COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

SALARY RANGE: $8,127 - $9,745 PER MONTH

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative communications and marketing professional to be part of creating new programs at a high-profile organization with the dual mission of providing high quality drinking water and protecting one of the North Bay’s most pristine watersheds.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Communications and Public Affairs Manager, the Communications Specialist develops and implements comprehensive communications and public outreach programs; creates content for the District’s website, social media, and digital programs; assists with the planning and production of marketing collateral; and develops branding, community outreach events and presentations to promote understanding and awareness of the District’s mission, vision and goals. The Communications Specialist is part of a high- performing team that informs, educates and engages a wide range of stakeholders, including the general public, community leaders, customers, and internal staff.

THE DISTRICT:

The District is a medium- sized, municipal, water agency with a Board of Directors General Manager form of government, 243 full-time employees and a $116,103,000 combined annual operating and capital budget for FY 2023. Annually, the District delivers water to more than 191,000 residents and businesses in central and southern Marin County and has stewardship responsibilities for 22,000 acres of pristine watershed lands on Mt. Tam and in the hills of west Marin.

THE JOB:

The Communications Specialist is a journey-level job class responsible for planning and implementing the District’s internal and external communications programs, community outreach, marketing, and public information programs. This position is assigned complex, confidential and time-sensitive projects and must be able to exercise sound judgment and function efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops, produces and maintains effective collateral, including factsheets, brochures, newsletters, bill inserts, annual reports, advertising content, and materials related to special projects and initiatives;
• Designs and maintains effective content for the District’s website, digital e-newsletter, and social media accounts to increase awareness and build affinity to grow the District’s audience and reach across platforms;
• Assists in developing and implementing effective and innovative community outreach programs to increase awareness of the District’s initiatives, programs, projects, and services;
• Assists with coordinating outside vendor services such as printers, graphic designers, event venues, public relations and advertising consultants, and public opinion research firms as needed;
• Plans, schedules, makes arrangements for, and participates in District-sponsored tours, conferences, and other events as assigned;
• Organizes, coordinates, and promotes public hearings, meetings, and other community/public-oriented presentations and events as needed;
• Coordinates and executes the production of a variety of publications, presentations, videos, exhibits and similar materials for district events, including typography, illustrations, layouts, formats, and other printing and graphics requirements;
• Researches, interprets, and synthesizes complex information from various departments, including conservation and operational initiatives, to create clear, accurate and engaging messaging for various platforms;
• Produces relevant photos and videos for news media or District use as needed;
• Communicates in a professional manner with staff, customers, the general public, private businesses, community groups and local, state and federal agencies as needed;
• Responds to questions from the public in person, by telephone, in writing or via email and social media as needed;
• Assists in the management and promotion of the District’s style guide and branding to ensure a consistent brand message across departments;
• Writes effective press releases, public service announcements, and media advisories as needed; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/Communications%20Speciali…

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Excellent written and oral communications, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders;
• Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public information, community outreach, marketing and branding;
• Correct English usage including spelling, punctuation, and grammar;
• Principles and practices of effective graphic design and illustration methods and materials;
• Photography, videography, and the operation of camera equipment and digital editing software;
• Techniques and best practices for community engagement and working with the public in general;
• Presentation skills in dealing with groups of various sizes and demographics;
• Modern office practices and filing systems.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, develop and execute a variety of public information campaigns and activities;
• Research, compose and prepare clear, concise and engaging public information materials and correspondence;
• Apply creative thinking and problem solving techniques;
• Gather and analyze information, synthesize complex and diverse information in order to effectively assemble, organize and present in written and/or oral form;
• Interpret, apply, and explain District policies and programs;
• Effectively use Microsoft Office, Adobe graphics programs, photographic and video editing equipment and software; word processing and routine database management software;
• Use website backend tools to create and maintain content and successfully analyze audiences, including Google analytics metrics;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences;
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity in interpreting and communicating District policies and programs;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District employees and the public, using diplomacy and principles of good customer service;
• Provide oral and written information about District operations and services and make oral presentations to small groups;
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
• Analyze situations accurately be able to adapt quickly;
• Work with diverse cultural and social groups in a tactful and effective manner;
• Work independently utilizing effective time management skills;
• Travel to alternative work locations and off-site meetings.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed above. An example of qualifying education and experience would be:

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in public relations, journalism, English, communications, marketing or a closely related field.

Experience: Three years of experience in communications, public relations, community outreach, digital content or marketing, or related fields, with strong writing skills and professional experience in online communications.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Work weekends and/or evening on an occasional basis as required by planned events to make presentations or attend meetings, and to travel to alternative work locations for these and other purposes.

• In order to drive a District vehicle or privately-owned vehicle to conduct District business, possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor and maintain a satisfactory driving record are required.

• Per California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 “all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.” (Ref: California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Sections 3100- 3109).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

During the course of performing job duties the employee will need the mobility to work in a standard office setting, use standard office equipment such as a personal computer, word processing and data base software, calculator, a copy and/or fax machine; enter and retrieve data from personal computers and terminals via keyboards which is often performed while sitting for extended periods of time; operate office equipment requiring repetitive arm/hand movement and/or the coordinated movement of more than one limb simultaneously. The employee frequently stands, walks, bends at neck and waists, twists at neck and waist, uses repetitive hand movement, uses simple and power grasping with both hands, uses fine manipulation of both hands and fingers, and may require use of the arms above the shoulder, climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch. This position requires that the employee demonstrate adequate hearing and speech to converse in person and over the telephone, and vision to read printed materials and use a computer screen. The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry short distances objects such as reams of copier paper, office supplies, files, books, printed materials and other packages weighing up to 25 pounds. Employees who drive on District business to carry out job-related duties must be physically capable of operating the vehicles and equipment safely.

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate noise. Position may require the ability to work overtime and weekends as needed.

The following provides a brief description of the Marin Municipal Water District’s (MMWD) benefit package for SEIU represented employees. Please refer to individual contracts or policies for details.

VACATION

Full-time regular employees earn vacation with pay at the following bi-weekly rates for each complete year of service with MMWD:

For the first four (4) years of service 3.08 hours/pay period

For the next five (5) years of service 4.62 hours/pay period

For the next six (6) years of service 6.16 hours/pay period

Sixteen (16) years of service 6.47 hours/pay period

Seventeen (17) years of service 6.77 hours/pay period

Eighteen (18) years of service 7.08 hours/pay period

Nineteen (19) years of service 7.39 hours/pay period

For Twenty (20) or more years of service 7.70 hours/pay period

Vacation may be used by an employee, only after completion of six (6) months’ service.

HOLIDAYS

MMWD grants 11 paid, set holidays each year and 1 or 2 paid floating holidays are granted dependent on hire date. Positions that are part of 7-day operations are granted 13 set holidays, with no floating holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees accrue 15 days per year and may accumulate paid sick leave with no limit, to be used for illness or other approved absences. A lump sum payout equal to 75% of the number of hours for unused sick leave (to a maximum payout of 750 hours) will be paid upon retirement. Annual incentive buy-back plan is available.

HEALTH INSURANCE

MMWD contracts with CalPERS health care which makes available a variety of medical plans. The premium contribution of MMWD, for an employee only or an employee plus one dependent shall be set at the rate of the plan that falls in the middle of the list of available plans. Coverage for additional dependents may be purchased by payroll deduction.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Dental insurance is available to employees and their families after three months of service through the Delta Dental Plan of California. MMWD pays the premium for the employee and dependents. Delta Dental Plan will pay 100% of the dentist’s usual, customary, and reasonable fees for services covered per the contract, to a maximum of $2,000 per eligible enrolled person per calendar year. Orthodontia coverage is provided for eligible dependent children, up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500.

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

After completion of one month of employment, for each full-time employee MMWD pays the premium for $25,000 of coverage. Through payroll deductions, according to a graduated scale, employees may purchase additional insurance in increments of $10,000 up to a maximum of $100,000 (without an underwriting requirement). The election of additional insurance must be made within 30 days of the initial hire date.

LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

After completion of one month of employment, MMWD pays the premium for long term disability insurance for each full time, permanent employee. The insurance provides payment of up to 60% of salary to a maximum of $8,000 per month for an employee who is disabled and cannot perform his/her regular job functions. There is an eligibility waiting period of three months.

RETIREMENT PLAN

MMWD is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The program is mandatory for all full-time employees.

For new employees hired after January 1, 2013, the retirement formula is 2.0%@62. The current employee’s retirement contribution rate is 6.25% of salary (subject to change). All provisions shall be as required by PEPRA.

For employees hired before January 1, 2013 the retirement formula is 2.7%@55. The employee’s contribution rate is 8%. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 who are already members of CalPERS and who have had less than a 6 month break in service may be eligible for the 2.7%@55 formula.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

All employees are eligible to participate in the 457(b) deferred compensation plan pursuant to the “Deferred Compensation Plan” approved by the District Board of Directors on May 22, 1985 consistent with current IRS regulations and requirements.

SOCIAL SECURITY

MMWD participates in the Social Security System and payroll deductions are made each pay period in accordance with Federal law.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

To provide temporary disability income to an employee in the event of an on-the-job illness or injury, employees are covered under the provisions of MMWD’s Workers’ Compensation policy.

VISION CARE PLAN

This plan provides eligible full-time employees reimbursement of vision care expenses not covered by the health plan. Reimbursable expenses are up to $250 for glasses and frames, lenses and contact lenses, or other necessary vision care expenses per calendar year. The employee may carry over any remaining monies for one year for an accumulated total of up to $600 to be used over a two year period. In the third year, the reimbursable amount returns to $250.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

The District will reimburse tuition, books, laboratory fees and examination fees in the amount of up to $2,000 per employee per fiscal year in connection with educational courses taken by regular full-time or regular part-time non-probationary employees. In order to be reimbursed for educational costs, the employee must attain a grade of at least “C” or its equivalent, and class and study time must be outside the employee’s normal work hours.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The process may include a panel interview, final interview and writing exercise. Only those candidates with the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply by Wednesday, April 5, 2023 by 4:30 p.m. for manual submissions; 5:00 p.m. for online submissions.

To be considered for this position you must submit a completed application, the supplemental questionnaire, a cover letter, and a resume.

(415)945-1434

humanresources@marinwater.org