Deputy General Manager - Government & Public Affairs

Westlands Water District • Fresno, CA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Westlands Water District is seeking an accomplished and politically astute executive to serve as the Deputy General Manager – Government & Public Affairs. Reporting to the General Manager, this position will provide strategic leadership for the District’s government affairs, legislative advocacy, public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and external relations program. The successful candidate will serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership and represent the District before policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, stakeholders, and the media. The position may be headquartered in either the District's Fresno or Sacramento Office. Due to the nature of government relations, stakeholder engagement, legislative advocacy, Board-related activities, and public meetings, the position requires frequent travel throughout the District service area, Central Valley, and California, as well as occasional out-of-state travel. Attendance at evening and weekend meetings and events may also be required. This is an at-will executive management position that serves at the discretion of the General Manager.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Economics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, public affairs, communications, public policy, water resources, public agency administration, or a closely related field.
• Of the eight (8) years, at least three (3) years include supervisory or management experience.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in a related field is desirable.
• Experience working with elected officials, governmental agencies, trade associations, consultants, stakeholders, and public policy organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience in California water policy, agriculture, natural resources, public utilities, or public agency administration is highly desirable.
• Experience managing external consultants, advocacy firms, communications professionals, and government affairs contractors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the District’s government affairs, legislative advocacy, public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and external relations program.
• Serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership.
• Represent the District before policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, stakeholders, and the media.

Benefits

• Verification of the candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a post-offer medical examination and pre-employment drug screening, if applicable under District policy and law
• Verification of employment history, education, training, licenses, and other information provided during the application process

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive