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NEOGOV · 2 months ago

External Affairs Manager

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$126K/yr - $185K/yr

5+ years exp

Irvine Ranch Water District is a progressive agency known for its innovative water management practices. They are seeking an External Affairs Manager to develop and manage the District's community relations program, build relationships with community leaders, and coordinate local government outreach initiatives.

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Responsibilities

Develops and maintains a strong community relations and engagement strategy, which cultivates positive relationships for the District with the communities it serves and the stakeholders it works with

Builds strong relationships with members of the community, key individuals, and other Orange County organizations (e.g., Rotary Clubs, Exchange Club of Irvine, etc.) across IRWD's service area and the County. Be a principal ambassador for IRWD within the community

Increases and maintains IRWD's presence and participation within regional associations, serving as an IRWD staff representative to local and regional associations and groups including, but not limited to, Asian Business Association of Orange County, Black Chamber of Commerce, canyon community groups, COAST, Fire Safe Council, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, ISDOC, Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, League of California Cities / Cal Cities, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Business Council (Infrastructure Committee & backup on Gov't Affairs Committee), South Orange County Economic Coalition, Sustain OC, Tustin Chamber of Commerce, WACO, and the like

Coordinates and implements, in partnership with the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel, the District's ongoing local government relations outreach and advocacy program. On behalf of the District, act as a local government liaison for the County of Orange, cities, and special districts, building relationships and working together on policy issues and projects of mutual interest

Coordinates meetings of IRWD Board members and management with local elected officials. Develop and sustain strong relationships with County, city, and special district staff. As needed, monitor and report on local governance proceedings (e.g., council meetings, water agencies) of interest to IRWD

Produces presentations and outreach communications as needed specific to the community relations program

Arranges, prepares, and delivers presentations and tours to various industry groups, community, civic groups, and other stakeholders

Coordinates larger strategic communications outreach efforts on behalf of the District, including larger capital projects, District policies, and other initiatives

Assists with other activities of the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Department, as appropriate

Runs the District's Speakers Bureau, IRWD Connect, and Community Facilities Program. Manage IRWD's exhibit and booth presence at various events and manages association memberships and event sponsorships on behalf of the District

Supervises direct reports and assigns and monitors tasks

Assists with the preparation of the annual budget and prepare specifications

Proactively establishes and maintains relationships and communications with other departments, water industry groups, and public agencies in efforts to promote and implement the District's priorities

Effectively and regularly communicates with District management and the Board of Directors, including notifying them about community events and other community engagement opportunities

Attends and participates in meetings of the Board of Directors and related committees as required, presenting analyses and recommendations to the Board members as requested. Various strategic, policy projects and coordination

Attends public and other outside meetings and functions on behalf of the District outside the normal workday, including on nights and weekends,both in and outside of Orange County

Participates in community events, tours, and trips and other tasks on evenings, early mornings and weekends as necessary

Complies with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training

Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualification

Community relations strategyStakeholder engagementLocal government policiesPublic relations principlesSupervisory experienceBudget preparationMS Office SuiteCopywritingEditing skillsResearch techniquesEffective communication

Required

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public policy, communication, public administration, political science, journalism, public relations, or a related field is required

Five (5) years of experience in an external affairs/community relations position with demonstrated ability to manage people, relationships, and projects

Three (3) years of supervisory experience

Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License

Knowledge of local government policies, operations, and procedures

Knowledge of communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies

Knowledge of copywriting, business writing, and editing principles

Basic knowledge of budget preparation and administration

Knowledge of research techniques and strategies

Ability to use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel)

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, decimals, and fractions

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels

Ability to effectively and professionally represent the District with outside professionals and the public

Ability to write, detail-oriented editing, and proofreading ability