General Description
We are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of
Manager of Strategic Planning and Analysis! The District Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
The Position The Manager of Strategic Planning and Analysis provides strategic planning and analytical services to advance IRWD’s strategic interests, optimize the services provided by the District, and ensure the District’s current and future financial and rate stability.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal Manager of Strategic Planning and Analysis is:
A Leader with a strong work ethic, and sound judgment.
An Effective Communicator and accomplished presenter who represents the District in a professional manner in all settings.
A Critical Thinker who is strategic and forward-thinking, with the vision and commitment to seek continuous improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of District operations.
A Financial Expert with advanced mathematical and financial analysis abilities that a ssists in strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and the discovery of new, valuable conclusions
A Collaborator who actively seeks the input of others and candidly expresses their ideas to ensure IRWD's overall success.
Ethical and committed to exercising appropriate professional discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive and/or confidential information.
The Application Process Interested and qualified individuals are invited to submit a completed application, and supplemental questionnaire. The deadline for the first review of applications is Thursday, September 28, 2023 . Applications received by this date will receive first consideration. This position will remain open until filled.
Summary of Duties
Financial Analysis and Forecasting Develop financial models to support other departments and provide analytical support as requested and lead and/or participate in multi-disciplinary teams conducting life cycle cost and benefit analyses of strategic projects and programs.
Monitor and report on the performance of revenue-generating projects and programs, including IRWD solar energy and battery storage contracts.
Analyze revenues and expenses versus budget on a quarterly basis. Forecast revenues and expenses for the fiscal year.
Update the IRWD Long-Term Financial Plan to ensure fair and equitable allocation of costs between IRWD’s Improvement Districts. Develop analyses and recommendations to ensure the adequacy of connection fees and property taxes to cover new infrastructure capital through the District’s development build-out in accordance with District policies.
Data Analytics Collaborate with all departments, consolidate, and report analytical data to enhance the District’s ability to make data-driven managerial, operational, and financial decisions. Provide subject matter expertise in developing and implementing enterprise data analysis and business intelligence tools for District managers and Senior Staff.
Develop and instruct others how to create, use, test, and verify structured query language data queries from the District’s enterprise data management systems to support the District’s managerial, operational, and financial needs utilizing data science principles.
Operating Budgets and Rate Setting Direct the preparation of the annual operating and non-operating budgets, which includes input from all departments.
Manage the process for generating updated customer rates and charges based on annual expenses.
Update IRWD’s Cost-of-Service model to support the District’s rate-setting process and lead efforts to ensure compliance with requirements of Proposition 218 relative to rate-setting.
Update IRWD’s enterprise model(s) that support rate-setting, including connection fees and property taxes, in consideration of IRWD’s future new and replacement capital needs, cash reserve objectives, and other future liabilities.
Staff Development and Training Promote the District’s Values by exemplifying professional behavior in alignment with the Values and by advocating for the meaning and importance of the Values as needed.
Select, train, and review the performance of staff members and make appropriate recommendations regarding salary adjustments, promotions, and disciplinary action.
Plan, organize, and supervise the work of others as assigned.
Miscellaneous Comply with District safety work-related practices, attend relevant safety training, and advocate for the District’s Safety-based culture.
Attend and participate in meetings of the Board of Directors and related committees as required, presenting analyses and recommendations to the Board members as requested.
Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in finance, data analytics, business, accounting, or related field. A Master of Business Administration is preferred.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a public agency or corporate finance environment with advanced knowledge in financial modeling and analysis; and
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience is required.
Additional Information
IRWD Corporate Values Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an everchanging world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with all IRWD employees and external stakeholders. Represent the District in a professional and effective manner at all times. Communicate clearly, concisely, and regularly with District employees, management, the Board of Directors, legal counsel, and various other outside agencies and professionals.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to apply mathematical skills; to prepare complex financial models that involve calculating statistics, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratios; to perform present value and other financial analyses that include graphical representations; and to interpret complex statistical analyses and financial reports. Strong attention to detail and acuity with numbers.
Technology Ability
Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) is required. Experience with Power BI, Structured Query Language, Excel Macros, and enterprise business services software (such as Oracle) and data management systems is preferred.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to effectively lead and manage staff and to use appropriate judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to interpret policies, rules, and regulations and effectively communicate information to appropriate staff as needed.
Physical Requirements
Regularly required to stoop, stand, bend, sit, and walk.
Environmental Adaptability
The noise level is equivalent to a typical office environment.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.
IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.
Medical InsuranceIRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Dental InsuranceIRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Vision InsuranceIRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Life InsuranceElgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Deferred CompensationParticipation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Great West Retirement Services. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.
Paid VacationEligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment and are eligible to use paid vacation time after 6 months of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.
Paid HolidaysThe District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.
Sick LeaveEligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.
Flexible Spending AccountsEligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.
Educational AssistanceThe District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.
