As part of its commitment to hire and retain highly qualified customer-service driven professionals, WRD provides employees with a very comprehensive and competitive benefits package including employer covered health care, retirement through the California Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) with Social Security, and up to 50% matching deferred compensation (with limits).

A Public Affairs Representative is responsible for performing skilled, professional duties in the implementation and administration of District-wide public affairs, public education, community outreach, conservation and media relations programs. An incumbent serves as liaison between the District and external stakeholders, governmental officials, community and industry groups, the public and the media. An incumbent is also responsible for executing public relations, media relations, community outreach, special and/or media events and represents the District in a wide variety of public interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements, and administers District-wide public affairs, public education and media outreach programs, initiatives and activities; implements public education programs in the areas of water awareness, watershed stewardship and general environmental awareness; visits schools to promote District educational programs; researches and recommends new partnerships and programs to meet the District’s goals of promoting water awareness and stewardship; coordinates media buys for public education efforts; develops, implements and organizes effective public tours of District facilities and projects.
• Implements District-wide public affairs strategies and plans to meet District public relations goals and objectives; and recommends creative ideas relevant to the District’s mission and strategic initiatives.
• Implements and administers community outreach programs; implements communication and outreach approaches and plans for District programs and projects; drafts recommendations for public involvement strategies; works with District management to formulate methods and approaches for addressing community concerns; attends meetings and makes presentations to other public agencies and industry, professional and community groups and organizations; establishes and maintains contacts with elected and appointed officials, community and citizen groups and members of the media; answers questions and provides information; solicits sponsorships for programs.
• Participates in proactively communicating information and promoting the district the public and key constituencies, as well as to internal customers; speaks before meetings of professional and community organizations and in public forums; takes proactive steps to build positive relationships with key business, civic and community leaders.
• Designs, develops and creates public relations and education materials and collaterals, including promotional pieces, annual reports, guides, brochures, charts and other print/graphic materials; conducts background research to write materials; determines distribution to appropriate audiences; creates and places paid advertising; promotes events to media.
• Implements District-wide public affairs, public education, community outreach special and/or media events from concept to close, with management approval.
• Responds to or arranges for responses to media inquiries, ranging from the routine to highly sensitive issues and incidents; drafts news releases and arranges media interviews; establishes and maintains effective media relations; coordinates and assists with media activities and events.
• Assists in the implementation of District water conservation initiatives and programs

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:  The first review of applications is May 23, 2022.  To be considered for this opportunity please submit a (1) District application at www.wrd.org, (2) cover letter highlighting your applicable experience and (3) resume to careers@wrd.org by the first review date. INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam.  Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, a physical, and a drug test. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public relations, communications, business, public administration, public education/teaching, or a closely related field; and five years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the development and coordination of public affairs/communications and community outreach programs and projects similar to those administered by the District; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Public education experience may be acceptable in lieu of public affairs experience. A Master’s Degree is preferred but not required. LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:   Possession of a California Driver’s License and car insurance.  Proof of COVID19 vaccination is required upon hire.