Salary : $103,720.24 - $156,392.50 Annually
Location : Calabasas, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: External Affairs
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Position

Under general direction of the Senior Public Affairs Associate, the Public Affairs Associate I/II coordinates and conducts public affairs, communications, community outreach, and educational projects, initiatives, and activities for the district.

This is a flexibly staffed position, and employees can enter at the Public Affairs Associate I or II level depending on experience and qualifications. A Public Affairs Associate I performs most of the duties required of a Public Affairs Associate II but is not expected to perform at the same skill level. Public Affairs Associate I exercises less independent judgment and discretion and/or has a narrower scope of responsibility. Upon meeting the performance standards of the higher level as determined by the division/department, employees are promoted to the Public Affairs Associate II level. Public Affairs Associate II is the fully experienced, journey-level class.

This position leads or facilitates public tours of various facilities within and outside of the district service area which requires availability to work weekends and evenings and may require travel outside of the district service area with one or multiple overnight stays.
The recruitment process will consist of an application screening, 1st round (structured) interview, and a 2nd round (selection) interview. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: August 3, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when a sufficient number of qualified candidates are received to meet business needs.

First Review of Applications: September 1, 2026, OR when 150 applications are received, whichever comes first.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
1st Round Interview Date Range: September 14 - 17, 2026
2nd Round Interview Date Range: September 21 - 24, 2026
Essential Duties

Develops, coordinates, and implements a broad range of public affairs, communications, and outreach programs, projects, and activities to establish, maintain, and strengthen communication and relationships between the district and a variety of external stakeholder groups and to assist in building understanding and support for district initiatives.

Conceptualizes, researches, writes and edits a variety of written material, including news releases, pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, letters, and articles targeted for customers, the media, and special audiences.

Coordinates community outreach initiatives and serves as a resource/district ambassador to citizen groups, homeowners associations, community organizations, and stakeholder groups; coordinates participation of district staff and leadership in ongoing community liaison initiatives.

Coordinates student and adult-education initiatives, including coordinating with local school districts, individual (private) schools, home-schooled students, teachers, and other existing and potential educational partners; assists with creating and implementing educational programs, including coordination with Metropolitan Water District and other curriculum providers.

Provides expert writing and editing assistance to others throughout the district in creating reports, presentations, correspondence, and other communications; prepares correspondence on behalf of others responding to inquiries, complaints, concerns, and suggestions relative to the district.

Researches and writes articles for publication on internal and external channels and assists other district professionals in developing material relative to their professions, including research, writing, editing, and graphic design for journal and magazine entries and all other related outreach and branding functions.

Develops written scripts for video and audio productions, talking points, speeches, and other presentations, tailoring the content and voice for intent and audience; delivers oral presentations to schools, community groups, businesses, universities, other water agencies, homeowners associations, staff meetings, professional organizations, and other groups as needed or requested.

Assists in responding to media inquiries and providing information on subjects relative to district operations and activities; prepares press releases, letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, and talking points and fact sheets for use in interacting with the media; assists in arranging press briefings, public hearings, and other public involvement events.

Develops and implements plans to expand awareness of district programs for the public, including conservation initiatives, rebates, irrigation workshops, library book program, facility tours, etc.

Assists in creating, coordinating, and staffing informational exhibits and event booths to expand public awareness and understanding of district operations.

Assists in developing, organizing, promoting, and conducting tours of district facilities to classes, local groups, organizations, and other interested parties.

Produces, edits, shoots, and facilitates video creation and still-photos of district functions and initiatives for use on the website and various social media platforms; manages all social media platforms by producing content, templates, images, videos, and graphics to increase the visibility and reputation of the district.

Assists with crisis communications, including assisting with developing, compiling, disseminating, and monitoring information to the public and District staff in the event of a crisis or emergency impacting the District.
Qualifications

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Techniques and procedures for designing and implementing effective public information and outreach programs;
• Innovative methods and formats for developing effective public information materials;
• Effective writing techniques and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• District operations, functions, programs, services, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives;
• Utilization of computer graphic design and video/audio software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Audition, etc.).

ABILITY TO:

• Develop and implement a variety of effective public information and community outreach programs, including coordinating work efforts of staff, peers, executive staff and district leadership taking part in those initiatives;
• Coordinate multiple projects, activities, and events simultaneously;
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines;
• Communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrate outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Research, write, edit, and create basic design concepts for publications and presentations, to communicate with varied audiences;
• Understand and communicate complex technical matters to others with limited knowledge of the subject matter;
• Develop and deliver presentations to audiences with varied informational needs and concerns, including homeowners associations and business and community groups;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the public, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and special interest groups;
• Tailor content and delivery of communications to specific subjects and audiences;
• Deliver educational activities and presentations for school-aged children;
• Understand current social media trends, video production and water industry needs;
• Comprehend current and future marketing, advertising, and communication trends;
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, database, graphic design, video/audio, communication, social media, and digital engagement software and applications;
• Use website management platform to edit and update the district website;
• Capture and create compelling visual imagery with photos and videos.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use computer terminal, and other general office machines;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximate twenty-five pounds; and to reach, bend or crouch to use files and records;
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Training and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION: Both levels: A Bachelor's degree with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, administration, education, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Public Affairs Associate I - One (1) year of experience performing professional tasks in the implementation of public affairs, community outreach, or customer service activities involving public affairs and outreach.

Public Affairs Associate II - Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional tasks in the implementation of public affairs and community outreach activities, including experience coordinating major projects or initiatives.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.

Medical Insurance
The District currently covers up to $2,153.74 per month of the monthly premium cost of the offered medical plans and offers a choice of HMO and PPO plans.

Dental Insurance
The District provides dental insurance for employees and their dependents.

Vision care
The District provides vision care for employees.

Life Insurance
Coverage is provided by the District in the amount of $50,000 plus annual base salary.

Short & Long Term Disability
The District provides coverage for continuation of two-thirds of salary, up to a maximum of $11,292 per month for absences, which qualify under the plans.

Vacation
Initially earned at 4.00 hours per bi-weekly pay period up to a total of 6.46 hours per pay period.

Holidays
The District observes 12 holidays per year.

Sick Leave
Employees earn 8 hours per month.

Deferred Compensation Plan
The District provides 3% of base salary deferred and matched on a dollar for dollar basis into either a 401(a) or a 457(b) plan.

Retirement
Tier I - 2% at 55 for employees defined as "Classic" members by the California Public Retirement System; 7% employee contribution.

Tier II - 2% at 62 for new members to CalPERS; Employees contribute 50% of normal cost up to an annual maximum, currently 7.00% of salary up to $159,733.

In addition to CalPERS, the District participates in Social Security. The District and employees contribute a required percentage of base wages for Social Security.

Retiree Medical Benefits
The District will contribute 75% of the Kaiser Permanente Traditional HMO plan at the employee only level for employees who retire with at least ten years of service and are at least 55 years of age.

Tuition Reimbursement
Employees may request up to $685 per course for continuing education reimbursement.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may allocate up to $3,400 per year to pre-tax accounts for qualified medical and $7,500 per year for qualified dependent care expenses.

Wellness Center
Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a Wellness Program.

Physical Fitness Program
Employees may be reimbursed for up to $500/fiscal year for payment of costs with primary emphasis on preventive health maintenance, relative to obtaining/receiving a comprehensive physical examination, membership to private gym facilities, purchase of home gym equipment, or membership for at-home fitness programs.

Flexible Work Schedule
The District offers flexible work schedules based on the position and District operational needs. Up to two (2) partial or full days per week of telecommuting may be approved by the Department Director.
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The following supplemental questions are intended to assess your training and experience as it relates to the position for which you are applying. Your responses will be reviewed to help determine whether