Salary : $77,729.60 - $107,244.80 Annually
Location : 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Non-represented
Job Number: 2026-52
Department: Administration
Division: External Affairs
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job DescriptionJoin our team as a Public Affairs Coordinator (Limited-Term)!Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a creative, collaborative, and highly motivated Public Affairs Coordinator (Limited-Term) to support the District's communications, public relations, and community engagement efforts. This entry-level professional role helps develop written and digital content, manage website and social media communications, coordinate outreach programs and special events, and keep customers, employees, stakeholders, and the public informed about District programs, services, projects, and initiatives.
About the RoleUnder general supervision, the Public Affairs Coordinator performs professional communications, public relations, community engagement, and administrative support activities. The position prepares and distributes communication materials, coordinates digital content and outreach activities, responds to public inquiries, monitors media and community feedback, supports internal and emergency communications, and assists with photography, videography, and other multimedia projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creating engaging content, managing multiple assignments, building community relationships, and representing the District professionally.
Essential Functions What You Will Do- 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.
- Assists in developing, writing, editing, and distributing communication materials, including news releases, newsletters, website content, social media posts, fact sheets, presentations, customer notices, and other public information materials.
- Coordinates and maintains content for the District's website, social media platforms, and digital communication channels to ensure information is accurate, timely, and consistent with District branding standards.
- Assists with the planning, promotion, coordination, and implementation of community outreach programs, educational initiatives, public meetings, facility tours, special events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Responds to routine public inquiries regarding District programs, services, projects, and events and coordinates responses with appropriate staff as needed.
- Monitors media coverage, social media activity, and public feedback related to District operations and communication initiatives.
- Assists in preparing communication plans, outreach strategies, event materials, talking points, presentations, and supporting documentation for District projects and programs.
- Coordinates the design, production, and distribution of printed and digital communication materials and promotional items.
- Maintains communication records, content calendars, media contact lists, photographic archives, and outreach metrics.
- Supports internal communication efforts by assisting with employee communications, recognition programs, and organizational initiatives.
- Conducts research and gathers information to support communication campaigns, public education efforts, and community engagement activities.
- Assists with photography, videography, and multimedia content creation to support District communications and outreach objectives.
- Tracks communication and outreach performance metrics and assists in preparing reports and recommendations.
- Supports emergency and crisis communication activities as assigned.
- Attend community meetings, industry events, and outreach activities representing the District as required.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
What You Bring- Principles, practices, and techniques of public affairs, communications, and community engagement.
- Business writing, editing, proofreading, and content development methods.
- Social media platforms, content management practices, and digital communication strategies.
- Website content management systems and digital publishing tools.
- Graphic design, photography, videography, and multimedia communication principles.
- Marketing and branding concepts.
- Customer service principles and techniques.
- Research methods and data collection techniques.
- Public meeting and event coordination practices.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer applications.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and business correspondence.
- Principles of project coordination and organization.
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public affairs, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, English, digital media, or a closely related field.
- One (1) year of professional or internship experience in public affairs, communications, marketing, journalism, community outreach, social media management, or a related field is desirable. Licenses.
- Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information To view full job description click here:
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.
- First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
- Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional
well-being.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public affairs, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, English, digital media, or a closely related field.
02
One (1) year of professional or internship experience in public affairs, communications, marketing, journalism, community outreach, social media management, or a related field?
Required Question
