Communications & Media Relations Manager

This recruitment closes at 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications & Media Relations Manager in the Communications Department.

Under administrative direction from the General Manager, the Communications and Media Relations Manager acts as the District’s Public Information Officer (PIO); plans, organizes, directs, and reviews activities related to community outreach, public information and education programs, the District’s website, social media strategies, and media and government relations; coordinates PIO activities closely with internal departments and external agencies and organizations to ensure cohesive, modernized, and strategic communications in support of the District and the General Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-level executive management classification. The Communications and Media Relation Manager’s duties are administrative/managerial and highly complex in nature, involving highly technical functions. The incumbent has broad management authority for the day-to-day functions of District-wide PIO functions, as well as functional authority/responsibility for overseeing District-wide public information, media relations, community outreach, website management, digital/social media, and public education programs, strategies and campaigns.   

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Develops, implements, and evaluates department goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Manages proactive and reactive media relations programs, cultivating strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets and online platforms. Supports District initiatives and strategies among various stakeholders, customers, the public, or other agencies through principles and practices of effective community involvement, public information and customer service.
• Represents the District as its Public Information Officer for routine, emergency, and emerging media inquiries and/or community interests. Works with customers and outside groups and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Oversees comprehensive public information and education programs, including strategic digital/social media management, website design and content, and the production of digital and traditional communication materials.
• Develops and implements proactive public information campaigns to raise public and customer awareness of the District’s facilities, programs, and positive contributions to local communities and the environment, as well as the District’s multiple functions, such as water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water production, hydroelectric power generation, recreation opportunities, and water-use efficiency programs.
• Implements digital content strategies, utilizing analytic tools for audience, engagement, analytics monitoring and strategic refinement. Coordinates and leads digital crisis communications, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information across traditional media and modern digital platforms. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the news media, public agencies, organizations, and associations in local communities and at the state level.
• Directs communication contact in newsletters, press releases, social media, District website, and electronic communications; prepares speeches, scripts, responses and related materials for public information purposes to strengthen and promote the District’s identity.
• Serves as media advisor to the Board of Directors and District staff; provides communications training, editorial direction, and marketing support.
• Coordinates Department activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the General Manager, General Counsel, Board of Directors, and executive staff; prepares and presents staff reports, oral presentations, and other necessary materials.
• Assist with governmental and political relations; assists with tracking legislation and policies which may affect the District and its resources.
• Coordinates and/or leads members of the public or the media on tours of District facilities, projects, and/or lands while providing informative facts and reports specific to such events.
• Prepares and manages the Department’s budget; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies to support Department budget and goals.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of District-wide media and communications strategies and initiatives.
• Performs related duties as assigned.