Description
About the Position
Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade) is seeking a Communications and Outreach Manager to support Cascade’s communications, outreach, and intergovernmental efforts. The position will support communications, community outreach and intergovernmental coordination for the Cascade Supply Program as well as Cascade’s general external communications and intergovernmental work. The successful candidate will have a passion for work in a team environment, collaborating with a team of experienced professionals, to support Cascade and the success of the Cascade Supply Program, a historic regional program to provide a resilient water supply to Cascade’s members through a future connection with Tacoma Water.
Key Job Responsibilities
Develops and implements strategic communications and outreach plans for the Cascade Supply Program (CSP), including:
o Develops engagement and outreach plans for communities impacted by the CSP, including communication planning around potential tank sites, pipeline routes, and other facilities.
o Develops engagement and outreach plans for stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, partner agencies, tribes, governments at all levels, elected officials, and others.
o Leads and manages planning and implementation with CSP public relations consultant teams, including consultant contract and budget management.
o Communicates and collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders.
o Serves as the primary contact for public stakeholders on the CSP.
o Leads community outreach events.
o Manages the CSP website, social media, traditional media, press releases, and other external-facing communications related to the program.
o Leads Cascade’s outreach efforts in support of state and federal funding requests for the CSP.
Provides general communications and intergovernmental work for Cascade, including:
o Coordinates with other staff to manage Cascade’s website, social media, traditional media, and other communications efforts.
o Provides consistency and coordination between CSP communications and intergovernmental efforts and other Cascade activities and initiatives.
o Supports Cascade’s legislative agenda, including state and federal priorities.
o Supports other intergovernmental efforts as needed.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, public relations, public policy or related field with extensive knowledge of government and community relations.
Five or more years of related experience in government and community relations or related field.
Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Utility experience preferred, including knowledge of water utility operations.
Washington State Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Strong written communications skills.
Strong background in public speaking and presentations to public bodies.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle politically sensitive, complex situations.
Experience in developing and implementing strategic communications and community outreach plans.
Experience in consultant contract oversight and managing the work of professional, technical outsourced staff.
Experience working with governing bodies of elected officials.
Experience with governments, elected officials, stakeholders, community groups, the media, and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain key working relationships with stakeholders, member staff, elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community groups.
Experience in multimedia communications, including website management, social media, traditional media and other tools.
Ability to work effectively in teams.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $141,000 - $215,000.
Cascade offers an industry-leading benefits package to employees and their dependents, including paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, disability), retirement plans (401a, 457), and tax-advantaged savings options (FSA, HRA, Veba, PPO, DCAP). Cascade contributes 7%, and employees contribute 4%, to their 401(a) retirement plan. In lieu of Social Security, employees contribute 6.2% of their annual salary, and Cascade contributes 6.2% up to the Social Security limit set by the Internal Revenue Service to employees' 401(a) plans.
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to Chris Paulucci at contact@cascadewater.org by 5PM, June 5, 2026. Your cover letter should be limited to one page double-sided (two pages total). In your cover letter, describe your experience, education, and/or skills as they relate to Key Job Responsibilities.
Applications received by June 5, 2026 will be given first consideration. This position will remain open until filled.
About Cascade Water Alliance
Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal corporation comprised of seven member agencies that collaborate to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for its members’ approximately 400,000 residents in King County. Established in 1999, Cascade’s members include five cities (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Tukwila) and two water and sewer districts (Sammamish Plateau Water and Skyway Water and Sewer District). Cascade’s mission is to provide safe, clean, and reliable water to its members in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way through regional leadership and strong relationships.
Cascade’s small team of water utility professionals and its Board of Directors pride themselves on their collaborative and innovative approaches to tackling local and regional issues related to drinking water. Cascade’s long-term goal is to create a lasting legacy by exemplifying a model for regional cooperation and effective public resource management.
About the Cascade Supply Program
The Cascade Supply Program, or CSP, is the largest project undertaken by Cascade Water Alliance, and will change the regional supply of water. Cascade currently contracts with Seattle Public Utilities to provide drinking water to our Member agencies. Cascade’s contract with Seattle begins to decline in 2039, therefore necessitating a new source of supply. In 2009, Cascade purchased the White River – Lake Tapps Reservoir system as a future municipal drinking water supply. In lieu of developing Lake Tapps Reservoir at this time, Cascade signed an agreement with Tacoma Water in early 2025 to replace the declining Seattle supply, which will defer the development of Lake Tapps Reservoir until the 2060’s. Phase I of the CSP will construct needed transmission infrastructure to connect Tacoma Water to the Cascade service area; Phase II will provide the infrastructure to connect Cascade Member agencies to the new Cascade transmission system; and Phase III will be the future water treatment plant and connections.
