Job Description:

Responsible for management, coordination and execution of internal and external communications strategies, plans and programs to support EWEB’s strategic goals and business objectives associated with wildfire resiliency, electric operations and related initiatives.

This posting opens Friday, August 20, 2021, and will remain open until filled.  The first review of applications will occur at the end of business on Friday, September 3rd.  Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is currently seeking a Communications Specialist III to manage, coordinate and execute internal and external communications strategies, plans and programs to support EWEB’s strategic goals and business objectives associated with wildfire resiliency, electric operations, and related initiatives.

In consultation with subject matter experts the Communications Specialist III, develops, implements, and measures public-facing messaging and content in a variety of media formats and delivery platforms, and creates and executes short and long-term communications campaigns that generate public education and understanding around EWEB’s wildfire and electric resiliency initiatives and preparedness programs.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for the long-term planning and ongoing performance of EWEB’s public facing website.

Communications Specialist III’s are also responsible for:

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Content development:
   
   
   
   1. Develop and direct a wildfire resilience and electric operations communication strategies, messaging, and outreach; direct the development and implementation of initiatives and programs to enhance public awareness of critical issues and challenges.
   
   
   2. Develop, implement, and communicate corporate strategy and key messages to a wide variety of audiences in clear language, using a variety of communications tactics.
   
   
   3. Research, write and edit all types of external and internal communication materials.
   
   


2. Content promotion:
   
   
   
   1. Use earned, owned, and paid tools to promote and deliver content, increase access, and inform and engage key audiences.
   
   
   2. Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with other public and private agencies and organizations, and non-profit and community groups.
   
   


3. Website management:
   
   
   
   1. Monitor overall website activity and content performance and determine metrics/reporting to evaluate engagement.
   
   
   2. Updates and maintains information EWEB’s external ensuring material is accessible, current, effective, and informative.
   
   
   3. Manages website navigation and accessibility.
   
   
   4. Create strategies to grow web traffic metrics.
   
   
   5. Liaises with external website and app CMS providers and other software providers for maintenance, updates, and modifications as required.
   
   


4. Crisis communications:
   
   
   
   1. Provide customer, media, and employee communications response during emergency/crisis situations.
   
   

The starting salary for this position is between $71,328.47– $89,160.70 annually, commensurate with knowledge, skills, education, and experience as it relates to the position.

PLEASE NOTE: This posting includes supplemental questions.  Your responses will be scored and used to determine if you will proceed to the next step of the selection process. Provide detailed answers to each question. Please do not reference your resume' or application in your responses.  In addition, please submit several samples of your work that are relevant to the position you are applying for, either by attaching your samples directly to your application or by emailing them to heather.carter@eweb.org.

This position is based in Eugene, Oregon; however, it has been approved for remote/hybrid work.  During the first six months a heavy on-site presence may be required, after which time on-site presence may be required less frequently based on business need.  EWEB is committed to the safety of the workforce, therefore on-site visits may be reduced based on CDC/OHA guidelines due to COVID-19.  EWEB also offers relocation reimbursement to be negotiated at the time of offer.

Minimum Training & Experience Required:

Minimum Experience: A minimum of four years progressive experience in public relations and communications, including designing and executing successful campaigns and programs for a utility or comparable business, industry or public entity. Experience should also include at least two years’ experience using content management and social business software, experience drafting written materials (press releases, pitches, Q&A, etc.), as well as website design, maintenance, administration and troubleshooting.

Education:    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or related field.

Equivalency:  An equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience as a media spokesperson.


• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.


• Experience working for a utility or public agency.


• Basic or Advanced Public Information Officer Training.

WORKING AT EWEB:

EWEB offers a generous benefits package including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage (EWEB pays 95% of premiums for employees and 75% of premiums for eligible dependents)


• Health Reimbursement Account (VEBA) and Flexible Spending Account


• Employee Wellness Program with up to $750 in program incentives


• Employee Assistance Programs


• Public Employee Retirement and IAP plans


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan


• Life Insurance


• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance


• Voluntary supplemental benefit plans


• Vacation leave, sick leave, and holiday pay


• Membership at EWEB Employee Credit Union


• Relocation/House Hunting reimbursement package for qualifying candidate

Why this Job

EWEB offers employees a progressive work culture devoted to providing excellent public service. Our employees work in a fast-paced environment where creativity, innovation, involvement, teamwork and professional development are supported and encouraged. EWEB is also committed to providing a work environment conducive to the safety, health, and well-being of its workforce, and offers great benefits, including but not limited to health care, vacation and sick leave, pension, holidays, and employee credit union.  In fact, EWEB is currently the #1 Healthiest Employer in Oregon and the #4th Healthiest Employer nationwide!

Equal Employment Opportunity

EWEB takes pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion among our employees. We embrace and value differences of culture, education, experience, physical ability and unique perspectives in our workplace. We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity. Attracting, retaining and advancing talent from all sources strengthens our bond with the multifaceted community we serve.

Tobacco, Smoke, and Vapor - Free Campus Policy

EWEB fosters an environment promoting good health for both employees and the public. We want to enhance the quality of air, appearance, and employee health in and around EWEB facilities and equipment. Employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors may not use, distribute, or sell tobacco while participating in EWEB functions, on EWEB property, or while performing right-of-way tasks.

Other Requirements

Note: This Job Posting is intended to represent key areas of responsibility.  It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned.  Nothing in this description restricts EWEB's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  Job descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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