Chief of Staff (Executive 3)
$49.39 - $81.49 Hourly
Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities. We have approximately 1,700 employees, with the majority represented by 15 unions. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. We are looking for a seasoned professional to join our team as the Chief of Staff to help us continue this tradition in the 21st century and beyond. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Superintendent of City Light.
The Chief of Staff provides strategic leadership and direction for the Office of the Superintendent. This position leads External Relations, Government and Legislative Affairs, Communications and Public Affairs, as well as the Administrative staff of the Superintendent. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and managing the flow and exchange of information, streamlining interactions with key constituents, and driving initiatives on behalf of the Superintendent. The Chief of Staff directly and indirectly affects all City Light activities, and is responsible for a budget of approximately $4.2 million. Decisions affect broad organizational policies and strategic issues which require substantial financial commitment on the part of City Light and the City of Seattle.
? Oversees all facets of the Superintendent's Office, fulfilling Mayor, City Council and Advisory Board expectations and observing city, state, and federal laws, policies, regulations and operating agreements.
? Drives key initiatives and sets the legislative, external affairs and government relations agenda.
? Oversees and represents the Superintendent in interactions with key customers.
? Ensures the Superintendent is prepared with information required for meetings, conferences and other scheduled events.
? Leads the development of strategies and operational plans for all external affairs including business and community relationships; government and legislative affairs; and public relations and communications to provide a cohesive and comprehensive perspective of the utility.
? Oversees the flow and content of information to the Mayor, the Council and the Advisory Board and assists the Superintendent to maintain those relationships.
? Oversees and coordinates integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation to the Superintendent on major issues affecting the utility.
? Provides the Superintendent's perspective to reports, briefings and presentations of senior leadership.
? Formulates policy and program recommendations, which support and enhance Citywide goals; convenes and coordinates policies and issues with the senior officers of the utility.
? Identifies and manages critical issues that have public impact and require the attention of the Superintendent and other senior officers.
An ideal candidate would have a Bachelor's degree in communications, public or business administration or related field and substantial management and leadership experience in communications, public relations or governmental affairs or related area of responsibility typically gained through 15 or more years progressively responsible assignments; at least 10 of which were as a manager or supervisor in a large, complex multicultural and diverse organization. Demonstrable knowledge of techniques for building and sustaining community and public relationships, business issues and trends, and federal and state regulations related to governmental affairs and legislative activities. Actively promote, support and manage key strategic Citywide initiatives including those related to fair and equal employment, diversity and justice in the workplace. Successful candidates must demonstrate their commitment to and involvement in activities that create and sustain a workforce free of racism and discrimination and that values multiculturalism and diversity as a workforce and community asset.
Competitive candidates will have an MBA or MPA degree and be skilled in preparing and presenting effective and accurate data and information, building consensus on strategies and messages among peers and across the organization, identifying key business issues from multidisciplinary perspectives, policy analysis, informed debate and effective decision-making. Ability to lead professionals through collaboration and influence, foster and model effective customer service; coach, counsel and develop employees, including those of different racial, cultural and demographic backgrounds. Ability to provide management direction in a environment of change, willingness to make difficult and challenging decisions, provide clear expectations and directions, foster creativity and problem-solving, and perform the physical requirements and essential functions of the job.
Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light is a municipally owned electric utility providing service to about 395,000 customers in a 131 square-mile service territory, including the City of Seattle. City Light employs a staff of 1,840 and produces total annual operating revenues of approximately $723 million, of which $88 million comes from Wholesale Power Revenues, $545 million from Retail Power Revenues, $67 million from Other Power Revenues, and $23 million in Other Operating Revenue. The Utility's bond rating is AA- (S&P) and Aa2 (Moody's).
The all-time system peak is 2,059 MW.
Seattle City Light hydro plants have a capacity of 1,810 MW. The Pend Oreille River Project and the Skagit River Project are the two largest hydro plants with a capacity of 1,050 MW and 711 MW respectively. The Skagit project received many awards for environmental stewardship and enjoys an environmentally sound reputation. Three smaller plants located on the Cedar River, South Fork Tolt River, and at Newhalem Creek produce the remaining capacity.
Seattle City Light also has contracted for capacity from a wind farm located on the eastern Washington/Oregon border. City Light's fuel mix from owned and supplied resources for 2009 was 91% hydroelectric, 4.5% nuclear, 2% wind, 1.5% coal, and 1% other.
Seattle City Light operates its own load control center. In dispatching energy from its units, City Light plans first around the flows of the rivers in order to meet all license requirements and to protect salmon, then looks to economically dispatch generation to provide the greatest value of the hydroelectric system.
City Light's delivery system consists of 656 miles of transmission circuit and 2,300 miles of distribution circuit. There are 15 major substations in the system with 5 unit substations and 56 commercial/industrial substation transformers.
Seattle City Light is governed by the City of Seattle's City Council and Mayor. The City Council is responsible to set rates.
Seattle City Light homepage: www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/
2009 Annual Report: www.cityofseattle.net/light/aboutus/annualreport/
Compensation & Relocation
Compensation is open and dependant on experience. The Executive 3 classification has a pay range of $103,126 - 170,151, as well as Executive Performance Incentive Plan and additional merit leave. Seattle City Light also offers a full complement of benefits.
Seattle City Light will incur the customary costs associated with relocation according to its policy.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. Seattle City Light is an equal employment opportunity employer. Accommodations for people with disabilities provided upon request.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check which includes criminal history and driving history review.
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: http://www.seattle.gov/light/.
You may apply online at http://www.seattle.gov/jobs or submit your resume and letter of interest to Jen Swidler, Talent Acquisition Manager, at Jen.Swidler@Seattle.gov.
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 11/14/11
