Utility Policy & Community Relations Supervisor

• Represents the City at regional, county, and statewide committees and forums.
• Supports elected officials serving on regional utility committees and intra- and inter-governmental relations through the consistent monitoring and communication of emerging utility-related issues to City leadership and City Council.
• Prepares policy analyses and reports for the City Council, City Manager, and Director.
• Develops the City's long-term policy framework for regional positioning and achievement of the City's vision.
• Identifies and delivers policy solutions across a range of topics including affordable housing, climate change, waste reduction, low-income customer assistance programs, and other relevant topics.
• Oversees the independent analysis and adoption of rates for all utilities within the City's purview. Prepares or assists in the preparation of utility operating budgets.
• Manages community outreach and education staff; participates in and facilitates City, department, and community meetings; coordinates interdepartmentally among divisions for consistency and planning of outreach messaging.
• Reviews analysis of economic and revenue trends and estimates and operational and capital expenditures.
• Analyzes and recommends alternative utility policies, including debt management issues and financing.
• Reviews funds balances and cost-revenue ratios for existing and projected levels of service for use in long-range planning and to anticipate financial and operational concerns related to utilities.
• Reviews and/or drafts existing and proposed legislation of the city, County and State governments and ordinances relating to utility matters and recommends alternatives.
• Develops and integrates utility policy with the City's General Sewer Plan, Water Plan, Solid Waste Plan, Sustainability Master Plan, Surface Water Master Plan, and Comprehensive Plan.
• Works with other governmental jurisdictions in the development and implementation of interlocal agreements, long-range strategic plans, and policies related to utilities.
• Consistently applies a racial equity lens to new and existing policies so that all customers and communities equitably share in the outcomes of the City's work.
• Leads, manages, supervises, develops, mentors, and holds accountable staff in community outreach and education related to utilities.
• Provides departmental management support; actively participates on the Department's Management Team.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Performs special assignments as directed.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

• Knowledge of the Public Works Department mission, policies, procedures and priorities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern public administration and policy development; extensive knowledge of federal, local and regional/county issues impacting utility programs and operations.
• Skill in identifying emerging issues, developing and implementing new approaches; ability to anticipate and resolve problems before a crisis ensues.
• Strong ability to maintain confidences and routinely handle extremely sensitive and political information; skill in human relations, diplomacy, tact and negotiating.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and the general public.
• Understanding of the City's political environment and sensitivities; ability to function
• effectively within that environment.
• Skill in researching complex issues and developing recommended actions; ability to conduct complex administrative studies. Ability to prepare informative reports and deliver persuasive, succinct presentations to senior management and elected officials as required.
• Skill in effective, clear and persuasive oral and written communications to individuals and groups.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration or related field.
• Experience: 5 years of professional related experience in public policy formulation and implementation and overseeing utility and customer-related programs. 2 years of direct supervisory experience or serving as a lead on a multidiscipline group.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Master's degree in public policy, administration, or related field is highly desirable.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
This position works primarily in an office environment. The position will require working extra hours, including nights and weekends, to attend and/or make presentations at meetings of City and regional events.

Selection Process
Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.