Manager of Communications

West Basin Municipal Water District•Carson, CA

About The Position

West Basin Municipal Water District is seeking an experienced, energetic, and strategic communications professional to serve as its Manager of Communications. This management role plans, organizes, reviews, and evaluates the District’s communication strategies, media and community relations, education initiatives, marketing, and public affairs. The position involves complex work with significant accountability and decision-making, including developing and implementing policies and procedures, administering and reporting on budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supervising staff through ongoing performance and project evaluation. The Manager serves as a professional resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies, exercising considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. West Basin seeks a hands-on working manager who contributes to strategic planning and day-to-day operations, leads by example, mentors and develops staff, promotes teamwork and creativity, and fosters a collaborative, results-oriented work environment. The role also strengthens relationships with communities, elected officials, stakeholders, and District staff. The position oversees communications, branding, public education, media outreach, community engagement, digital content, and public affairs. It advises District leadership, represents the District as a spokesperson, manages communications staff and contractors, and reports program metrics and budget information to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in marketing, public relations, communications, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Seven 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, including strategic initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to mentor, inspire, and lead a collaborative team.
Knowledge of public relations principles, planning, strategies, and activities.
Knowledge of water and environmental issues.
Knowledge of media protocol, research techniques, and effective presentation principles.
Ability to speak in public and prepare public relations materials.
Ability to use computers and related software applications, provide customer service, and conduct research.
Strong interpersonal communication skills to lead collaboration, convey information, receive work direction from management, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors, and effectively lead and supervise the Public Information and Education Department team.
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and an acceptable driving record at appointment and as a condition of continued employment.
Ability to operate standard business equipment; reach with hands and arms; frequently stand and walk, kneel, crouch, or twist; and occasionally lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Submit a West Basin Online Application, Supplemental Questionnaire responses, cover letter, and resume. Resume-only submissions are not accepted in lieu of a completed online application and questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a governmental setting.
Master’s degree in a related field.
Positive work ethic, creative problem-solving, sound judgment, and commitment to professional growth and team development.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communications, branding, and public education strategies aligned with the District’s mission.
Advise the Board of Directors, General Manager, and District leadership on public affairs, media inquiries, community engagement, reputation management, and sensitive communications matters.
Serve as a District spokesperson and cultivate relationships with city and water retailer communications professionals in the West Basin service area, as well as local, regional, and statewide partner agencies.
Oversee the District’s media outreach strategy and contact database; supervise the writing and distribution of press releases, responses to media inquiries, and crisis communications.
Oversee planning and coordination of public meetings, facility tours, educational workshops, project groundbreakings, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Manage the translation of complex topics, including water rate adjustments, construction notices, and state conservation mandates, into clear, accessible public information.
Oversee content creation for the agency website, social media channels, digital newsletters, video production, and collateral materials.
Supervise Public Information and Education staff and contractors.
Manage the department budget and track program metrics for reporting to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for assigned areas; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Monitor and evaluate staff performance goals and project expectations.
Contribute to strategic planning and day-to-day operations, mentor and develop staff, promote teamwork and creativity, and foster a positive, collaborative, results-oriented work environment.
Use an employee vehicle for work-related needs; mileage is reimbursed at the standard IRS rate.