Water Intergovernmental Relations Program Manager

City of Aurora

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Intergovernmental Relations Manager leads Aurora Water’s government affairs and regulatory policy coordination at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. The position tracks and analyzes legislation, regulatory rulemaking, and policy initiatives that affect water utilities and Aurora Water operations. The manager works closely with Aurora Water leadership and technical staff to evaluate policy impacts and develop departmental positions. The position also coordinates Aurora Water’s advocacy through key water policy organizations and associations such as the Colorado Water Congress, National Water Resources Association, Western Urban Water Coalition, and other regional water policy forums. This is an individual contributor role that supports the department’s intergovernmental relations strategy and represents Aurora Water in policy discussions that influence the future of water resources, infrastructure, and regulation.

Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, environmental policy, water resources management, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of experience in legislative, regulatory, or policy analysis, including experience related to water resources, environmental policy, or public utilities
Knowledge: Knowledge of federal, state, and regional legislative and regulatory processes, including bill development, rulemaking, and administrative procedures
Knowledge of water policy frameworks, including water rights, water quality regulation, environmental compliance, and public utility operations
Knowledge of intergovernmental relations practices and public sector advocacy within a municipal context
Knowledge of policy analysis techniques, including evaluating operational, financial, and regulatory impacts
Knowledge of funding mechanisms and grant programs related to water infrastructure and environmental initiatives
Knowledge of regional and national water policy organizations and networks
Skills: Skill in researching and analyzing complex legislation and regulatory proposals and translating them into clear, actionable insights for leadership
Skill in developing and communicating policy positions that align technical, operational, and organizational priorities
Skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with legislators, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and internal stakeholders
Skill in synthesizing technical and policy information into concise briefings, reports, and presentations
Skill in coordinating cross-functional input and facilitating alignment across diverse stakeholder groups
Skill in organizing work, managing projects, and tracking multiple priorities
Abilities: Ability to lead and coordinate intergovernmental relations efforts that support organizational priorities and regulatory compliance
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Ability to communicate policy impacts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to assess emerging policy and regulatory trends and proactively identify risks and opportunities for the organization
Ability to represent the organization effectively in external policy forums, legislative discussions, and regulatory engagements
Ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy in politically sensitive or high-impact policy matters
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines in a dynamic legislative and regulatory environment
Ability to coordinate across multiple internal departments and external stakeholders
Licenses and Certifications: Valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to operate a city vehicle, or otherwise demonstrate ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position

Nice To Haves

Six (6) or more years of legislative or regulatory policy analysis
Experience working with water utilities, environmental regulation, or water resource policy
Experience working with state legislatures, regulatory agencies, or water sector organizations

Responsibilities

Serve as Aurora Water’s legislative and policy liaison on water-related issues with state and federal legislators, legislative staff, and regulatory agencies.
Monitor, track, and analyze state and federal legislation impacting water supply, water quality, infrastructure funding, environmental compliance, water rights, and utility operations.
Prepare legislative and regulatory analysis for Aurora Water leadership, including summaries of potential operational, financial, and policy impacts.
Coordinate Aurora Water’s participation in water sector advocacy organizations, including the Colorado Water Congress, National Water Resources Association, Western Urban Water Coalition, and other relevant associations.
Support Aurora Water leadership in developing departmental positions on legislation, regulations, and water policy proposals.
Work with finance and grant coordinator to identify federal and state funding opportunities.
Work collaboratively with Aurora Water divisions—including Environmental Services, Water Resources, Engineering, and Water Quality—to monitor and analyze regulatory rulemaking and emerging policy issues.
Track state and federal regulatory rulemaking affecting water quality, wastewater treatment, watershed protection, and environmental compliance, and coordinate internal review of proposed regulations.
Represent Aurora Water in meetings with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and regional water policy groups.
Coordinate with the City of Aurora’s government affairs staff to ensure alignment between citywide priorities and Aurora Water’s legislative and regulatory interests.
Manage relationships with state and federal lobbying representatives to ensure Aurora Water priorities are effectively communicated during legislative sessions.
Support Aurora Water leadership in identifying opportunities for water infrastructure funding, grants, and federal or state program participation.
Prepare policy briefings, legislative updates, and issue summaries for Aurora Water leadership and internal stakeholders.
Maintain awareness of emerging regional and national water policy issues and assess potential implications for Aurora Water operations and long-term planning.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Competitive total compensation package
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid leave program
100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program
Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Continued education and career advancement opportunities