Communications Assistant

About the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)

ACWA is the largest statewide association of public water agencies in the nation with approximately 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. 

About the Role

This is a newly created, regular part-time, non-exempt position within the Communications Department. This position is ideal for someone looking to build a career in communications, public relations, digital media or marketing. Under close supervision, you will support a wide variety of communication activities, administrative function and content development tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance of various website pages, such as reviewing and posting submitted classified ads, calendar events, meeting agendas, resources and news items; provide overall support and backup with other website functions as needed. 
• Assist with management of ACWA’s awards and scholarship programs, including updating information on the website and the web-based software program, updating promotional materials, coordinating the judging and notification processes.
• Assist in implementing communications programs, including researching and writing newsletter articles, fact sheets, multimedia scripts, speeches, website and social media content and other materials.
• Assist in tracking social media interactions and analytics.
• Assist in tracking news media coverage and analytics.
• Provide oral and written information in response to inquiries from ACWA members and the public. 
• Provide key administrative support for the Communications Department, including providing assistance scheduling meetings and conference calls, preparing and proofreading documents and ordering supplies.
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration.  
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other association employees and the public using principles of good customer service. 
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability to

• Strong written and verbal communication principles, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional writing
• Website administration and content management
• Social media tactics, trends and best practice
• Basics of public relations, public information, marketing and graphic design
• Modern office methods, computer equipment, and safe work practices
• Ability to write, edit and format materials that meet internal style standards
• Ability to use web content management systems, email marketing platforms, and multimedia tools (WordPress etc.)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Adobe Acrobat, Powerpoint, Excel) and other modern office software
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadline, follow instructions and communicate clearly and positively
• Build effective working relationships, maintain attendance, and contribute to team goals.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $28.29-$36.77 per hour with placement within the range based on qualifications. Regular Part-time employees are eligible for paid vacation, paid sick leave and participation in the CalPERS retirement.

The Ideal Candidate

ACWA is seeking an organized, detail oriented and proactive communications professional who is eager to contribute. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong writing skills, digital fluency, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and professionalism. We are seeking someone who is adaptable, collaborative and ready to support evolving department needs. Candidates must possess an equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and, at a minimum, previous experience that provides knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism or graphic design

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities qualifies. 

Education & Experience

Equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, graphic design, English or a related field, and, at a minimum, previous experience that provides knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism or graphic design.

Filing Instructions

To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please upload your cover letter and resume. Please also include email addresses for three work/school-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

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact ACWA Human Resources at Janeo@acwa.com or (916)441-4545.