Under general direction, this position will assist in developing, administering, facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the District's federal, state and local legislative and regulatory advocacy program, assist in developing District policy positions and perform a variety of professional and technical duties in support of the District's external affairs activities, including implementation of special projects.   

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.

• Monitor the activities of federal, state, and local government agencies/bodies including legislative and regulatory hearings and policy developments; provide summaries of hearings and other events.
• Research, review and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory proposals and policy discussions. 
• Track and review proposed legislation and regulations and evaluate their potential impact to District operations including analyzing and interpreting pending legislation and regulation to determine which District department and operations may be impacted.
• Assist in the development of key messages and distribution of key publications and other materials, including presentations.  
• Prepare correspondence and other written communications as needed related to policy issues of interest to the District including developing fact sheets, comment letters, testimony, and other written advocacy materials. 
• Communicate orally and in writing with consultants, legislative offices, regulatory agencies, and other internal and external audiences regarding a variety of issues related to legislation, regulations, and District operations. 
• Compile records and complete reports regarding tracked legislative proposals and FPPC filings. 
• Participate in meetings to update and educate internal and external audiences, including elected officials, on District activities, operations, and position on a variety of legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Represent the District on committees, outside organizations and subcommittees as directed, coordinate review and analysis of legislative proposals and related activities with other departments and outside agencies. Attend meetings and functions outside the normal workday.  Travel outside of the District including travel to Sacramento and Washington, DC on a regular basis. 
• Organize public awareness, information, community involvement, internal communication and legislative impact analysis to customers and stakeholders. Designs and develops supporting materials, coordinates deadlines and production schedules to carry out program responsibilities.
• Monitor, analyze and comment on proposed state and federal legislation and regulatory changes that may affect the District. Assist in the preparation of legislative summaries, position papers and policy principles on legislation and regulations. 
•  Makes presentations to community, industry, school and other groups on Government and Public information issues affecting the District, its customers, and stakeholders. Serve as a liaison and represents the District at meetings with community, industry, and advocacy groups. Arrange and attend meetings with legislators and their staff.
• Prepare various correspondence, letters and memoranda in response to customer, stakeholder and legislator inquiries.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Formulates communication strategies for addressing community and agency concerns; 
• provides strategic planning for executives and/or other departments WVWD programs, projects, and initiatives Provides support to the Public and Governmental Affairs Department.
• Coordinates with other departments and organizations regarding information and presentations on pertinent topics, legislation, policy, and regulations, and WVWD programs and projects.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
 

• The legislative process, its steps, and influence points; principles and practices of legislative analyses; 
• District water quality and water operations, practices, and procedures; applicable federal, state, and regional environmental laws, regulations, and court decisions and their impacts on District operations; 
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff; 
• The structures and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Research, analyze, interpret, explain, and make recommendations on environmental, legislative, and inter-governmental issues; 
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound recommendations in areas of assigned responsibility; 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; 
• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals; 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments; 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; 
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public relations, public policy, political science, public administration, communications, journalism, or related field. Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.  

And
 
Experience: Three (3) years’ of increasingly responsible work-related experience working for a legislator, interest group, education group, or public policy entity and/or performing related tasks in a water and/or utility industry is highly desirable.

Licenses, Certificates, 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 is required.

Desirable Licenses/Certifications:
J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications.

Basic PIO and JIC/JIS (G290-291)

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar accreditation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
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 constantly required to sit and occasionally to stand and walk.   Finger dexterity and light grasping is required to handle, feel, or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level.   The employee occasionally bends, stoops, lifts, and carries records and documents, typically weighing less than 25 pounds.

Sensory demands include the ability to see within the normal range, talk, and hear, and use electronic touch keypads.  
 
Environmental Conditions 
The employee frequently works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings. The noise level is moderate, typically below 70 decibels.

The employee occasionally drives a vehicle to attend off-site meetings and functions and is exposed to traffic and variable weather conditions.

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIMINATED, OR THE DUTIES, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIRED CHANGED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND/OR THE GENERAL MANAGER, WHEN IN THEIR JUDGEMENT, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND PROPER FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT.

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