Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by the close of business on Friday, September 13, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) invites applications for Regional Affairs Representative. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual to join a successful association and gain a wealth of knowledge regarding the California water industry by providing critical support and being an integral part of ACWA’s Member Outreach and Engagement team working with over 470 public member agencies.

ACWA is the largest statewide association of public water agencies in the nation with over 470 members. Since its inception in 1910, ACWA has served as a leader in California water policy, advancing comprehensive statewide strategies to meet the state’s future water needs, and a respected voice for its members in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. ACWA is headquartered in the heart of Sacramento, just a few blocks from the State Capitol. 

ACWA’s member agencies are responsible for 90% of the water delivered to California communities, farms, and businesses. Together, members play an active role in managing the state’s water resources and creating progress in groundwater management, safe drinking water, water use efficiency, water recycling and desalination.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills and knowledge of presentation methods and meeting planning. Candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience, and, at a minimum, one year of experience in government relations, public relations or related field, coupled with member relationship and/or client services support within a membership association. 

Position Summary

The Regional Affairs Representative is a full-time, exempt position. Under general direction, the position performs a variety of professional duties involving the facilitation of ACWA’s Region governance and activities; coordinates member retention and recruitment programs and activities; and implements ACWA’s grassroots outreach programs throughout the regions. The position requires frequent field visits.

Regional Affairs Representative I is the entry-level class in the Regional Affairs Representative series. Positions in this class typically require little directly related work experience. Incumbents work under general supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to relatively less supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Regional Affairs Representative II is the journey level class in the professional Regional Affairs Representative series. Incumbents at this level receive relatively less instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as ACWA’s Regional representative and point of contact in the field
• Develop and execute regional meetings, tours, issue forums and programs.
• Facilitate and maintain ACWA region governance activities and policies.
• Identify and respond to member requests and inquiries, referring the more complex or political issues to the Member Services Manager.
• Serve as a general resource to members on ACWA programs and activities.
• Facilitate input from regions regarding development of statewide ACWA policy.
• Stay informed on ACWA issues, policies, and programs.
• Engage members in ACWA’s policy issues through its grassroots outreach efforts.
• Facilitate ACWA’s retention and recruitment efforts in keeping with the goals and plans for the Member Outreach and Engagement Department in the assigned regions.
• Identify and prioritize member issues working with the Executive Team.
• Develop and implement customer service and marketing strategies in assigned regions.
• Write, conduct, and report on regional activities as necessary.
• Travel to and from designated sites, including but not limited to regional meetings and events, conferences, board members, member facilities, committee meetings, etc.
• Collaborate with other ACWA departments on assigned duties as needed.
• Represent the association with dignity and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Embrace integrity, service, inclusion, and collaboration in daily work.
• Be an integral team player through flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, member agency staff
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of/Skill/Ability to:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of structure and mission of an association.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs.
• Learn and independently analyze issues associated with ACWA members and develop an effective course of action.
• Understand, interpret and apply policies, rules, and procedures.
• Present information to assigned regions or groups.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines while balancing time in and outside the office. 
• Independently coordinate and plan meetings and events.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, a combination of education and experience will be considered.

Regional Affairs Representative I 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in government relations, public relations, or related field, coupled with member relationship and/or client services support within a membership association. If no degree, a minimum of five years of relevant experience is required.

Regional Affairs Representative II 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of increasingly responsible professional experience similar to a Regional Affairs Representative I with ACWA. If no degree, a minimum of six years of relevant experience is required.

Special Requirements:

Travel is required. Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver’s license is required at time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Compensation and Benefits: 

This position is part of a series and applicants with experience at the Regional Affairs Representative I and Regional Affairs Representative II level will be considered and placement based on qualifications. Our competitive total reward package includes CalPERS retirement, 457 plan, employer paid medical, dental, vision plans, disability and life insurance and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week in the Sacramento Office.

Salary Range

Regional Affairs Representative I:$93,915/year to $122,090/year

Regional Affairs Representative II:$103,542/year to $134,605/year

Filing Instructions:

Qualified candidates should upload an updated cover letter and resume. Please also include email addresses for three work-related references (who will not be contacted until after an interview takes place). Applicants who do not include all of the required documents may not be considered.

Questions:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACWA Human Resources at Janeo@acwa.com or (916)441-4545.