Salary : $144,820.00 - $175,990.88 Annually Location : Chula Vista, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2024-00114 Department: Administration Section: Public Affairs Opening Date: 11/18/2024 Closing Date: 12/4/2024 5:00 PM Pacific Description Plan, direct, and implement Sweetwater Authority's (Authority) public relations, media relations, education strategies, and water efficiency. Promote the Authority's programs and projects and public good will towards the Authority. Implement comprehensive community relations, media relations, advertising campaigns, employee relations, public information, education programs, and stakeholder outreach; represents the Authority on related matters as directed. Provide professional support to the Authority's Management and its Board, staff and consultants. Department : Administration Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Supervision Received/Exercised : Direct supervision is provided by the General Manager or Assistant General Manager. Responsibilities include direct supervision of the Principal Public Affairs Representative, Senior Public Affairs Representative, Public Affairs Representative, and all bilingual classifications. Examples of Duties/Responsibilities Supervise PA staff: Establish and advise staff of performance requirements; ensure that employees follow policies and procedures; provide support, mentoring, and coaching for performance improvement and development; observe and document performance; prepare supporting documentation and write performance reviews; conduct performance review presentations; recommend employee recognition and discipline action, up to and including termination, in accordance with established personnel rules, policies, and labor contract provisions. Under the direction of the General Manager or Assistant General Manager, responsible for managing Authority programs intended to inform customers, and build, maintain and enhance the Authority's image among its stakeholders. Plan, prioritize, organize, and assign work to PA staff; develop, implement and monitor long-term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the assigned mission and priorities. Participate in the development, monitoring, and review of the PA budget; manage and direct the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards. Provide leadership and work with staff to assure a high-performance, customer-service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the agency's mission, strategic plan, objectives and values. Provide professional advice and assistance to all Authority staff as required; may be required to provide direct support to other managers, board members and other departments regarding public outreach, media relations, employee relations, public education and related matters; coordinate, prepare, and implement comprehensive communication programs. Participate in interagency and governmental outreach; serve as an on-going liaison and represent the Authority with water agencies, elected officials, industry, environmental, professional and community groups and organizations; attend meetings, answer questions, provide information on Authority programs and projects and follow up with other Authority staff to respond to concerns and needs; speak before meetings of professional and community organizations and in public forums. Take proactive steps to establish positive relationships with key members of the media; prepare news releases and coordinates media interviews; respond to or make arrangements for responding to media inquiries; review and clear media quotes with Authority representatives and obtain approval from legal counsel before releasing information related to litigation or especially sensitive issues. Direct the development of, or produce a wide range of internal and external communications pieces and materials, including news releases, the Authority's annual water quality report, Prop. 218 notices, videos, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, flyers, displays, signs, advertisements, website, social media, and other materials; direct and participate in community education programs; direct and participate in community outreach programs, including festivals, facility events and stakeholder outreach, developed and executed both by staff and retained consultants. May participate, monitor and/or track the legislative issues for the Authority. Work with other Authority staff to develop and maintain crisis communications response plan and assist with training Authority staff regarding implementation; participates in planning and implementing agency-wide disaster response; on call to participate in emergency response as needed, which includes reporting to the Emergency Operations Center when it is activated. Advise Authority managers, staff and board members regarding presentation and media response skills. Ensure staff is trained. Comply with the Authority's Grant Policy and Procedures to implement the approved process for tracking, applying for, and securing funding (grants) from federal, state, and other sources; serve as Grant Tracking Manager, as defined by the policy. Interact effectively with staff of granting agencies to maximize understanding of grant opportunities and increase the chances for successful applications as assigned. Maintain a positive, healthy, and safe working environment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level. Water Efficiency: Oversee the creation and implementation of water use efficiency, demand management, and drought management strategies, programs and data management tools. Ensure water efficiency reports are submitted to regional and regulatory agencies as required. Develop, recommend and manage the implementation of strategies to address water efficiency goals, and meet statewide requirements. Research and analyze the impact of water conservation devices and methods. Provide information to consumers about water use and water efficiency practices. Typical Qualifications Knowledge of: Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques. Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office. Principles, practices, and techniques of public affairs, public information, California state education standards, and community outreach programs; methods and techniques of image and issues management. Methods and techniques for creating effective media and public relations materials. Effective business communications and correct English usage. Office productivity and graphic design software; practices of sound web site design and evaluation; industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public information/communications programs; Authority functions and operations and associated public information and media relations issues. Principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, purchasing and maintenance of public records; federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility; statistical research methods and analysis techniques; organization and functions of a public board. Principles and practices used in grant development and administration. Implementation of grant contracts as assigned. Principles and practices of effective management and supervision. Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to : Understand, analyze and make sound recommendations on complex community relations, media relations, employee relations, education programs/resources, and public affairs issues and strategies. Plan and direct a broad range of programs and services to build and enhance the Authority's image in the community and with key stakeholders. Effectively convey messages and generate interest through sound use of persuasive writing and graphic design elements. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials, Represent the Authority effectively in public meetings and with media representatives on a variety of issues. Exercise sound, judgment, with political sensitivity, within general policy guidelines. Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls. Evaluate and improve section practices. Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive, complex, confidential and controversial issues and situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, business, education, and community leaders. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Keyboard proficiently. Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require): Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, business administration or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible public relations, public information, and community outreach. Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment : Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License. Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability. Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone. Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly. Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception. Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Mobility to stand, stoop and bend. Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines. Operate standard passenger vehicles. Lift, carry, push or pull up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Keyboarding for extended periods of time. Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Working Hours : Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (9/80); Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor. Other Conditions : Attend in-town and out-of-town meetings and evening and weekend functions on behalf of the Authority. May be required to be on call for duties related to emergency response. It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times: A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day. Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance. All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed. Health insurance: Option of Cigna HMO or Kaiser HMO for all full time employees and their dependents; employees share in a portion of the cost, not to exceed $35 per pay period. Vision, dental, and orthodontic insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for employees and dependents. Life insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for the employee. Optional dependent life insurance is offered at the employee's expense. Retirement: Membership in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with the retirement formula of 2.5% 55 for existing "classic" members and 2% 62 for "new" members. The Authority will contribute the equivalence of 24 hours of the employee's hourly rate into PARS 401(a) each fiscal year. Deferred compensation: Authority-matched employee contributions to a qualified 457 (Lincoln, National, and CalPERS) plan up to $1,500 made to the employee's 401(a) (PARS) plan. Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is provided in lieu of traditional vacation and sick leave benefits. PTO is accrued based on years of service, beginning at 18 work days per year up to a maximum of 35 days. 48 hours of "floating" holidays to use each year. Retiree Healthcare: At age 55 with 15 years of service the Authority pays $700/month. The amount the Authority pays is prorated for 10-15 years of service. Payments cease after 10 years or upon reaching Medicare-eligible age. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more. 01 Are you 18 or older? Yes No 02 Are you able to work Full Time? Yes No 03 Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D.? Yes No 04 If hired, can you provide proof of your legal right to work in the U.S.? Yes No 05 Do you possess a Driver License? Yes No 06 Are you currently a Sweetwater Authority employee? Yes No 07 Briefly describe any relevant experience you have for this position. Required Question
