Join Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and Lead Our Community Engagement and Government Relations Efforts!

Are you a strategic leader passionate about building strong community relationships and navigating complex government landscapes? Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an experienced Community & Government Relations Manager to lead our efforts in fostering trust, driving advocacy, and advancing our mission through impactful engagement with government, Tribal nations, community stakeholders, and educational institutions.

Other Jobs You May Be Interested In

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Utilities Deputy Director for Customer Experience and External Affairs, you will lead a dynamic, high-performing team of six dedicated to building and strengthening TPU's relationships with key external partners. In this role, you will drive strategic engagement efforts that align with our mission, enhance TPU's presence through impactful community sponsorships and K-12 education programs, and champion advocacy efforts that support and advance our organizational priorities.

As a key representative of TPU, you will:

• Lead Strategic Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with government entities (local, state, federal), Tribal nations, community stakeholders, and educational institutions.
• Drive Advocacy & Education: Oversee advocacy, outreach, and education initiatives that foster community trust and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
• Shape Policy & Legislation: Lead the development and execution of legislative policies and advocacy strategies, preparing policy documents and managing legislative consultant contracts.
• Champion Community Initiatives: Oversee community engagement initiatives, K-12 education programs, sponsorships, and employee volunteer activities.
• Provide Strategic Leadership: Support the Deputy Director in shaping policy development, setting TPU-wide goals, and driving cross-departmental alignment.
• Represent TPU: Serve as a spokesperson for senior leadership and coordinate TPU’s community and government relations activities with trade groups and community associations.
• Manage a Multidisciplinary Team: Lead and supervise a team of program managers responsible for education programs, community outreach sponsorships, local engagement, and government relations.
• Ensure Compliance: Assist in ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Manage Budget and HR: Participate in departmental financial and human resource activities, including budget planning, procurement, and employee development.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and oversee programs related to government and community relations, aligning with TPU’s mission and objectives.
• Lead and supervise a team of managers responsible for diverse functions, including education programs, community sponsorships, and government relations.
• Align and coordinate education, community, and government relations strategies across TPU.
• Identify and address emerging government and community issues.
• Collaborate with Executive and senior Leadership, the Public Utility Board, and the Tacoma City Council.
• Develop and execute legislative policies and advocacy strategies.
• Engage with legislative bodies, executive agencies, councils, boards, Native American Tribes, and commissions.
• Provide strategic guidance to Executive and senior leadership.
• Oversee community engagement initiatives, K-12 education programs, sponsorships, and employee volunteer activities.
• Develop and refine legislative policies for TPU, ensuring alignment with operating divisions and the broader goals of TPU and the City of Tacoma.
• Participate in departmental financial and human resource activities, including budget planning and employee development.
• Serve as a designated representative for the Deputy Director and management spokesperson.

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, public policy, political science, communication or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
7 years including 2 years prior as supervisor or manager

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education 

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License