Irvine Ranch Water District
External Affairs Manager
Irvine Ranch Water District, Irvine, California, United States, 92713
Overview
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an
External Affairs Manager
in the Advocacy/Communications Department. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on November 12, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline. The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, recycled water programs, and related services. IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors and supervised by the General Manager. For more information, visit www.IRWD.com. IRWD Values
– IRWD values drive the character, culture, and capacity of the organization and guide conduct toward positive outcomes. The Position
Under general direction, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the District's community relations program. IRWD’s community relations program is a component of the District's public policy engagement and communications strategy. This position is responsible for building and sustaining relationships between IRWD and community leaders, groups, and stakeholders to raise awareness of IRWD as a community partner, resource, and leader in water and wastewater infrastructure policy and service by: Strategically creating a more visible and active IRWD community presence within the District 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 service area; Coordinating with other IRWD departments on strategic communications to reach segments less familiar with the District; and Directing the District's speakers bureau program, IRWD Connect, and IRWD Community Facilities Program. Supervision
Receives administrative direction from the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel. Exercises supervision over professional, technical and/or administrative staff. Key Responsibilities
Develops and maintains a strong community relations and engagement strategy. Builds relationships with community members and organizations across IRWD’s service area; acts as a principal ambassador for IRWD within the community. Manages IRWD’s presence in local and regional associations and serves as IRWD staff representative to various groups. Coordinates local government outreach and advocacy, acting as a liaison with the County of Orange, cities, and special districts; builds relationships on policy issues and projects of mutual interest. Coordinates IRWD Board meetings with local officials and maintains relations with County, city, and special district staff; monitors governance proceedings as needed. Produces presentations and outreach communications for the community relations program; delivers presentations and tours to industry groups and stakeholders. Coordinates larger strategic communications efforts on behalf of the District, including capital projects and policies. Assists with other activities of the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Department; manages IRWD Connect, Speakers Bureau, and Community Facilities Program; oversees exhibit and booth presence at events and manages association memberships and sponsorships. Supervises staff, assists with annual budget preparation, and prepares specifications as needed. Other Responsibilities
Establishes and maintains relationships with other departments, water industry groups, and public agencies to promote IRWD priorities. Communicates with District management and the Board of Directors about community events and engagement opportunities. Attends and participates in Board meetings and related committees; supports strategic projects and coordination. Participates in outside meetings and public events outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends, in and outside of Orange County. Complies with safety practices and attends relevant safety training; performs other related duties as assigned. Disaster Service Worker
: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, employees may be asked to respond as disaster service workers. Education, Experience, and Licenses Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public policy, communication, public administration, political science, journalism, public relations, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required. Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in an external affairs/community relations position with demonstrated ability to manage people, relationships, and projects; and three (3) years of supervisory experience. Water industry experience is desirable. License/Certifications:
Valid Class C California Driver's License. Knowledge
of local government policies, operations, procedures; communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies; copywriting and editing; budget basics; and research techniques. Ability
to use MS Office Suite; perform arithmetic; communicate effectively with all levels; write and edit with attention to detail; be organized and able to multitask; exercise good judgment; remain calm in crises; and handle sensitive information with discretion. Physical Demands
Regularly sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. Extended desk work; fine manual dexterity; vision and hearing requirements; frequent verbal communication with stakeholders. Environmental Conditions
Office environment with standard safety practices; may work in environments with higher noise or during field tours; occasional exposure to construction sites. Important Application Information
All applicants must complete and submit a District online application and answer the supplemental questionnaire. A resume or faxed copy is not acceptable in lieu of the online application. To apply, click the Apply link at the top of the page. New users must create an account. See the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions. Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and subject matter experts. The most qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an Oral Interview Examination to assess experiences, qualifications, and abilities crucial for success in this role. This in-person interview will evaluate interpersonal communication and overall qualification. You will receive communications via the email address on your application; please check email regularly. Equal Opportunity Employer IRWD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.
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Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an
External Affairs Manager
in the Advocacy/Communications Department. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on November 12, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline. The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, recycled water programs, and related services. IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors and supervised by the General Manager. For more information, visit www.IRWD.com. IRWD Values
– IRWD values drive the character, culture, and capacity of the organization and guide conduct toward positive outcomes. The Position
Under general direction, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the District's community relations program. IRWD’s community relations program is a component of the District's public policy engagement and communications strategy. This position is responsible for building and sustaining relationships between IRWD and community leaders, groups, and stakeholders to raise awareness of IRWD as a community partner, resource, and leader in water and wastewater infrastructure policy and service by: Strategically creating a more visible and active IRWD community presence within the District 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 service area; Coordinating with other IRWD departments on strategic communications to reach segments less familiar with the District; and Directing the District's speakers bureau program, IRWD Connect, and IRWD Community Facilities Program. Supervision
Receives administrative direction from the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel. Exercises supervision over professional, technical and/or administrative staff. Key Responsibilities
Develops and maintains a strong community relations and engagement strategy. Builds relationships with community members and organizations across IRWD’s service area; acts as a principal ambassador for IRWD within the community. Manages IRWD’s presence in local and regional associations and serves as IRWD staff representative to various groups. Coordinates local government outreach and advocacy, acting as a liaison with the County of Orange, cities, and special districts; builds relationships on policy issues and projects of mutual interest. Coordinates IRWD Board meetings with local officials and maintains relations with County, city, and special district staff; monitors governance proceedings as needed. Produces presentations and outreach communications for the community relations program; delivers presentations and tours to industry groups and stakeholders. Coordinates larger strategic communications efforts on behalf of the District, including capital projects and policies. Assists with other activities of the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Department; manages IRWD Connect, Speakers Bureau, and Community Facilities Program; oversees exhibit and booth presence at events and manages association memberships and sponsorships. Supervises staff, assists with annual budget preparation, and prepares specifications as needed. Other Responsibilities
Establishes and maintains relationships with other departments, water industry groups, and public agencies to promote IRWD priorities. Communicates with District management and the Board of Directors about community events and engagement opportunities. Attends and participates in Board meetings and related committees; supports strategic projects and coordination. Participates in outside meetings and public events outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends, in and outside of Orange County. Complies with safety practices and attends relevant safety training; performs other related duties as assigned. Disaster Service Worker
: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, employees may be asked to respond as disaster service workers. Education, Experience, and Licenses Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public policy, communication, public administration, political science, journalism, public relations, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required. Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in an external affairs/community relations position with demonstrated ability to manage people, relationships, and projects; and three (3) years of supervisory experience. Water industry experience is desirable. License/Certifications:
Valid Class C California Driver's License. Knowledge
of local government policies, operations, procedures; communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies; copywriting and editing; budget basics; and research techniques. Ability
to use MS Office Suite; perform arithmetic; communicate effectively with all levels; write and edit with attention to detail; be organized and able to multitask; exercise good judgment; remain calm in crises; and handle sensitive information with discretion. Physical Demands
Regularly sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. Extended desk work; fine manual dexterity; vision and hearing requirements; frequent verbal communication with stakeholders. Environmental Conditions
Office environment with standard safety practices; may work in environments with higher noise or during field tours; occasional exposure to construction sites. Important Application Information
All applicants must complete and submit a District online application and answer the supplemental questionnaire. A resume or faxed copy is not acceptable in lieu of the online application. To apply, click the Apply link at the top of the page. New users must create an account. See the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions. Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and subject matter experts. The most qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an Oral Interview Examination to assess experiences, qualifications, and abilities crucial for success in this role. This in-person interview will evaluate interpersonal communication and overall qualification. You will receive communications via the email address on your application; please check email regularly. Equal Opportunity Employer IRWD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.
#J-18808-Ljbffr