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Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) · 2 months ago

External Affairs Manager

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive agency known for its innovative water management practices. The External Affairs Manager will be responsible for developing and managing the District's community relations program, building relationships with community leaders, and enhancing IRWD's presence in Orange County.

Professional ServicesService IndustryWater

Responsibilities

Building and sustaining relationships between IRWD and community leaders, groups, and stakeholders across the District's service area

Strategically creating a more visible and active IRWD community presence within the District's service area and Orange County

Engaging and building strong relationships with community groups, regional associations, and local community leaders

Initiating outreach to key segments of the Orange County community and IRWD's service area that are less familiar with the District

Coordinating with other IRWD departments on strategic communications so that these communications properly address and reach segments of the community less familiar with the District

Directing the District's speakers bureau program, IRWD Connect, and IRWD Community Facilities Program

Developing and maintaining 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

Increasing and maintaining IRWD's presence and participation within regional associations, serving as an IRWD staff representative to local and regional associations and groups

Coordinating and implementing, in partnership with the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel, the District's ongoing local government relations outreach and advocacy program

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

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

Running the District's Speakers Bureau, IRWD Connect, and Community Facilities Program

Supervising direct reports and assigning and monitoring tasks

Assisting with the preparation of the annual budget and prepare specifications

Qualification

Community relations strategyStakeholder engagementPublic relations principlesSupervisory experienceLocal government policiesCopywritingMS Office SuiteBudget preparationResearch 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 communicate effectively with all levels

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

Ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations

Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information