Communications Initiative Consultant

Responsible for the effective management of the communications and/or outreach components of company projects, strategic initiatives and issues. Provides input to strategic planning process. Identifies cross-initiative opportunities for improvement and potential risk areas, and utilizes mitigation techniques. Through cross-functional collaboration and excellent team building and management, this position will be a key initiative team member and pro-actively clarify and challenge expectations and assumptions about each initiative and issue reflecting the customer and/or employee perspective.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

This position is hybrid, with 50% of time expected to be in office or in the field.

Leads the communications and/or outreach component of company projects, strategic initiatives, and issues, providing support to other initiative teams as needed. This includes the development and implementation of the communications work plan, materials and team coordination, and project management. Engaging directly with customers, answering questions, and acting as a liaison between the customer and project teams.

Coordinating with internal groups to ensure information is being shared with customer-facing employees and cohesive public outreach strategies and plans are developed.

• Acting as a customer advocate. Raising issues on the customers' behalf and working with the Project Managers to address customer concerns.
• Assists in the development, coordination, and implementation of the project plans.
• Identifies and prioritizes communications, outreach, and reputation risks and develops the risk management and mitigation plan that addresses each risk in a timely and efficient manner. This requires close coordination, partnership, and communication with multiple departments.
• Provides input into the development of the department's strategic planning process and input into the evolution of PSE's communication strategies and approaches, including new media technology, engagement strategies and processes.
• Provides support to other Communications teams as needed.
• Performs emergency and storm duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, media, business innovation, marketing, strategic leadership/management or related field, and 7 years relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in managing increasingly complex projects with cross-functional teams and in an ever-changing and fast-paced environment.
• Professional level competencies necessary to comprehend, analyze, and influence a wide range of complex business units, initiatives and issues.
• Ability to contribute effectively in peer management teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skills and experience in collaboration and team building.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple priorities and irregular schedule commitments.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools.

• Knowledge of or certification in the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)
• Advanced degree in strategic leadership or management.
• Practical and successful application of community and/or customer engagement strategies and tactics including the use of new media applications.
• Broad knowledge of gas and electric utility rates, business objectives, to include operations, customer service, finance, and corporate relations.