please respond to each of the following five questions, limiting your responses to no more than 1 page per question. Concise answers to each question are appreciated. 1. What experience and/or training do you have that would help you perform as the Communications & Government Relations Manager for Cowlitz County PUD? 2. Please explain your experience in policy making or legislative affairs. Kindly cite examples of instances demonstrating your background in this regard. 3. Give an example of participating in the formation of a communication plan or strategy on behalf of an organization as a result of an emergency situation or similar situation. Describe how you implemented the plan or strategy and the result of your efforts. 4. Describe a communications strategy that presently best suits the Cowlitz PUD. 5. If Cowlitz PUD was to Google your name what information would we find and would there be anything that would be cause for concern? Additional Requirements: Cowlitz PUD is requesting a self edited writing sample, such as, but not limited to: A sample press release A Memo addressing legislative affairs An article or other publication regarding the energy industry 1 P age

3 Job Description The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent, and is not to be construed as an exclusive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by the incumbent on this position. The job description does not imply an offer of employment, nor a contract for employment. It is subject to change at the discretion of the employer. JOB TITLE: Communications and Governmental Relations Manager DEPARTMENT: Administration REPORTS TO: General Manager PREPARED: December 2014 FLSA: Exempt UNION AFFILIATED: No GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: This position manages, coordinates and implements intergovernmental activities and public relations programs required to meet District goals and objectives. This includes managing the organization s public information and communications; developing and maintaining customer relation strategies, managing community service efforts, managing community and employee education activites; providing required intergovernmental support and services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Governmental Relations: Serves as the PUD s primary point of contact to the various federal, state, local and elected bodies of importance to the PUD to ensure the District s concerns are represented. Coordinates PUD communications to legislators, regulators, Commissioners, PUD staff, the general public and others regarding District positions on legislative/regulatory/other issues. Coordinates efforts with chambers of commerce, economic development councils and other community organizations that are involved in legislative/regulatory matters. ADMIN006 1DEC14 Page 1

4 Actively participates in trade associations that affect legislative and regulatory issues (these include the Washington PUD Association (WPUDA), The American Public Power Association (APPA), the Public Power Council (PPC) as well as others. Develops policy recommendations, drafts strategy papers on legislative/regulatory matters. Develop work plans and budgets for the Community and Governmental Affairs Department including personnel, equipment and facilities. Community Relations: Acts in both a support and advisory capacity to the General Manager and other departments on matters pertaining to public and news media relations. Responsible for regular updates to the General Manager and Directors by providing electronic news articles, in person discussions and updates at staff meetings. Develops and interprets short and long range District public relations policies and programs and communicates those policies and programs to the customers and employees as appropriate. Serves as the District s primary news media contact. Writes press releases, news stories and feature news articles. Oversees design, layout and production of all advertising and District publications as assigned. Serves as the spokesperson for the District. Must be comfortable in public settings and speaking at public events. Prepares and makes presentations to the public and to employees, as District spokesperson. Represents the District at community, social and public functions in such a manner that the District s interests are best served. Actively participates in committee work as required. Develops, plans and directs advertising efforts in line with District budget constraints. Marketing: Develops, coordinates, produces, delivers and implements various integrated marketing communications. Identifies marketing opportunities and problems, generates, refines, and evaluates marketing actions based on available data. Develops marketing research tools and instruments for collection process, analyzes the results, communicates the findings and provides recommendations for appropriate marketing plans. Develops and maintains newsletters, brochures, and all other materials related to marketing, advertising and communications. Tracks marketing and advertising campaigns, prepares performance analysis reports of post campaign and makes recommendations to Directors and program managers for corrective modifications. Other Position Functions: Executes a wide variety of campaigns that involve direct mail, , social media, ADMIN006 1DEC14 Page 2

5 outbound calls, marketing trade shows and events, public relations, customer communications, media advertisements and promotions, and marketing plans. Maintains open lines of communication with customers and organizations, providing prompt answers to requests and conveying concise, clear, and timely information. Writes, designs, and maintains content and provides updates as necessary to PUD website and social media accounts. Writes and delivers press releases, internal and external newsletters and other communications. Provides product positioning materials as well as training for front office personnel who deal with customers on a regular basis. Keeps employees informed of current PUD issues of community concern through all employee s. Provides suggestions of answers to questions that customers may ask concerning issues. Represents the District at local events and among service groups embedded in Cowlitz County. Performs other tasks as assigned. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Bachelor s degree in communications, public affairs, engineering, political science, or related field. Minimum of three (3) years experience in public relations, government affairs or an equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed for this position. Electric utility experience is preferred, but not required. MPA or MBA preferred. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other government entities and trade organizations, co workers, other District employees, outside vendors, contractors and the general public. Ability to supervise outside consultants including but not limited to lobbyists and public relations firms. Work in fast paced work environment, with constant interruptions and distractions. Ability to multi task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet set deadlines. Attention to detail and strong organizational, analytical, drafting, and proofreading skills. Must demonstrate the ability to work efficiently, with little or no supervision to meet deadlines and balance multiple tasks. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of the organization, outside agencies, governmental bodies and the public. Establish and encourage a work atmosphere that embraces honesty and openness, and fosters collaborative internal and external working relationships. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook), Desktop ADMIN006 1DEC14 Page 3

6 Publishing software, Web Development software, and various social networking media skills required. Effective project management skills. Sound understanding of marketing principles. Must have a thorough working knowledge of District policies and practices. Must have a strong background in government affairs, marketing, image building, communications, photography, graphics and media operations. Requires excellent writing and public speaking skills. Must be able to communicate persuasively on complex matters. Effective understanding of latest technologies and ability to identify how to apply them in marketing. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team setting and proven track record of meeting or exceeding team goals and objectives. Ability to build excellent working relationships to attain goals. Self motivated, confident, energetic, innovative and creative. Must have demonstrated ability to be punctual and regular in attendance. EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS: Operate a personal computer, and business applications for word processing, spreadsheet and database. Operate standard office equipment and machines such as printer, fax, calculator, copy machine, multi line telephones and keyboard. JOB SCOPE: LEVEL OF SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Minimal supervision; regular status reports will be required. LEVEL OF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is supervisory in nature providing mentoring, training and guidance for the Community Relations Assistant. CONTACT/COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS: Extensive oral and written communications with other government entities, trade organizations, individuals within own department, other District departments, outside vendors, and the general public. Contact and communications occur in person, by phone, fax or electronic form. DECISION MAKING CAPACITIES: This position is required to use sound judgment and experience to make occasional independent decisions for the good of the utility following District policies and work practices. WORKING CONDTIONS: May require work hours in excess of 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. May require travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies. Observe and abide by all District policies, goals and objectives. Able to work well and complete duties under stress, and deadlines, while attending to ADMIN006 1DEC14 Page 4

7 multiple duties simultaneously. Must wear proper apparel for assigned working conditions in accordance with the District s dress code policy. Tolerate prolonged computer related exposure. Able to sit/stand at a workstation and operate a keyboard for long periods of time. Must be capable of bending, stooping and lifting up to 40 pounds. Must have adequate eyesight for operating a computer and viewing a monitor. Work environment is a secure, well lit, temperature controlled office building. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be neat in appearance. Must be able to pass District background check and general aptitude test. Must have a valid Driver s license and be able to drive safely in all weather/road conditions. Must qualify for the District s auto liability insurance. Incumbent has one year from the date of hire to reside within Cowlitz County. ADMIN006 1DEC14 Page 5