Job Details

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) invites qualified candidates to apply for an opening in the Office of the General Manager - Communications. Under direction, the Senior Community Affairs Representative is responsible for managing a community affairs program that establishes and maintains effective communications with the community EBMUD serves, collaborates with local stakeholders including local government officials, and supports Board members in public engagement, particularly around infrastructure work, constituent responses, public meetings, educational programs, and others.

The individual in this class is responsible for performing lead supervisory duties in addition to performing the most complex and difficult activities involved in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing a community relations program to meet long-term EBMUD goals, including participating in standby duties during evenings and weekends. The individual in this position performs other tasks as assigned.

Duties may include:

• Leading, planning, training, reviewing, and supervising the work of lower-level staff responsible for performing community affairs activities.


• Developing, managing and conducting a community relations program for complex long-term EBMUD programs, related to infrastructure investment, educational efforts, strategies for improving outreach to traditionally underserved communities.


• Developing plans for and oversee implementation of Board member support, including preparation of talking points, key messages, presentations, agendas and other important information; working directly with Board members on issues of concern, community engagement plans, scheduling speaking engagements, ward events and other matters; working closely with the General Manager and Secretary's office on information-sharing, scheduling, agendas and other Board-related matters.


• Coordinating with the Public Affairs Office and other EBMUD staff on responses/strategies related to urgent/emerging issues.


• Developing information and materials for EBMUD's long-term programs and directing and coordinating the distribution of such information through personal contact with local government representatives and community organizations, directing mail, and various communications media.


• Contacting, conferring with and providing feedback to local government officials, general community groups, interest groups and interested individuals and Department staff to enhance understanding EBMUD's long-term programs and to listen and respond to community concerns.


• Arranging for and conducting community outreach programs and meetings designed to meet EBMUD objectives, utilizing knowledge of changing attitudes and opinions of the community.


• Coordinating information sharing with interested community groups and local government, including preparing and distributing fact sheets, photographs, news releases (prepared by Public Information Representatives), other relevant materials.


• Working with Public Information and Legislative Affairs staff to coordinate strategic community affairs on important issues and policies.


• Developing, scheduling and making presentations to targeted community groups, public agencies and other interested groups to inform community leaders and the general public about EBMUD plans and to respond to their concerns.


• Establishing network and maintaining dialogue with key government representatives and community groups and leaders on EBMUD's policy issues and long-range plans that affect local or regional areas; building consensus in support of EBMUD's mission and programs.


• Serving as Community Engagement leader during incident response and other emergencies.


• Serving on standby rotation, which helps inform public and Board members on main breaks and other emergencies on weekends and overnight.


• Identifying local or regional community policy, legislative or other issues that affect or impact EBMUD.


• Monitoring community views and activities; developing strategies and materials for effective communication on EBMUD issues.


• Overseeing and managing outside consultant work on public participation programs; reviewing EBMUD's public participation components for EBMUD managers.


• Initiating and coordinating EBMUD-sponsored community meetings.


• Preparing correspondence, memoranda, reports, newsletters and other written materials.


• Performing special projects as assigned.


• Performing related duties and responsibilities as required.

Flexible/hybrid work from home schedule may be available for some positions in this job classification.

The annual salary is $137,724 up to $208,848. Initial placement within the range is based upon qualifications. Appointment is typically made at or below the control point ($179,040 per year).

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Requirements:

1. A bachelor's degree with a major in communications, community relations, public administration, political science, or a closely related field.


2. Minimum four years of professional experience as a community relations consultant, public relations staff member, lobbyist, legislative analyst, or in a related career field.


3. Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Other Requirements: Must possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job. Must be willing to travel and attend meetings and conferences after normal working hours. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.

In addition, the most competitive candidates will have previous management experience in community outreach, working with elected officials, communications, and/or public relations within a large complex organization, such as utility, non-profit, public agency, or government. Experience working in diverse and underserved communities to ensure outreach is inclusive and direct management of personnel are highly desirable. Proficiency in Spanish or Chinese is a plus.

Please note: EBMUD requires all employees to provide written proof of vaccination. Those employees with sincerely held religious beliefs or valid medical reasons, as determined by EBMUD, will be exempt from vaccination requirements. Contact EBMUD Human Resources for additional questions.

Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com/jobs by 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability

www.ebmud.com

Job Hotline: (510) 287-0735