COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COORDINATOR – LOWER BASIN

Description

Why join GBRA?

· Competitive salary

· Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance at no cost to employee

· Texas County & District Retirement system matched 2:1 at retirement

· 12 days of annual leave

· 12 days of sick leave

· Paid Holidays

· 100% company-paid training

· License incentive program

· Educational assistance program

· Safety boot program

· Employee wellness program with gym reimbursement

· Employee recognition events

· Exclusive employee perks & discounts

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt         

PAY RANGE:  $56,046.00 - $93,410.00 

REPORTS TO:  Director of Communications and Community Affairs    

WORK LOCATION: Lower Basin with Office at Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir  

SUMMARY  

The Community Affairs Coordinator serves as a primary representative and community liaison for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) within an assigned geographic territory. The position develops and maintains relationships with elected officials, community leaders, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, civic and business organizations, educational institutions, customers, and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage and build positive relationships with community stakeholders within the GBRA 10-county statutory district, with a focus on the lower portions of the Guadalupe River Basin, including Gonzales, DeWitt, Victoria, Calhoun, and Refugio counties.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Represent GBRA at assigned/respective City Councils, County Commissioners Courts, Chambers of Commerce, Council of Governments, and Economic Development Corporations with regular reporting of conversations/deliverables/requests from key stakeholders. 
• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of community engagement efforts, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.  
• Plan, coordinate, and execute internal Better Basin Days events, and support basin-related activities such as Kid Fish, Red, White and Boom, that promote community involvement and social interaction.  
• Stay up to date with local trends, news, and issues that could impact GBRA’s relationship with the community. 
• Ensure GBRA brand guidelines are followed in GBRA-approved presentations, community-sponsored events, social media platforms, etc.     
• At times, the position may support the central and upper basin’s responsibilities in developing and implementing strategies to engage and build positive relationships with community stakeholders.  
• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable point of contact for community partners seeking information about GBRA. 
• Identify opportunities for GBRA to participate in community initiatives, partnerships, educational programs, events, and other activities aligned with organizational priorities. 
• Support development, maintain, and deliver sophisticated presentations about GBRA's commitment, promise, role, programs, services, and community impact.  
• Work with the Director of Communications and External Affairs to develop and maintain approved presentation decks and supporting materials in a ready-to-use format, ensuring GBRA can respond efficiently to speaking and presentation opportunities. 
• Share community information, photographs, event information, potential stories, stakeholder feedback, and other content opportunities with Communications. 
• Provide community perspective and insight that may assist GBRA departments with projects, communications, outreach, and decision-making. 
• The coordinator is responsible for effectively managing time between field engagement, community activities, headquarters responsibilities, administrative work, and organizational priorities. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES  

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and Adobe Creative Cloud/Canva platforms. 
• Ability to effectively communicate and represent GBRA’s interests to a variety of audiences and outlets. 
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and coordinate GBRA’s efforts.  
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed for public meetings and events. 
• Must possess excellent relationship-building and communication skills, plus demonstrated ability to develop and implement plans and programs to maximize advocacy efforts at the local level. 
• Excellent ability to follow up, take initiative, suggest solutions, and display accountability and ownership of project responsibilities.  
• Extremely organized with strong project management skills. 
• Outstanding analytical, critical and strategic thinking, and communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Strong diplomacy skills with a keen focus on listening and observation.  
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.  
• Consistently act with professionalism and integrity. 
• Possess a collaborative initiative. 

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS  

Education:  

• High School Diploma required 
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, natural sciences, or related areas is preferred.  

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Current valid driver's license with an acceptable M.V.R. and ability to remain insurable under GBRA’s vehicle liability policy. 

EXPERIENCE  

Five years of professional experience working in communications, external communications/community development, community services, or natural resources management. Understanding utility operations, including water and wastewater management, is not required but highly desirable.  

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

No. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Standard physical activity includes periodic standing, walking, sitting, lifting, and basic motor skills to operate necessary computer programs. Occasionally, fieldwork will be required to collect data.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   

TRAVEL  

May be required to travel up to 50 percent of the time within GBRA’s 10-county district and extended areas to attend community events, meetings, conferences, or trainings. Travel can be conducted in a GBRA fleet vehicle.