Manager of Communications

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communications, branding, and public education strategies aligned with the District's mission Internal Leadership Communications: Advise the Board of Directors, General Manager, and District leadership on public affairs, media inquiries, community engagement, reputation management, and sensitive communications matters.
• External Leadership Communications: Serve as a District spokesperson and cultivate strong network relationships with city and water retailer communications professionals within the West Basin service area, as well as local, regional and statewide partner agencies.
• Media & Public Relations: Oversee the District’s media outreach strategy and contact database, supervise the writing and distribution of press releases, handling of media inquiries, and managing crisis communications.
• Community Engagement & Events: Oversee the planning and coordination of public meetings, facility tours, educational workshops, and project groundbreakings or ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
• Legislative, Technical and Regulatory Support: Manage the translation of complex topics—such as water rate adjustments, construction notices, and state conservation mandates—into clear, accessible public information.
• Digital & Content Management: Oversee content creation for agency website, social media channels, digital newsletters, video production, and collateral materials.
• Team Leadership & Administration: Supervise Public Information and Education staff and contractors, manage department budget, and track program metrics to report back to executive leadership and the board of directors

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in marketing, public relations, communications, or a closely related field, and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, public information, community outreach, intergovernmental relations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience that includes proactive and strategic initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to mentor, inspire, and lead a collaborative team.
• Experience in a governmental setting and a master’s degree in a related field are desirable.

Preferred

• Experience in a governmental setting and a master’s degree in a related field are desirable.

Benefits

• Retirement -- California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Health Insurance -- Fully paid employee/family coverage with expense reimbursement.
• Disability Insurance -- Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance plans.
• Life Insurance -- Up to $150,000 based upon salary.
• Vacation -- 10-20 days annually
• Holidays -- 14 paid holidays annually.
• Sick Leave -- 12 days accrued annually.
• Employee Development Program -- Tuition reimbursement of a maximum of $9,000 per fiscal year for job-related coursework. Job related license and certification renewals fully reimbursed.
• Deferred Compensation -- CalPERS 457 plan by employee contribution.
• Supplemental Insurance -- Plans include cancer protection, accident, disability and critical illness insurance by employee contribution.