Senior External Affairs Specialist
Senior External Affairs Specialist
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Are you interested in a meaningful career creating, developing and implementing public outreach, education, and media relations programs? Do you have a passion for building a narrative and engaging an audience with visually engaging and stimulating content? The Agency is seeking a creative and influential individual to serve as its next Senior External Affairs Specialist. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator and listener with the ability to build and nurture strong relationships between the Agency, stakeholders and public. The successful candidate thrives on exceptional written and verbal communication while recognizing the Agency’s brand and initiatives.
Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. In order to ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.
Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:
- A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
- A pension through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Competitive vacation, floating holiday, sick time in addition to 9 agency paid holidays
- Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
- Professional Development Stipend of $1,000 per fiscal year
- Basic life insurance coverage provided
- Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
- 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
- Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000
This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
There is (1) vacancy in the External & Government Affairs Department
This recruitment is being conducted to fill (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.
Salary Range: UN 180
FLSA: Exempt
Probationary Period: 12 months
Under direction, leads, implements, and participates in the work of the External Affairs section of the External and Government Affairs Department, including leading other employees engaged in the development and implementation of the Agency’s educational programs, public relations, community outreach and media relations activities; serves as liaison to and/or represents the Agency in meetings with other public agencies, business and community groups and industry associations; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
A Senior External Affairs Specialist is the advanced professional skill level and working lead class in the External Affairs Specialist class series. In addition to performing the full range of journey-level duties, incumbents serve as the working lead person of the division, coordinating and overseeing the work and providing training and guidance to employees engaged in developing and implementing public outreach, education and media relation projects and activities. Incumbents are expected to represent the Agency with other organizations and the media as an Agency spokesperson. Incumbents work with limited supervision and exercise independent judgment to ensure assigned tasks and responsibilities are completed in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Employees in this class report to the Communications Officer and provide lead work direction and guidance to lower-level External Affairs employees and interns and to volunteers at Agency events.
The Senior External Affairs Specialist is distinguished from the Communications Officer in that incumbent in the latter class have full management responsibility for a broad range of supervisory and administrative functions, and receive direction from the Director of External and Government Affairs.
Employees in this class report to the Communications Officer and provide lead work direction and guidance to lower-level External Affairs employees and interns and to volunteers at Agency events.
The Senior External Affairs Specialist is distinguished from the Communications Officer in that incumbent in the latter class have full management responsibility for a broad range of supervisory and administrative functions, and receive direction from the Director of External and Government Affairs.
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 this class.
Leads, provides work guidance and direction, and participates in the review of work of staff members; participates in coordinating and monitoring work of other employees for completeness, accuracy and conformance with Agency/departmental standards; provides information, instruction and training on work processes, proper uses of equipment and safe work practices; provides input to supervisor on employee work performance and behaviors; estimates personnel, equipment and material requirements for assigned jobs; may order work materials and supplies; assists in ensuring a fair and open work environment in accordance with the Agency’s commitment to teamwork, mutual trust and respect.Leads and participates in the development and implementation of the Agency public relations and communication programs, which includes identifying Agency priorities, community objectives, communication channels, primary messages, visual communication, competitive research, strategy, tactics and budget; develops and implements internal and external training and public relations activities; tracks statistics and reports on the outcomes of marketing efforts and public relations programs.
Coordinates, markets and implements Agency and Metropolitan Water District education programs; identifies, markets to and recruits eligible participants; develops and implements educational components of the program; evaluates program effectiveness; develops and implements grant process/programs and/or prepares grant tracking and reporting for all grants received for External Affairs’ programs.
Represents the Agency in a wide variety of public interactions; serves as Agency liaison with customer agencies, civic and community organizations; speaks before meetings of professional and community organizations and in public forums; plans, develops and coordinates programs for school, community and business groups on Agency conservation and educational programs; leads tours; answers questions and provides information to individuals and groups.
Assists in responding to routine media inquiries, arranging media interviews, and maintaining effective media relations; writes press releases and develops public service announcements, fact sheets, flyers, newsletter articles, brochures and other written materials for use in community and education outreach programs and media relations initiatives;; assembles press kits for major events or initiatives;; assists Board members, Senior Leadership and Unit managers in the preparation of announcements and public information materials.
Acts as an Agency spokesperson and liaison to external groups and member agencies; assesses community values, issues and concerns and communicates concerns and potential solutions to management; anticipates internal and external constituent needs and proactively provides information, access and communication; develops talking points on key programs and issues and briefs management and employees.
Oversees content of the Agency’s website; reviews and monitors all aspects of the website and a variety of social networks, including content coverage and accuracy, frequency of postings and public responses; develops social media strategy, e-mail marketing and community outreach notification programs.
Coordinates purchasing, storing, inventorying and distributing printed/graphic materials and promotional products; obtains vendor quotes; expedites deliveries of project orders; adheres to budgets and deadlines for all projects.
May act in the absence of the Communications Officer, as assigned.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in marketing, public relations, communication or a closely related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, marketing, public relations and social media; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, concepts and techniques used in developing and executing educational, marketing, public relations, social media and community outreach plans, programs and strategies.Wastewater and water industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public information education programs.
Principles, methods and practices of business communication and journalism writing and techniques including news release writing and editing.
Methods and techniques for developing and utilizing social networks, social media tools and online communities.
Methods and techniques for creating effective marketing campaigns and public information materials.
City ordinances, codes, procedures and practices regarding social media, the release of public information, public notification and recordkeeping.
Computers, graphics software, video development, and website content management systems.
Safety policies, practices, equipment and supplies applicable to the work.
Basic principles and practices of employee supervision.
Agency human resources policies and labor contract provisions.
ABILITY TO:
Coordinate and inspect the work of External Affairs staff engaged in public information and community outreach programs and activities. Provide guidance and support to assist in the development of lower-level staff.Plan, organize, coordinate and participate in a wide variety of educational and community outreach programs and services to promote the Agency and their members’ goals and missions to the community, with residents, business and industry groups, and other key stakeholders.
Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
Set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
Represent the Agency effectively in dealings with various stakeholders and in a variety of forums.
Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.
Operate a computer and effectively use business-related software while adapting to emerging technologies.
Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".
Additional Info
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Function : Services
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