Senior Regional Government Relations Advisor and Liaison (SA2)

Senior Regional Government Relations Advisor and Liaison (SA2)

Salary

$118,118.16 - $177,229.44 Annually

Location

Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA

Job Type

Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00430

Department

Seattle Public Utilities

Division

General Manager/CEO

Opening Date

05/21/2026

Closing Date

6/23/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a skilled and collaborative Senior Regional Government Relations Advisor and Liaison to serve as a key member of its Government Relations and Legislative Affairs division. This position plays a central role in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with regional governments, elected officials, and intergovernmental bodies across the Puget Sound area. The work directly supports SPUs mission across all lines of business - water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste - and involves high-visibility projects with significant financial, political, and operational importance to the City of Seattle and its customers.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as SPUs primary liaison to King County, regional cities, the Port of Seattle,regional groups,and other external government partners, including staff and elected officials; coordinateswith the Office of Intergovernmental Relations.
• Staff Seattle City Council members on the King County Regional Water Quality Committee and represent theCityin its relations withthe King County Flood Control District,andregional salmonrecovery committees, andprovide staff support fortheRegionalWater Supply Forum.
• Lead and support negotiations and development of intergovernmental agreements including franchise agreements, MOAs/MOUs, and interlocal agreements, in coordination with SPU subject matter experts and the City Attorneys Office.
• Support SPU technical and engineering staff with problem solving and relationships related to infrastructure and capital projects with King County, City of Bellevue, City of Carnation, and otherjurisdictions.
• Co-lead the City Salmon Team with Seattle City Light on interdepartmental salmon recovery work in the Cedar Sammamish/Lake Washington Basin and Green Duwamish Watershed.
• Advocate for Seattlecapital funding from the King County Flood Control District.
• Prepare briefings, memos, speaking points, and correspondence for the General Manager, Mayors Office, City Council, and external partners.
• Serve as a key member of SPUs Government Relations and Legislative Affairs division and as an Emergency Operationsliaison.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Urban & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Law (JD), Communications, Business Administration, or a related field;

AND

Five (5) years of professional experience in government relations, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, project management, negotiations, or a closely related field.

OR

Education/Experience Equivalency:

Applicants who do not possess a bachelors degree may substitute seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in lieu of the degree requirement, provided the experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in intergovernmental relations, public policy, or government affairs in a regional or multi-jurisdictional context.
• Experience staffing elected officials or senior leadership and preparing high-quality written materials including briefings, memos, and policy summaries.
• Familiarity with utility operations (water, wastewater, stormwater, or solid waste) and related regulatory and infrastructure environments.
• Experience leading or participating in negotiations involving intergovernmental agreements, contracts, or partnerships.
• Knowledge of Puget Sound regional governance structures, including King County, regional cities, and salmon recovery frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams with diverse technical, legal, and policy expertise toward shared outcomes.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and work effectively at all organizational levels.
• Well-developed written communication skills with experience preparing speaking points, briefings, reports, correspondence, and legal agreements

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

• Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in field or public settings.
• Collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Application Requirement(s):

• A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application
• Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position.
• Supplemental Questions Responses
• You must include both a resume and cover letter. If you do not submit these documents, your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded before submitting your application. *

The salary range for this position is $56.57 - $84.88 Hourly & $118,118.16 - $177,229.44 Annually

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:

"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

01

What is your highest level of education completed?

• High school diploma/GED
• Associate degree
• Bachelors in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Law, Communications, Business Administration, or related field
• Bachelors in an unrelated field
• Graduate degree (Masters, JD, or equivalent)
• I do not have a degree but am applying under the experience equivalency (7 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree)
• None of the above

02

How many years of professional experience do you have in government relations, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, negotiations, or a closely related field?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7+ years
• None of the above

03

Which best describes your experience in intergovernmental or regional government relations?

• No direct experience
• Familiar through coursework or limited exposure only
• Supported intergovernmental work in a staff or coordination role
• Independently led intergovernmental negotiations, agreements, or partnerships
• None of the above

04

None of the above

• Elected officials or senior government leadership
• Intergovernmental committees or advisory bodies
• Development of MOAs, MOUs, franchise agreements, or interlocal agreements
• Capital project coordination with external jurisdictions
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs