GENERAL PURPOSE 

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and provides direction and oversight for comprehensive public information, oversees execution of branding efforts; water conservation programs and activities, and directs and performs a variety of responsible administrative processes related to governmental activity for the District; fosters cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and the media; serves as chief spokesman for the District on legislative, regulatory policy and governmental relations issues, and performs other duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This management-level class requires initiative, effective communication, leadership along with the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment. Incumbent is responsible for managing a wide variety of functions, programs and staff engaged in the District’s public information, education, internal communication, and legislative programs. Independently performs highly complex tasks, serves as a liaison between the District and designated agencies; represents the District in meetings with other public agencies, elected and appointed governmental officials, community and industry groups and the media; and assists with community and intergovernmental organizations and interest groups to ensure effective working relationships and cooperation.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. 

• Oversee the development and implementation of District-wide communications program including customer outreach, stakeholder development programs, strategic initiatives, legislative affairs and media relations to meet District goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance to Executive Managers, Board members, and other departments on complex media relations and related matters.
• Coordinate the development of position papers and public testimony; develop and implement external/internal communications, planning, messaging, and strategy.
• Direct the development of customer and public relations collateral including news releases, media clips, public service announcements, fact sheets, newsletters, outreach campaign materials, educational initiatives and related communication materials created and executed by both staff and consultants.
• Plan and evaluate the performance of assigned staff and manage professional service contracts and consultants.
• Manage a business plan for government relations that identifies threats and opportunities to the District with regard to federal, state and local government regulation and oversight.
• Advise District management staff in matters related to public relations and information.
• Provide oversight to the District’s legislative advocacy and related activities; oversee the analysis of proposed local, state, and federal law and regulations for their impact on the District.
• Review, track, analyze and interpret proposed federal, state and local legislation which could affect District programs and financial operations; coordinate staff reviews and responses to proposed legislation.
• Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and standards for the Public Information Department; coordinate and assist with meetings of the District Planning and Administration Committee; draft legislative summaries, position papers, policy principles, correspondence and testimony; propose revisions to legislation and regulation consistent with the District’s interests; recommend District positions on legislation and action to achieve desired legislative results.
• Coordinate appointments with targeted local, state and federal legislative representative and their senior staff members on a periodic basis.
• Identify and recommend revisions to legislation to eliminate adverse consequences to the District.
• Develop, recommend, administer, and monitor the water education, legislative, and public information program budgets.
• Facilitate resolution of problems, concerns or complaints between residents and District staff and officials. 
• Effectively work with various community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, civic groups, service clubs, schools, youth organizations and other groups to maintain open lines of communication between the District and individuals from various stakeholder groups.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Extensive principles, methods, and practices applies in design and implementation of public affairs, community engagement, public information, marketing, outreach, and communication.
• Policies, principles, and practices and methods for developing and administering a comprehensive community affairs program and its application to water, wastewater, and resource management.
• Contemporary issues affecting local government and the community.
• Relevant federal state and local programs and related laws, policies and procedures
• Resources available to members of the communities served.
• Management of group dynamics and meeting facilitation techniques and methods
• Principles, methods and practices applied in design and implementation of one or more of the public affairs programs, including: government relations, community relations and CIP outreach, media relations and graphic services.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, methods and techniques of journalistic writing, proofreading and editing; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Verbal and PowerPoint presentation skills; techniques of graphic design, print production; website management.
• Strategies for building relationships with local, state and federal public officials and organizations, business, industry and community leaders, media executives, editorial staff and reporters; special event planning; intranet and internet tools; and contract administration.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize and work on simultaneous assignments with attention to schedules and deadlines.
• Make effective and engaging oral presentations clearly, logically and persuasively.
• Operate standard office equipment including a personal computer.
• Deliver messaging and engage audiences.
• Exercise independent judgment and function effectively in a variety of difficult situations.
• Offer helpful information in order to create a favorable public image for the District.
• Comply with the District’s safety, health and environmental policies.
• Effectively plan, direct, manage and coordinate projects.
• Provide clear direction to others.
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness.
• Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Effectively sustain frequent contact with a wide variety of people.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
• Understand and relate to the needs of members of the community and professional groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees of the District and other government and community agencies.
• Learn the organization, policies, procedures and operating details of the District.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes: 

Education:            

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in marketing, public relations, public administration, political science or related field is required.

                              AND

Experience:  

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience involving development and coordination of public affairs, and community outreach. Minimum two (2) years management background.  

Special Requirements: 

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance in compliance with the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy standards. 

Desirable licenses/Certifications Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) or a similar organization.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is required to use repetitive motion for keyboard use and writing; frequently grasp, reach overhead, hold and reach; sit for long periods of time; occasionally walk, use staircases, stand, kneel, stoop and bend; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds or 60 pounds with assistance; constantly use overall vision; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone.  Employees may be required to travel to other sites within the District.   

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, employees must possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The employee primarily works in a temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and settings. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces. The employee occasionally drives a vehicle to attend off-site meetings and functions and is exposed to traffic and variable weather conditions.