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Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE GENERAL MANAGER

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Bargaining Unit: At Will
Salary Code: Band D
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Revision Date: 04/16/19

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under direction of the General Manager, plans, organizes, and participates in the performance of a variety of policy, media, and external affairs programs, in support of District’s goals; and serves as a resource to District management regarding policy, media, and external affairs and requests; facilitates the development of cooperative working relationships; assists with development and communication of District policy. This is an “at-will management” position in which the incumbent serves at the discretion of the General Manager.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information listed below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Recommends and assists in the implementation of the District’s goals and objectives; develops and implements strategies related to media and public relations activities.
  2. Develops and implements communication strategies, plans, programs, and projects, including the use of media, in support of the District’s mission, goals, and policies.
  3. Serves as a resource to District Management and staff regarding public education and the communication of information concerning District activities, services, and programs.
  4. Responds to requests for information from public officials, including members of Congress and the California Legislature, other public agencies, the media and the public and District departments; research requested information and suggests recommendations appropriate to resolving inquiries.
  5. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with other public water agencies and the public and demonstrates excellent customer service.
  6. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and experience in public affairs, public relations or public information which required extensive written and oral communication.

Knowledge of:

  • Operations and functions of local media, such as newspaper, radio, and television.
  • Effective methods of preparation and presentation of facts and information for and to the public and media, including formatting of materials for publications and news releases.
  • Principles, theories, and techniques of journalism, expository writing, editing, and public speaking.
  • Principles, theories, and applications of design, reproduction, printing processes, and layout techniques.
  • Principles and practices of public and community relations.
  • Issues affecting agriculture, water, and governmental affairs.
  • Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Desktop publishing and word processing software.
  • Filing, index, and cross-referencing methods and techniques.
  • Websites, various social media platforms, and social media messaging.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of employees and outside contacts in the media, community and other water districts.
  • Possess excellent organizational and planning skills.
  • Develop and maintain business relationships with internal and external personnel.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Provided a fluctuating workload; and work well under pressure.
  • Meet continuous deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as with the public.
  • Operate a District vehicle while observing legal and defensive driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Moderate lifting of supplies and materials up to 30 pounds.
  • Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job.
  • Work hours other than normal work schedule.
  • Moderate travel.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider is required.