Government Relations Manager

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Government Relations Manager

Salary

$157,691.04 - $214,194.24 Annually

Location

Kearny Mesa (San Diego County), CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2021-09-1911

Department

General Manager's Office

Opening Date

09/27/2021

Closing Date

10/24/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

The Organization



JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

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 $245 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 Water Authority is seeking a Government Relations Manager who will be responsible for the overall strategy, direction and management of its government relations and legislative programs. This position will report to the Assistant General Manager and will work alongside state and federal legislative teams. They will be a member of a dynamic team advocating for our member agencies and ratepayers of the region.

The successful candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills to represent the Water Authority on a wide variety of water policy issues involving government officials and agencies, environmental stakeholders, community and social justice groups, and water agencies with competing interests. The incumbent will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes on legislation sponsored, supported, or opposed by the Water Authority. The successful candidate must:

  • Be highly organized and able to effectively oversee and direct the work of contract legislative advocates;
  • Be able to demonstrate a high-level of political acumen;
  • Possess an understanding of social justice and equity issues facing the water industry, including industry impacts on underserved communities;
  • Possess the interpersonal skill necessary to collaborate with and support the members of the Water Authority's Board of Directors and 24 member agencies; and
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with legislators and stakeholders.

The Position

Under the direction of the Assistant General Manager, the Government Relations Manager plans, coordinates, develops and manages the advocacy interests in local, state and federal issues; serves as the Water Authority's liaison and may also serve as its legislative advocate; provides support to the Board of Directors and General Manager staff on legislative issues; and performs related duties as assigned. This single at-will, senior management level position is based in San Diego.  

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Government Relations Manager is responsible for executing the strategy and direction of the Water Authority's government relations and legislative programs as developed by the Board of Directors and General Manager. Duties and responsibilities are carried out with considerable independence within the framework of established policies and guidelines.

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.

  • Develops legislative policy in accordance with the directive of the General Manager and policies established by the Board of Directors, including directing formulation of new and revised legislative proposals; analyzes and evaluates complex legislative problems and proposed legislation; recommends legislative and policy solutions; develops recommendations for the General Manager and the Board.
  • Informs, persuades, influences, negotiates, and participates in legislative and policy decision making; coordinates legislative strategies with other interested parties and advocacy groups such as member agencies, statewide associations, community and industry groups and the media; advocates the Water Authority interests with government officials; develops, recommends and implements strategies to protect and promote the Water Authority. May also lobby.
  • Anticipates, reviews, and analyzes proposed bills, bill amendments, budget proposals, laws, and regulations for potential impact on the agency; maintains contact with representatives of state, federal and local governments to identify legislation that may impact the Water Authority; regularly reports to the General Manager and Board of Directors on pending legislative developments and makes recommendations for action or response; oversees and directs the work of contract legislative advocates in Sacramento and Washington D.C. and the development of advocacy strategies.
  • Reviews current and proposed legislative programs and develops recommendations for appropriate action; prepares and delivers presentations and briefings to management, staff, Board, member agencies, local, state and federal elected officials and their staff; prepares written reports and oral testimony; coordinates representation before the State Legislature and Congress; testifies at state and federal legislative hearings, as required.
  • Manages lobbying contracts with multiple firms in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., including legislative and regulatory advocacy; directs the work of contract lobbyists toward accomplishment of the Water Authority's policy objectives and goals in the legislative and regulatory arenas.
For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Government Relations Manager

Qualification Guidelines

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 course work in political science, journalism, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field supplemented by eight years of progressively responsible experience as a legislative analyst or lobbyist. Attainment of legislative representation, policy analysis, or similar experience in a public agency involved in water issues or similar background is required.

Licenses and Other Requirements
  • A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
  • May be required to register as a lobbyist.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. 

 

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. 

 

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

 

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin. 

 

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

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)
  • 2.5% @ 55
  • 8.0% Employee Contribution
  • 1 Year Final Compensation Period
New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)
  • 2% @ 62
  • 6.75% Employee Contribution
  • 3 Year Final Compensation Period

*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:
 
  1. 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.
  2. Military Service Credit as Public Service.
  3. Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
  4. 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 6 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:
 
  1. Military Service Credit as Public Service.
  2. Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
  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-Based Salary Increases ("Pay for Performance Program"): The Senior Management Pay for Performance Program is authorized by the General Manager in recognition of performance standards, organizational values, and goals and objectives during the review period, which is the fiscal year July 1 through June 30. Senior Management employees who are hired or promoted on or before January 1 of the fiscal year for which Pay for Performance is being considered will be eligible for a discretionary base pay salary adjustment.
 
401(a) Incentive Retirement Plan: The Water Authority contributes $1,400 per calendar year to a 401(a) incentive retirement plan.  401(a) participants are required to make a mandatory contribution to the plan in the following amounts: 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. Upon hire into a Senior Management classification, employees must make a one-time, irrevocable election to this plan. 
 
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 a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off. 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.
 
Discretionary Meritorious Leave: Up to five (5) 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 $200,000. 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.
 
Car Allowance: Positions in this employee group are eligible for a monthly automobile 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.
 
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. 

01
APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.
  • I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.
02
EDUCATION Have you completed a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, please indicate the major area of study below.
  • Political Science
  • Journalism
  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
  • Other related field
  • Other non-related field
04
Are you currently or have you ever been a registered lobbyist?
  • Yes
  • No
05
WORK EXPERIENCE Please indicate your years of progressively responsible work experience as a legislative analyst or lobbyist. Your related work experience must be clearly shown in the work history section of your application.
  • I do not have any related work experience
  • Less than 6 years
  • More than 6 years, but less than 8
  • More than 8 years, but less than 10
  • More than 10 years
06
Please describe how you believe your background makes you the ideal candidate for the Government Relations Manager position at the San Diego County Water Authority. Include in your response any experience you have developing legislative policy; analyzing proposed regulations for potential impacts to an agency; and managing lobbying contracts.

Please be thorough, and do not paste text from your work history or resume as a response. If you do not have any related experience, type "N/A".
07
Please describe your proudest accomplishment involving lobbying or legislative advocacy. Your response should be no more than 500 words. If you do not have any related experience, type "N/A".
08
WORK HISTORY

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.
  • I understand and have provided a complete employment history, including accounting for any employment gaps of more than 30 days.
09
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

Required Question

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