External Affairs Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

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, 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.

IRWD 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 ever-changing world.

I RWD'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 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 one of the key components of the District's overall public policy engagement and communications strategy. It is a primary element in the District's ongoing policy leadership at the local level.

This position is responsible for building and sustaining relationships between IRWD and community leaders, groups, and stakeholders across the District's service area so that they know IRWD, have direct contact and interaction with IRWD, and recognize IRWD as a community partner, resource, and water/wastewater infrastructure policy and service leader by:

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel. Exercises direct or general supervision over professional, technical and/or administrative staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Presence and Stakeholder Engagement:

Develops and maintains 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.

Builds strong relationships with members of the community, key individuals, and other Orange County organizations (e.g., Rotary Clubs, Exchange Club of Irvine, etc.) across IRWD's service area and the County. Be a principal ambassador for IRWD within the community.

Local and Regional Associations:

Increases and maintains IRWD's presence and participation within regional associations, serving as an IRWD staff representative to local and regional associations and groups including, but not limited to, Asian Business Association of Orange County, Black Chamber of Commerce, canyon community groups, COAST, Fire Safe Council, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, ISDOC, Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, League of California Cities / Cal Cities, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Business Council (Infrastructure Committee & backup on Gov't Affairs Committee), South Orange County Economic Coalition, Sustain OC, Tustin Chamber of Commerce, WACO, and the like.

Local Government Outreach:

Coordinates and implements, in partnership with the Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy/Deputy General Counsel, the District's ongoing local government relations outreach and advocacy program. On behalf of the District, act as a local government liaison for the County of Orange, cities, and special districts, building relationships and working together on policy issues and projects of mutual interest.

Coordinates meetings of IRWD Board members and management with local elected officials. Develop and sustain strong relationships with County, city, and special district staff. As needed, monitor and report on local governance proceedings (e.g., council meetings, water agencies) of interest to IRWD.

Strategic Communications:

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

Arranges, prepares, and delivers presentations and tours to various industry groups, community, civic groups, and other stakeholders.

Coordinates larger strategic communications outreach efforts on behalf of the District, including larger capital projects, District policies, and other initiatives.

Department Activities:

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

Runs the District's Speakers Bureau, IRWD Connect, and Community Facilities Program. Manage IRWD's exhibit and booth presence at various events and manages association memberships and event sponsorships on behalf of the District.

Supervises direct reports and assigns and monitors tasks.

Assists with the preparation of the annual budget and prepare specifications.

Other Responsibilities :

Proactively establishes and maintains relationships and communications with other departments, water industry groups, and public agencies in efforts to promote and implement the District's priorities.

Effectively and regularly communicates with District management and the Board of Directors, including notifying them about community events and other community engagement opportunities.

Attends and participates in meetings of the Board of Directors and related committees as required, presenting analyses and recommendations to the Board members as requested. Various strategic, policy projects and coordination.

Attends public and other outside meetings and functions on behalf of the District outside the normal workday, including on nights and weekends, both in and outside of Orange County.

Participates in community events, tours, and trips and other tasks on evenings, early mornings and weekends as necessary.

Complies with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public policy, communication, public administration, political science, journalism, public relations, or a related field is required. For degrees obtained outside of 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 Required

• Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License

Knowledge of:

• Local government policies, operations, and procedures

• Communications and public relations principles and outreach strategies

• Copywriting, business writing, and editing principles.
• Budget preparation and administration - basic knowledge
• Research techniques and strategies

Ability to:

• Use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job, proficiently.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, decimals, and fractions.
• Communicate effectively with all levels. Effectively and professionally represent the District with outside professionals and the public. Ability to write, detail-oriented editing, and proofreading ability. Must be organized with the ability to multitask and make decisions independently.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to remain calm in crisis and emergency situations. Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing may be required. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Ability to work in an environment that may expose employees to hazardous materials and environment when conducting tours in the plant/field. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than in a typical office environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination : This will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

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; and a 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.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD 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 Insurance
IRWD 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 Insurance
IRWD 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 Insurance
Eligible 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 Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. 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 Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidays plus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible 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 Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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