PART-TIME /TEMPORARY Strategic Communications Assistant

Western Municipal Water District • Riverside, CA

4d

About The Position

Western Water is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Strategic Communications Assistant for a part-time, temporary, limited-term assignment supporting the Strategic Communication Department with production and design work. The assignment is up to 29 hours per week, with proposed workdays of three to four days per week and up to eight hours per day. The starting hourly rate is $18 to $25, depending on experience.

The assistant supports the development of customer and public information materials, communications campaigns, community outreach programs, internal communication projects, community events, and social media content. The role also includes maintaining department documents and databases, coordinating schedules and event logistics, and collaborating across departments. Applicants are asked to submit a link to or copy of a digital portfolio in addition to a resume and/or cover letter.

Requirements

• An associate degree or an equivalent combination of coursework in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• One year of experience supporting a professional public information program or related function. Relevant internships, school projects, volunteer work, or a portfolio may be considered as qualifying experience.
• California Class C driver's license.
• Strong attention to detail and consistency in execution.
• Comfort using project management or task-tracking tools.
• Ability to follow direction, manage assigned tasks independently, and complete work accurately.
• Openness to feedback and willingness to make revisions.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with or knowledge of project and work management platforms such as ClickUp and Smartsheet.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, techniques, and practices of public affairs, community engagement, public information, marketing, outreach, and communication.
• Experience supporting social media and digital communications, including capturing photos and short-form videos, identifying content opportunities, and developing engaging content.
• Experience with storytelling, preparing information materials aligned with Associated Press Style guidelines, media dissemination, graphic design, layout, and print production.
• Experience supporting community events, public meetings, outreach activities, or other special events, including logistics, scheduling, invitations, notifications, agendas, materials, setup, and day-of support.
• Experience developing customer and public information materials, including news releases, fact sheets, newsletters, media materials, educational content, and outreach collateral.
• Experience using generative AI tools to support research, content development, editing, and other communications workflows.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, a website content management system, project/work management tools, web and digital experience analytics platforms, digital design or content creation tools, chatbot or knowledge-base tools, and basic HTML/CSS.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing customer and public information materials, including news releases, fact sheets, newsletters, public service announcements, outreach campaign materials, educational resources, and other communications collateral.
• Assist with coordinating public awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and internal communication projects, including managing deadlines and production schedules.
• Assist with planning and executing community events and meetings, including coordinating invitations, agendas, vendors, logistics, materials, setup, breakdown, and day-of support.
• Support social media content development by capturing behind-the-scenes photos and videos, identifying content opportunities, and creating content for Western Water's social media channels.
• Assist with maintaining and reviewing department documents and databases for accuracy and compliance with policies, agreements, contracts, and applicable regulations.
• Manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities in a collaborative environment, using attention to detail, sound judgment, and initiative.
• Communicate and collaborate across departments to gather information, address competing needs, resolve content issues, and support approved digital improvements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree