Public Affairs & Communications Manager

Under general supervision of the Director of External Affairs, the Public Affairs & Communications Manager leads the planning, development, and execution of public information, outreach, media and government relations, and educational campaigns that support the District's mission, vision, and operational priorities. The Public Affairs & Communications Manager serves as the District's Public Information Officer (PIO).

Please click on this link to view the recruitment brochure.

When completing the application, please include your cover letter and resume, in addition to completing the application in full.

The recruitment process will consist of an application review, 1st round (structured) interview, and 2nd round (selection) interview. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:
   
1st Round Tentative Interview Date Range: December 1-4, 2025
2nd Round Tentative Interview Date Range: December 8-11, 2025

Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail.

Plans, coordinates, and manages the activities of the Public Affairs & Communications Division, including media engagement and queries, public education, community outreach, development and dissemination of content for internal and external publications and electronic and social media, and other division activities and functions; develops, monitors, and administers the division budget.

Designs and implements programs, events, and services to enhance communication and engagement between the District and the community, stakeholders, and public audiences.

Serves as District spokesperson with print and electronic media, either directly communicating with the media or assisting the Board, General Manager, and other staff with formulating and disseminating information for the media; consults with the Board, General Manager, and executive staff regarding methods for communicating the District's mission, position, and priorities; manages media information and establishes and maintains a portfolio of media contacts; conducts, coordinates, and directs the preparation of news releases, opinion pieces, letters to the editor, rebuttals, and other communications to communicate and promote the District's programs, activities, and positions.

Leads crisis communications planning and strategy, including developing, compiling, disseminating, and monitoring information to the public and District staff in the event of a crisis or emergency impacting the District.

Plans and manages community outreach and school education programs and activities; networks with other water districts to develop and coordinate public outreach messages and advocacy on behalf of the Board. 

Provides communications and public relations support and expertise to the District's legislative and government affairs program; develops, coordinates, and implements strategies for engaging, involving, and communicating with legislators regarding District activities, events, positions, and priorities; assists with monitoring state and federal legislation and regulatory issues; provides input and commentary on legislation as authorized by the Board. 

Responds to requests for information from the public, media, and legislators' staff; interprets and communicates complex issues and technical data to others with limited technical knowledge of the subject matter.

Directs and participates in the development of the District's internal and external publications program including informational brochures, flyers, reports, videos, and multi-media presentations; designs and prepares written materials including speeches, letters, and articles for use by the Board, executive staff, and other District managers; collaborates with operational, technical, and administrative departments to translate complex programs into meaningful, understandable narratives.

Develops effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with external entities such as legislative staff, local, state, and federal government officials and agencies, civic groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), chambers of commerce, homeowner associations, and private sector entities to promote the District's interests, positions, and priorities. 

Interviews and recommends selection of candidates; establishes performance expectations and performance standard for the division; oversees plans and actions for employee development; prepares and conducts employee evaluations; conducts informal counseling on work issues; prepares documentation and improvement plans to address work performance problems/deficiencies, and recommends and implements approved disciplinary actions.   

Remains current on developments in communications technologies, water, wastewater, and biosolids industry technology, politics, and emerging issues; makes recommendations for actions where appropriate.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• District operations, functions, programs, services, policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and strategic priorities;
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the District’s public affairs and legislative and governmental affairs;
• Best practices, techniques, and innovative strategies for designing and implementing effective public information and community outreach programs;
• Principles, methods, and practices of emergency public information procedures and crisis management communications;
• Basic water, wastewater, and biosolids composting operations and practices;
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effective management and supervision including personnel management, mentorship, and leadership practices;
• Modern communication platforms, design tools, and digital engagement strategies.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, coordinate, and manage a broad range of public affairs and communications activities to deliver impactful, timely, and effective communication and outreach programs and services;
• Read, understand, and communicate complex technical information to others with limited knowledge of subject matter in a manner that is meaningful and understandable to the audience;
• Research and identify reliable sources of information in support of District communication objectives; 
• Organize and prioritize work to meet critical and changing deadlines and priorities; direct the work of others to meet established goals and objectives;
• Design and administer effective public information and community outreach programs using a variety of innovative media methods, strategies, and materials;
• Develop and disseminate clear, engaging content consisting of messaging that is consistent, timely, and relevant to diverse audiences;
• Develop and deliver presentations to different audiences with various informational needs and concerns;
• Hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate employees;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Exercise sound judgment and initiative;
• Maintain current industry knowledge of innovative and best practices, methods, and technology pertaining to public affairs and communications;
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, database, graphic design, video/sound, communication, social media, and digital engagement software and applications;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the public, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and special interest groups.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use computer terminal, and other general office machines;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately twenty-five pounds; and to reach, bend, or crouch to use files and records;
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional tasks in the development and implementation of public information and community outreach programs with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam- era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.