Manager of External Affairs

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) serves approximately 950,000 residents in western San Bernardino County and is proud of our reputation of promoting greater water supply reliability through significant contributions to a diverse regional water supply portfolio, including water from stormwater capture, recycling and reuse, and imported water supplies. The Agency continues to be fully committed to ensuring long-term success for the region by leading the way in water resource management, environmental sustainability, and providing essential sanitation services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner while safeguarding public health and promoting economic development.

Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:

• A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
• A pension through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Competitive vacation, floating holiday, and sick time in addition to 12 agency paid holidays
• Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
• Basic life insurance coverage provided
• Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
• 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
• Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000
• Vehicle allowance of $300 per month

The first round of interviews will be conducted virtually on July 15, 2025.

There is one (1) vacancy in the External and Government Affairs Department.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Under general direction, plans, organizes, integrates and directs the work of the Agency's External Affairs Unit; oversees activities related to public affairs, community outreach, media relations, public education, and internal communications; develops and recommends policies and strategies to enhance the Agency's public image and stakeholder engagement; manages external and internal communication programs, including media relations, social media, and public information campaigns; directs and implements comprehensive strategies to strengthen relationships with member agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and the public; prepares and manages the development and administration of the External Affairs Unit budget; provides professional advice to the General Manager and the Board on the Agency's public affairs, community relations, public information, education, media relations and internal communications programs; represents the Agency in meetings with other public agencies, governmental officials, community and civic groups, schools and the media; plans, organizes, and directs the activities of staff, contractors, and consultants in the development of communication and outreach initiatives; facilitates tours of Agency headquarters and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

The Manager of External Affairs is responsible for managing programs and services intended to build the image of the Agency through public relations, community outreach, the media and education programs. The incumbent manages and integrates communication and outreach activities for the Agency and provides management support in the analysis and evaluation of issues of Agency-wide importance. Work is broad in scope and requires seasoned judgement and a high degree of initiative, independence, accountability, and administrative discretion in their execution.

Employees in this class report to the Director of External and Government Affairs and directs the work of professional and administrative External Affairs staff in the unit.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the External Affairs Unit; with staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

Manages the performance of unit staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to management concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and Agency's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in the formulation and implementation of departmental policy, planning and strategy development; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in department work processes.

Develops and implements the Agency's internal and external communication strategy that includes Agency objectives, key messages, tactics and budget; works with Agency management and the Board to develop and implement member relations, public relations and community outreach programs.

Acts as Agency spokesperson and representative to member agencies, the community and media; develops and maintains a network of contacts for the dissemination of information; maintains proactive relationships with the media and stakeholders; develops and maintains mailing lists; assesses community values, concerns and opinions and communicates them to the Board and management; oversees media relations and community outreach during disasters and emergencies; anticipates internal and external constituent needs and proactively provides information, access and communication; develops speeches, talking points and briefs the Board, executive leadership, management and employees on key programs and issues.

Oversees the Agency's K-12 education programs and provides direction for staff implementation, ensuring alignment with STEAM educational standards and leads efforts to engage with school district superintendents and key administration to promote and offer the Agency's free education programs.

Researches, develops, writes, and reviews materials such as news releases, fact sheets, flyers, brochures, visitor materials, annual reports, internal and external newsletters, presentations and speeches; manages use of the Agency's logo; develops and coordinates distribution strategies; ensures materials are ADA compliant. Provides guidance and training to Agency staff on communication best practices. Ensures all external presentations and reports align with Agency branding and content appropriateness and accuracy.

Develops and oversees implementation of social media strategy, policies and procedures; oversees and monitors the Agency's website; ensures Agency compliance with public notification requirements of city, state and federal regulations.

Leads regional advocacy initiatives, engaging with external stakeholders and community organizations to strengthen partnerships and enhance the Agency's visibility. Oversees intergovernmental and stakeholder relations to advance Agency objectives. Coordinates and leads Agency tours of Agency headquarters and facilities.

Manages Agency event planning and coordination including but not limited to the annual two-day Earth Day event, dedications and groundbreakings, employee appreciation events, and community events.

Develops criteria to assess the impact and effectiveness of Agency sponsorships to ensure alignment with Agency mission and organizational goals. Provides recommendations on strategic engagement and ensures alignment with organizational goals and fiscal priorities.

Coordinates efforts to evaluate and manage Agency memberships while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community impact.

Oversees all internal communication efforts with departments throughout the Agency, ensuring effective dissemination of information regarding projects that impact all employees. Develops and implements communication strategies, determines optimal timing, and craft content that aligns with Agency cultural values. Provides leadership and guidance to ensure that communication initiatives are executed efficiently and effectively.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, marketing, public administration or a closely related field, and at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional public affairs, intergovernmental relations, community outreach programs, and/or education programs, at least three of which were at a supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

Advanced principles, methods and practices applicable to the design and implementation of public information, public affairs, community outreach and education programs.

Advanced principles, methods and practices of emergency public information procedures and crisis management communications.

Principles, practices and methods of administrative, organizational and policy analysis, education programs and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum, and effective community outreach practices, its steps and influence points.

Water and wastewater industry trends and media/communication practices.

Principles, methods and practices of business communication and journalism writing and techniques including but not limited to news release writing and editing.

The ordinances, codes, procedures and practices regarding Agency policies, procedures and practices concerning public information.

Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, and maintaining public records.

Research methods and analysis techniques.

Principles and practices of effective management with an organization-wide perspective.

Principles and practices of organization and culture change.

The Agency's human resources policies and labor contract provisions.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

Effective social media strategies and engagement.

ABILITY TO:

Lead people in a manner that promotes accountability, employee engagement, staff development, respect, and collaboration.

Manage the performance of staff by coaching for performance.

Plan and direct the External Affairs Unit.

Deliver information in person, by telephone and on-air in a concise, professional manner while in an emergency or antagonistic environment.

Plan and direct a broad range of programs and services directed to promoting the Agency's identity and image in the community with the public, business groups and other key stakeholders.

Be present onsite at Agency locations during the normal business hours

Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite

Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.

Organize, set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

Work collaboratively with directors and managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.

Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.

Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, position papers, reports, studies and other written materials.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances.

Represent the Agency effectively in dealings with elected officials, lobbyists, member agencies, media representatives and the public on a variety of sensitive and complex issues.

Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively

Operate a computer and standard business software.

Make presentations to the public and media and testify authoritatively before public bodies.

Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.