Public Relations Assistant

Public Affairs AssistantThe Public Affairs Assistant supports the District's strategic communications program through digital content creation and community event coordination and reports to the Communications & Public Information Manager. Classified as a Public Affairs Assistant within the Public Information Office, the position develops and publishes digital and social media content, maintains website content, and plans and executes District outreach events and community engagement activities. The position receives general supervision from the Communications & Public Information Manager and does not supervise staff. This classification is characterized by increasing independence as experience is gained, with close supervision and frequent review of work decreasing as the incumbent demonstrates the ability to perform assigned duties independently.Essential Job Functions:Creates social media content including posts, graphics, photos, and short videos and manages campaigns across the District's social media platforms.Takes photographs at District events, facilities, and community activities for use across digital and print channels.Coordinates with District departments to create and/or gather content for social media and other communications channels.Creates and maintains a social media content calendar aligned with the District's overall communications strategy.Drafts and designs communications content, including eNewsletters, customer bill inserts, media announcements, brochures, and flyers.Uses generative AI tools to support content ideation, drafting, and editing, applying sound editorial judgment to verify accuracy and maintain the District's voice, tone, and brand standards prior to publication.Monitors social media activity and prepares regular reporting on social media and website metrics.Events & Community Outreach:Assists in planning, organizing, staffing, and managing logistical details of District special events, community outreach activities, and employee activities.Sets up and staffs outreach booths for school programs, career fairs and other community outreach events.Coordinates with departmental external outreach programs and supports interdepartmental communication requests.Represents the District at community events and responds to a wide variety of questions from the public regarding District services, programs, and general inquiries.Plans, designs, and produces posters, signs, exhibits, displays, and other informative event materials.Works occasional night and weekend meetings, events, and public activities.Website & Digital Content Maintenance:Oversees the day-to-day maintenance of website content to ensure information is accurate and current.Drafts, edits, and publishes website and intranet content under the oversight of the Communications & Public Information Manager.Coordinates with other content owners to ensure relevance, brand consistency, and quality across digital channels.Emergency & Crisis Communications Support:May provide public information support in times of emergency or critical incidents, including prompt digital and social media response.Supports the Communications & Public Information Manager in implementing District crisis communication protocols and emergency public information activities.Administrative & Department Support:Manages event calendars; schedules meetings.Updates and maintains media contact lists and associated databases; organizes department shared drive and files.Performs other related duties as assigned.Qualifications:Knowledge of:Social media platforms, social media management and scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite or similar), and digital engagement best practices; familiarity with social media archiving tools for public records compliance (e.g., ArchiveSocial or similar) is desirableGraphic design fundamentals and design tools, including Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite; basic photo and video editing tools and software.Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the willingness to learn other software tools; email marketing platforms desirable.English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.Techniques for effectively engaging individuals of various ages and diverse socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.Modern office methods, procedures, software, and equipment.Ability to:Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.Compile, analyze, and explain web and social media metrics using analytics and monitoring tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Alerts, native platform insights, or similar).Apply critical thinking and fact-verification practices when using AI-assisted tools, ensuring all content is accurate, appropriate, and consistent with District standards before use.Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with employees, stakeholders, and those contacted in the course of work.Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.Learn to use new and existing software and hardware.Experience:Two years of experience supporting a public relations, communications, marketing, or public information function is desirable.Ability to use generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) in a professional communications or content-creation context, with an understanding of responsible use practices, is desirable but not required.For candidates currently enrolled in a qualifying degree program, equivalent experience gained through internships, campus media, student organizations, or part-time communications work will be considered. Public sector and/or water or utility industry experience is desirable.Education:A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic Design, English, Public Administration, or a related field is desirable, but not required. Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program in one of these fields, and actively taking classes, are encouraged to apply. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.License: Valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.Schedule: This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule arranged within District business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday (District offices are closed on Fridays). Schedules may be arranged to accommodate academic course enrollment. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required to support District events and community outreach activities.Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to 10 hours per day, and to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds, such as event displays, supplies, and equipment. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, reach, and kneel as needed to perform essential job functions, including event setup and takedown. Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional outdoor community events, which may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions and moderate noise, and requires sufficient vision, hearing, and finger dexterity to operate a computer, camera, and audio-visual equipment, read printed and digital materials, and communicate effectively in person and over the telephone.Conduct Standard: Interact with coworkers, supervisors, and the public in a positive, cooperative, and supportive manner, ensuring that all actions align with and support South Coast Water District's policies, mission, vision, core values, and performance measures.Disaster Service Workers: All South Coast Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Sections 3100–3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.