Deputy General Manager - Government & Public Affairs

Westlands Water District is seeking an accomplished and politically astute executive to serve as the Deputy General Manager – Government & Public Affairs. Reporting to the General Manager, this position will provide strategic leadership for the District’s government affairs, legislative advocacy, public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and external relations program. The successful candidate will serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership and represent the District before policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, stakeholders, and the media.

The position may be headquartered in either the District's Fresno or Sacramento Office. Due to the nature of government relations, stakeholder engagement, legislative advocacy, Board-related activities, and public meetings, the position requires frequent travel throughout the District service area, Central Valley, and California, as well as occasional out-of-state travel. Attendance at evening and weekend meetings and events may also be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Economics, Engineering, or a closely related field; and
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, public affairs, communications, public policy, water resources, public agency administration, or a closely related field; and
• Of the eight (8) years, at least three (3) years include supervisory or management experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a related field is desirable.
• Experience working with elected officials, governmental agencies, trade associations, consultants, stakeholders, and public policy organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience in California water policy, agriculture, natural resources, public utilities, or public agency administration is highly desirable.
• Experience managing external consultants, advocacy firms, communications professionals, and government affairs contractors is preferred.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter, maximum two pages, describing their qualifications and interest in the position.

Application materials should be submitted electronically to resume@wwd.ca.gov. The position is open until filled; however, interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be reviewed as received, and only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process.

Candidates invited to interview may be asked to provide six professional references, including individuals who have supervised the candidate, individuals who have reported to the candidate, and professional colleagues. References will not be contacted without advance notice to the candidate.

For questions and inquiries, please contact Veronica Venegas at (559) 241-6205 or resume@wwd.ca.gov.

To learn more about Westlands, visit the District's website at wwd.ca.gov.

Conditional Offer of Employment

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of the candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States, successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a post-offer medical examination and pre-employment drug screening, if applicable under District policy and law, and verification of employment history, education, training, licenses, and other information provided during the application process.

This is an at-will executive management position that serves at the discretion of the General Manager.

Westlands Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants requiring accommodation during the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 241-6205.

About Westlands Water District:

Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and is committed to habitat restoration to protect at risk species. Westlands has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.