State Relations Assistant

State Relations Assistant

The Association of California Water Agencies is seeking qualified candidates for the position of State Relations Assistant.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by the close of business on February 5, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

The new State Relations Assistant will join a team of professionals who work in a collaborative environment with respected water leaders across the state to develop and advance critical water management policy priorities on behalf of California’s public agricultural and urban water agencies and water users. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual to gain a wealth of experience in California water policy and advocacy by being an integral part of ACWA’s State Relations Department.

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

Position Summary:

The State Relations Assistant is full time, non-exempt position responsible for performing in a key support capacity for the State Relations Department, State Relations Advocates and Analysts, and other members of the Government Relations team. The position will be responsible for tracking regulatory initiatives, submitting regulatory letters and comments, responding to member and committee questions, as well as general administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and logistics, maintaining files and records, performing research, and assisting Advocates and Analysts. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Track regulatory initiatives and prepare related bill lists.
• Finalize and submit regulatory letters and comment.
• Prepare ACWA committee and subcommittee meeting agendas and meeting packets as requested.
• Coordinate webinars, video conferencing and/or conference call communication for Government Relations Team or ACWA policy committee meetings, work groups, and task forces as needed. 
• Schedule, distribute and coordinate webinars in advance of event. Facilitate member participation and ensure initial and continued connectively during event. 
• Assist with the Annual Summary Regulatory publication planning, editing, and formatting.
• Assist with the following annual Non-Dues Revenue events: Legislative Symposium, Continuing Legal Education (CLE), and both Spring and Fall ACWA conference programs. 
• Provide key administrative support for the State Relations team, such as scheduling meetings and logistics, maintaining a variety of files and records, assisting in the preparation of the department’s budget, and tracking expenses.
• Respond to staff or member inquiries or request or forward the inquiries or requests to appropriate State Relations Department staff.
• Assist with ACWA website updates pertaining to Government Relations and ACWA policy committee material as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Have a general understanding of state regulatory and legislative processes. 
• Able to shift gears quickly and enjoy working as part of a team. 
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong software skills.
• Have the ability to learn about policy issues important to the water industry.
• Able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and communicate with a team regarding prioritization and completion of tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in a job-related field and have previous experience leading to knowledge of State regulatory agencies.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The hourly salary range is $35.05-$46.56 with placement within the range based on experience and qualifications. Our 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.

Filing Instructions:

To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please upload your 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.