THE OPPORTUNITY
The Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) is searching for a highly skilled strategic communicator and public information professional to serve as the Director of Public Affairs.
ABOUT THE CITRUS HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT
CHWD provides drinking water to an estimated service area population of 70,000 customers through more than 20,000 water service connections. CHWD’s service area is 12.8 square miles, including portions of Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Carmichael, Roseville, and unincorporated Placer County in the Greater Sacramento Region. CHWD has 38 full-time dedicated employees to operate and maintain its water system, ensuring high-quality and reliable water, while providing great customer service.
The District is governed by a three-member Board of Directors who are elected by District and appoint a General Manager. The 2024 CHWD annual operating budget is approximately $17.1 million, and its 2024 Capital Improvement Budget is $13.8 million.
THE COMMUNITY CHWD SERVES
The Citrus Heights community is family-friendly and features great schools, beautiful parks, a wide array of youth programs and numerous community events, in addition to many local shops and restaurants. Close to Sacramento, the region also enjoys the cultural, educational, and recreational amenities of a major metro area.
THE POSITION
The Director of Public Affairs is a new director-level position for the Citrus Heights Water District. The Director will be a key member of the District’s Executive Leadership Team and will report to the General Manager. The Director of Public Affairs is an at-will, FLSA-exempt position. You would lead the development of communication strategies and plan special events to enhance the District’s visibility; plan, organize, direct and review District communications and public engagement, including public information, marketing and communication programs, community outreach and education; serve as the District’s liaison with relevant consultants, media, and legislators; oversee, develop and distribute a wide variety of information and publications of public interest; and provide complex strategic support to the General Manager.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent team service and strong problem-solving skills; can strategically and thoughtfully navigate crisis communications; have exceptional public speaking and media interview skills and a strong background in social media and analytics; and a demonstrated track record of managing and directing communication, public outreach, legislative affairs and associated activities for a utility provider, public agency, or special district.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible supervisory and management experience in public relations or public affairs, preferably in a utility or similar government setting.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The salary range for the Director of Public Affairs is $150,196 to $202,779, with placement in the range made depending on qualifications. In addition, subject to Board direction/approval, District salaries are reviewed annually for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Retirement is provided through CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for 2% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are 2% @ 62.
The District also offers a competitive and attractive executive benefits package that includes an innovative Pay for Performance system which is in conjunction with the annual employee performance evaluation. Based on an employee’s performance rating, both merit adjustments and one-time rewards and recognition amounts may be awarded. A .pdf summary of the program can be viewed by clicking on the CHWD - Pay for Performance link at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure for additional benefit information including a 4/40 work schedule, District vehicle and relocation assistance.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below. The first review of candidates will take place the week of February 19th, with the goal of interviews being conducted in mid-March. The position will remain open until filled.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Bryan Noblett |bryan@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 550-4100
Greg Nelson |greg@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 550-4100
The Citrus Heights Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.