Community Affairs Specialist

The Position:

SUMMARY


Under direction, participates in a variety of professional and administrative activities to build public awareness of the District, improve customer satisfaction and to educate stakeholders and students; supports the District’s community outreach efforts including the design and implementation of water education and public affairs programs; writes and designs publications, brochures, and various forms of communication for stakeholders, customers and students; assumes responsibility for water education and assigned community outreach programs; oversees special projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under direction, this journey level classification leads and participates in professional and administrative activities to build public awareness of the District, to improve customer satisfaction and to educate stakeholders and students; performs tasks that are varied and complex, requiring the use of considerable discretion and independent judgment in ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of assigned programs. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products or services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within the first 3 months, become familiar with EVMWD’s operations, communication plan, brand guidelines and message map. Learn and apply AP Style in all written materials to ensure consistency in district messaging.
• Within the first 6 months, assist with the coordination of the annual Poster Contest, ensuring smooth execution and engagement with participating schools.
• Within the first 9 months, evaluaate the effectiveness of EVMWD’s education programs and identify opportunities for growth. Establish a connection with Western Water and actively participate in their monthly education meetings.
• Within the first 12 months, fully take ownership of EVMWD’s education programs, managing all aspects of program implementation, outreach and engagement with schools and community partners. Coordinate the annual STEM Pull event, ensuring successful planning and execution.

The Ideal Candidate:

Responsibilities:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, media relations, education, business or public administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible field experience in public relations, water education and/or community outreach.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Principles of education program development for TK-12 students, including curriculum alignment with California State Standards.
• Public outreach and engagement strategies, including community relations, event coordination and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to learn the principles of graphic design and video production for outreach materials.
• Best practices for public speaking and presentation.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the typical functions of the job.

• Administers the District’s water education programs in local public and private schools including teacher training, classroom presentations, field trips, contests, and educational material distribution and content; coordinates education programs and contests, including poster, science fair, career day, and special events.
• Sets the overall tone and content of social media posts, events and workshops related to water education; prepares and distributes District publications including newsletters, brochures, press releases, miscellaneous publications for other departments; coordinates interface with design and printing consultants regarding layout, illustrations, and project coordination; assists other departments with the design and content of miscellaneous publications and public notifications.
• Researches, evaluates, designs, and selects educational materials that are current, age-relevant, and meet current educational standards; selects and orders new instructional materials; maintains an inventory of educational materials and supplies.
• Develops and implements community outreach programs; serves as a liaison with District departments relative to projects affecting the community; coordinates and conducts community informational meetings and seeks public input; prepares and delivers speeches and presentations to community groups and assists in coordinating other speakers as needed; represents the District at community and water industry meetings and events; serves as a liaison with citizens, homeowners groups, community organizations and a variety of governmental organizations and officials.
• Delivers presentations to schools, teachers, and community groups on water quality, demand and supply, efficient use, wastewater treatment, water reclamation, water efficiency/conservation, and careers in the water industry; assists in production of documentary videos, films, and slide presentations.
• Participates in the public affairs webpage updates; designs new features and content; assists with monitoring and managing social media content, including District social media accounts.
• Serves as community outreach liaison for local programs; represents the District at selected local functions and water and/or special organizational functions, including those occurring outside normal working hours; assists with responses to customer/constituent complaints and inquiries that are not routinely addressed by the Customer Service group.
• Analyzes availability and feasibility of grant funding for education programs funding; assists with grant applications to secure funding; ensures reports and program budgets are completed as required.
• Researches data, creates ideas, and writes copy for District related publications and presentations; assists media contacts with information and article production.
• Conducts tours for public and private schools, community groups and organizations, and outside agencies; assumes responsibility for preliminary materials, staff scheduling, tour guidance, and follow-up as assigned.
• Coordinates and oversees assigned special projects including community meetings and special events; oversees project coordination, staff scheduling, and special arrangements.
• Responds to or arranges for responses to media inquiries, assists with news releases and arranges media interviews and public service announcements; establishes and maintains effective media relations, coordinates, and assists with media activities and events, assists other departments in the preparation of announcements and public information materials.
• Plans and monitors public affairs program expenditures to efficiently use budgeted funds; maintains statistics and prepares an annual report of educational programs and accomplishments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for “Classic” Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for “New/PEPRA” Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 3.08 hours per t wo-week pay period f or the first 1 year of employment; 3.38 hours for years 1-2; 4.62 hours for years 3-4; 6.16 hours for years 5-9; 6.47 hours for years 10-12, 6.77 hours for years 13-19, and 7.0 for 20+ years of service.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
• S ick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
  
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. This position is open until filled, with a first review on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

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• Water Employee Services Authority

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