Public Affairs Specialist

Full-Time, with Benefits

Washington County Water Conservancy District is looking to add a full-time Public Affairs Specialist 

to our team in St. George, UT. If you are a detail-oriented, self-starter who loves learning, this is a great opportunity. WCWCD is a dynamic team of great people, committed to meeting the increasing water needs of one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the US. 

General Purpose 

At the direction of the Public Affairs Manager, the Public Affairs Coordinator assists with and implements all district education and outreach efforts, including marketing, branding and public relations.

Supervision Received 

Works under the direct supervision of the Public Affairs Manager.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Essential Functions

• Assists with development and implementation of comprehensive public information, education and outreach efforts related to water supply, use, conservation and development
• Supports implementation of strategic communication plans, including advertising, digital marketing and social media, that reinforce key messages and outreach initiatives
• Coordinates and collaborates with consultants and specialists in the fields of public information, government affairs, graphic/website design, brand management, engineering, advertising, environmental stewardship and community relations to achieve district goals
• Assists with the district’s communication, education and outreach activities for the public, media and elected officials
• Serves as a district representative in public settings; assists with writing and distributing press announcements and research as well as monitoring news coverage
• Assists with campaigns and creative pieces that support outreach efforts, including websites, press kits, newsletters, direct mail pieces, social media, broadcast productions, brochures, facility/project/event signage, advertisements and more
• Works closely with public outreach practitioners at municipal and state level organizations as directed
• Assists with event management, planning and executing; coordinate and execute district’s participation in events; serves as a district representative as needed at community functions
• Tracks and reports community outreach efforts, including feedback from community members
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

a.      A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or a related field

                                  AND

b.     Two (2) years of related experience

                            OR 

c.      An equivalent combination of training and experience to the above may also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and remain flexible
• Works well in a collaborative environment
• Able to represent the district in a professional, positive manner at all times
• Demonstrates ongoing attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication including correct use of the English language
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Manages multiple projects, timelines, and deadlines effectively
• Shows initiative. Demonstrates success working independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with technology: Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with graphic design-based programs (Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, etc.) a plus
• Social media marketing and email platform understanding
• Captures and edits videos and photos
• Demonstrates discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations

Special Qualifications:

• Occasional travel (both in and out of state)
• Willingness to converse with public directly and represent the district
• Must possess and maintain a valid Utah Driver’s License and maintain insurability under the district’s vehicle insurance policy
• Must be willing to take and must pass a pre-employment drug test and submit to a criminal background check. 

Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person, in meetings, or by telecommunications; exercise vision abilities, including but not limited to, close vision and the ability to adjust focus; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are frequently required to walk and stand.

The employee must lift weight or exert force as follows:

Regularly: 1 to 5 pounds

Frequently: 5 to 10 pounds

Occasionally: 10 to 15 pounds

Rarely: 15 to 50 pounds

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read and interpret data; analyze and solve problems; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; continuously learn and apply new information or skills; perform work with frequent interruptions; meet intensive and changing deadlines; and interact with tact and diplomacy with others in the course of work.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

      Regular exposure:       Typical office conditions.

      Occasional exposure: Outdoor weather conditions when in the field.

      Noise level:                Typically, quiet.  May range from moderate to very                                                                   loud when in the field or under rare circumstances.

Benefits

Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) covers regular full-time employees and their qualified dependents on their date of hire with medical and dental insurance. Two plan options are available, both are 100% employer paid. WCWCD also provides $50k in employee term life and AD&D insurance as well as long term disability. In addition to an outstanding Utah State Retirement (URS), WCWCD matches 6% employee contributions into a 401(K) plan for all benefited employees beginning on the date of hire.  WCWCD provides 13 paid holidays & 18 PTO days per year for first 5 years which increases with seniority. WCWCD also offers a generous education reimbursement benefit.

Job Closing:

Monday, February 3 at 8 AM Mountain Time.