monterey peninsula water management district
COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Class
specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of
duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all
duties performed within the job.
definition
To plan and conduct the District’s community relations program, designed to inform the public about MPWMD activities and how they benefit water customers and the environment; to maintain and improve public relations, ensure public education and promote community involvement; serves as the District Public Information Representative.
supervision received and exercised
Receives direction from the
General Manager.
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
The following duties are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and/or may perform similar related duties not listed here:
1. Plan and direct development and communication of information designed to keep the public informed of the District’s programs, projects, accomplishments, and positions on relevant issues.
2. Design a strategic plan for promotion of the District’s accomplishments and value to the community.
3. Represent the District at meetings and community functions; meet with businesses, other agencies, and public/private interest groups.
4. Design, write, and coordinate production and distribution of District publications including brochures, periodic newsletters and Annual Report.
5. Develop and maintain the District’s social media presence. Create and update an MPWMD Facebook page, Twitter account, blog and e-newsletter that are linked with the District’s website and coordinated with information presented there.
6. Coordinate with District website developer to organize content and present District programs and projects in visually compelling format.
7. Work with other staff members to plan and organize community outreach events such as annual open house and project site tours. Develops displays and promotional materials.
8. Coordinate with the Water Demand Manager and California American Water on joint conservation program advertising and joint website materials.
9. Develop print, television, radio and web-based advertising materials; purchase advertising space and time as required.
10. Prepare news releases before and after Board meetings, workshops and other public meetings relating to water issues; prepare news releases on District programs and activities; make relevant statements to the press and other news media; meet with news editors and reporters to develop understanding of District programs and priorities and establish clear avenues of communication.
11. Review local media articles and televised news reports on water issues and coordinate with other District staff to determine the accuracy of information presented. Assist in developing measured responses that correct errors and misinterpretations of fact.
12. Monitor government and water industry publications for opportunities to submit articles related to District accomplishments and projects; participate in recognition programs, and attend functions sponsored by those agencies in order to increase regional awareness of MPWMD activities.
13. Serve as the primary staff contact for Public Outreach Committee meetings, developing agenda topics.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of communications and public relations.
Knowledge of basic water management principles.
Modern office equipment including computer-based media programs involving web design and other design programs.
Business letter, media correspondence and report writing.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ability to:
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with coworkers, outside agencies, interest groups, and the general public.
Synthesize complex and diverse information and present in terms that are understandable to the general public.
Design strategic messaging to convey ideas and concepts.
Effectively speak in public meetings and answer questions from reporters and the general public.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Elicit community and organizational support for District programs.
Gather, organize and analyze information.
Learn to interpret and explain District policies and procedures
Operate a variety of automated office equipment including standard applicable software.
Maintain tactfulness and courtesy in high stress situations.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
Experience
and Training Guidelines —- Any combination of experience and training that would
likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical
way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible community relations, public relations, public education, or related experience.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, public administration or a related field.
.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to
obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
working conditions
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environmental Conditions:
Office and field environment; exposure to computer screens, work closely with others and work alone; exposure to dust, atmospheric conditions and slippery and uneven conditions.
Physical Conditions:
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; light to moderate lifting and carrying; use of both hands, fingers, arms and legs.
Vision:
See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens and other printed documents; specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision and depth perception.
Hearing:
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
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