Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD)
Community Relations Specialist
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD), Irvine, California, United States, 92713
General Description
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a
Community Relations Specialist
in the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Department.
Deadline for first review: 10:00 AM November 11, 2025. Applications received after this time may not be considered. Recruitment may close any time after the deadline.
Position Under direct supervision of the External Affairs Manager, performs a wide variety of community relations, communications, clerical, and administrative tasks, including organizing and leading events, producing materials, coordinating outreach programs, and managing budgets and vendor payments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in the development and implementation of community outreach programs in coordination with internal departments.
Attend external meetings and events as a District representative; organize community informational meetings and tours of facilities.
Plan, design, and staff internal and external public events such as IRWD Connect, Community Roundtables, and Resident Tours.
Coordinate display and exhibit setup for community fairs, school programs, and civic events.
Develop and deliver educational programs for schools and youth groups.
Manage meeting room reservation applications and maintain the online Community Calendar.
Respond to customer inquiries and resolve complaints regarding District services.
Assist in the development and production of community relations and communications outreach materials.
Prepare and manage departmental budget reports and contract documents, and review expense reports.
Support emergency preparation and operation outreach programs during Emergency Operation Center activation.
Attend events, meetings, and functions outside normal work hours and on weekends as required.
Collaborate with other departments to foster a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
Education and Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, or business administration (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Five (5) years of community relations and administrative support experience, with progressively increasing responsibilities. Water‑industry experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge
Local government policies, operations, and procedures.
Communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies.
Copywriting, business writing, and editing principles.
Basic budget preparation and administration knowledge.
Research techniques and strategies.
Ability
Proficient use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel); keyboarding ability sufficient for job demands.
Mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percent calculations).
Effective communication with all levels; professional representation of the District; strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Organized, multitasking, independent decision-making.
Good judgment, discretion, and ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
Physical Demands
Regularly sit, walk, bend, stoop, stand; occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
Work at a desk or workstation; finger dexterity required for computer use.
Occasional standing and walking between work areas; occasional bending or stooping to retrieve files.
Environmental Conditions
Typical office environment; air‑conditioned, adequate lighting, and noise levels similar to a standard office.
Occasional visits to construction sites or field locations where noise may be higher.
Equal Opportunity Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. For additional information, please contact the Human Resources Department.
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Community Relations Specialist
in the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Department.
Deadline for first review: 10:00 AM November 11, 2025. Applications received after this time may not be considered. Recruitment may close any time after the deadline.
Position Under direct supervision of the External Affairs Manager, performs a wide variety of community relations, communications, clerical, and administrative tasks, including organizing and leading events, producing materials, coordinating outreach programs, and managing budgets and vendor payments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in the development and implementation of community outreach programs in coordination with internal departments.
Attend external meetings and events as a District representative; organize community informational meetings and tours of facilities.
Plan, design, and staff internal and external public events such as IRWD Connect, Community Roundtables, and Resident Tours.
Coordinate display and exhibit setup for community fairs, school programs, and civic events.
Develop and deliver educational programs for schools and youth groups.
Manage meeting room reservation applications and maintain the online Community Calendar.
Respond to customer inquiries and resolve complaints regarding District services.
Assist in the development and production of community relations and communications outreach materials.
Prepare and manage departmental budget reports and contract documents, and review expense reports.
Support emergency preparation and operation outreach programs during Emergency Operation Center activation.
Attend events, meetings, and functions outside normal work hours and on weekends as required.
Collaborate with other departments to foster a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
Education and Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, or business administration (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
Five (5) years of community relations and administrative support experience, with progressively increasing responsibilities. Water‑industry experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge
Local government policies, operations, and procedures.
Communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies.
Copywriting, business writing, and editing principles.
Basic budget preparation and administration knowledge.
Research techniques and strategies.
Ability
Proficient use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel); keyboarding ability sufficient for job demands.
Mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percent calculations).
Effective communication with all levels; professional representation of the District; strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Organized, multitasking, independent decision-making.
Good judgment, discretion, and ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
Physical Demands
Regularly sit, walk, bend, stoop, stand; occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
Work at a desk or workstation; finger dexterity required for computer use.
Occasional standing and walking between work areas; occasional bending or stooping to retrieve files.
Environmental Conditions
Typical office environment; air‑conditioned, adequate lighting, and noise levels similar to a standard office.
Occasional visits to construction sites or field locations where noise may be higher.
Equal Opportunity Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. For additional information, please contact the Human Resources Department.
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