Principal Public Affairs Representative

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 24 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media and/or media relations with an ability to write clean, concise, creative and accurate copy on deadline that is transferrable to a variety of print and electronic formats. They will show the capacity to manage a website using WordPress, along with a history of effectively using social media platforms. They also will possess the skills, tact, and temperament to collaborate closely with subject matter experts and edit other writers' copy to ensure content, grammar and style comply with Water Authority standards. This candidate will have current knowledge of the regional and national media landscape, at least five years of experience working in the media and/or in media relations, and the ability to work with media professionals both proactively and on tight deadlines in fast-paced and sometimes stressful circumstances. The ideal candidate will be able to develop relationships across Water Authority departments at all levels of the agency to communicate the agency's efforts on behalf of the San Diego region. Knowledge of water issues is desired but not required. Fluency in Spanish is desirable. Strong skills in video production are also highly desirable.

The Principal Public Affairs Representative will enhance and execute key communication initiatives on behalf of the Water Authority, with primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of the Water News Network (WaterNewsNetwork.com) and media relations. The role involves a heavy emphasis on planning, developing, writing, and publishing agency materials, including news stories, news releases, newsletter articles, key points, fact sheets and email updates.

This is an ideal role for an experienced public outreach or communications strategist who is skilled at developing and maintaining media relations programs and experienced in writing and publishing for lay audiences. In this role, the Principal Public Affairs Representative will collaborate with all members of the public affairs team to develop understanding and guide implementation of media engagement plans to advance the Water Authority’s priorities. This individual has a deep understanding of the latest trends and tools for media, social media, digital publishing, and public relations. The Principal Public Affairs Representative translates complex information into clear, compelling messages and stories that drive engagement both with the media and through the Water News Network. Assignments are independent, complex, and broad-based and require the knowledge and application of advanced traditional and digital public affairs strategies and tactics. The Principal Public Affairs Representative is expected to consistently demonstrate independent and sophisticated judgment.

Representative Duties

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 the class.

This writing-intensive job requires working directly with the Public Affairs Supervisor to:

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Principal Public Affairs Representative

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, public administration, political science or a closely related field supplemented by five years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the development and coordination of public affairs, legislative analysis or community outreach programs and projects similar to those administered by the Water Authority. Professional experience in media relations and/or producing media stories is highly desirable. Knowledge of regional issues and media is desired but not required.

Health Insurance: The Water Authority maintains three employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the "basic" plan is the Kaiser HMO plan and the "premium" plans are the Aetna HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Delta Dental Premier for dental services, and Aetna EyeMed for vision services. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the "basic" medical plan family coverage premium (which is paid 100% by the Water Authority). All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.

Retirement: All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.

Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)

New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)

• Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.

Classic Member: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include:

• Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC): The Water Authority pays 7% of the employee's share of retirement contributions to CalPERS and the value of the 7% member contribution is reported to CalPERS as additional compensation.
• Military Service Credit as Public Service.
• Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
• Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.

New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include:

• Military Service Credit as Public Service.
• Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
• Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.

The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.

Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Merit Review Schedule: Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one year anniversary date and annually thereafter.

Alternative Work Week: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9/80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff is available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.

Hybrid Work Schedule Option: The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. An option to telework up to 3 days per week and work onsite 2 days per week is available for employees in eligible positions.

Vacation: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.

Sick Leave: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

Holidays: The Water Authority observes 13 paid holidays each year, including two (2) eight-hour floating holidays. Employees hired after July 1, but before September 9, will receive full holiday credit for both floating holidays. Employees hired on or after September 10, but prior to February 12, will receive full credit for one (1) floating holiday. Employees hired after February 13, and prior to June 30, will not receive credit for either floating holiday in the fiscal year.

Meritorious Leave (Exempt Positions Only): 56 hours of vacation leave shall be credited to the employee's vacation balance effective July 1 of each new fiscal year. Up to three (3) additional discretionary days may be credited to the employee's vacation balance upon the employee's annual performance review at the recommendation of the employee's department director or designee for performance evaluations of above standard or outstanding.

Life Insurance: The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and Personal Accident insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.

Long Term Disability Insurance: The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.

Cell Phone: Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.

Tuition Reimbursement: The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.

National University: Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees’ spouse/ partner/dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.

Wellness Center: Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.

Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.

Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):

Flexible Spending Account – Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($2,750 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($5,000 maximum).

Deferred Compensation Plan – The Water Authority's Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. Beginning July 1, 2023, employees' receive an employer match up to $250 to the 457 deferred compensation plan in calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The employer match will be contributed on a dollar-for-dollar basis until the $250 maximum is met in the calendar year.

Short-Term Disability – This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings – to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability). The Water Authority does not contract with California's Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits.

Long-Term Care Insurance – This voluntary insurance program is available to employees and covers the cost of extended health care for yourself, as well as your spouse or qualified domestic partner.

Group Legal Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues – saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Critical Illness Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.

Voluntary Life and Personal Accident Insurance – Employees may purchase voluntary life and personal accident insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and/or personal accident insurance for spouse/domestic partner and/or children.

Employees' Association – Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.