Public Affairs Specialist (Education Center)

Help us shape the future of water education in Orange County!

Mesa Water District is making waves in the world of education! We've recently launched the Mesa Water Education Center, the first of its kind in Orange County, and we’re looking for a dynamic and driven Public Affairs Specialist to lead the charge in growing this innovative program.

This is a unique opportunity to take full ownership of a brand new initiative and build something impactful from the ground up. If you’re passionate about education, community outreach, and making learning fun, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

• Be the face of the Education Center and lead year-round tours, field trips, and educational programming.
• Develop and grow partnerships with schools, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• Promote the Center to increase awareness and visitor engagement across Orange County.
• Troubleshoot challenges and continuously improve the visitor experience.
• Help establish the Education Center as the go-to destination for water education in the region.
• You’ll be joining a supportive and energetic team (seriously, we’re the funnest team at Mesa Water!) where creativity and collaboration are encouraged every day.

Why Work For Us?

• Competitive Pay & Benefits - We offer strong compensation and benefits packages (including $2,400/mo. to spend on benefits) that are regularly evaluated to stay ahead of industry standards.
• Supportive Work Culture - At Mesa Water, we foster a fun, collaborative environment where meaningful relationships and teamwork thrive.
• Employee-Centered Environment - Our organization-wide engagement program reflects our deep commitment to keeping employees motivated, supported, and excited about their work.
• Unique & Exciting Work - Step into a rare opportunity to bring a children’s water education curriculum to life at Orange County’s first dedicated water education center. You’ll take ownership of program delivery and community engagement — introducing young learners to the importance of water through interactive, hands-on experiences. You’ll take ownership of the program’s implementation and growth — engaging with schools, community partners, and families to deliver inspiring, hands-on learning experiences. If you’re passionate about environmental education and want to be part of a groundbreaking initiative, this is your chance to make a lasting impact and shape the future of water education for the next generation.
• Innovation - At Mesa Water, innovation is at the core of everything we do. We value creativity and forward thinking, especially within the Public Affairs team. This role encourages a growth mindset and offers the chance to develop and implement fresh ideas that enhance our education strategy and uphold our reputation as a leading water agency.
• Career Development - The Public Affairs department is deeply committed to professional growth. Through mentorship, access to industry events, conferences, and targeted training, the selected candidate will have ample opportunities to refine their skills, discover new strengths, and build a strong foundation for long-term career success.

What Are We Looking For?

• Experience running an educational program or teaching
• Experience with public-sector communications programs
• Experience with the following software platforms:
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Canva
  • Email marketing platforms
  • Social listening tools
• Ability to command a crowd / public speaking
• Experience working with children
• Ability to build relationships with community members, draw visitors into the Education Center and establish consistent visits
• Ability to problem solve independently to ensure successful tours
• Innovation and forward-thinking approach to continuous development
• Someone who will bring their personality to their job and have fun with their work :-)

Interested candidates must submit their applications by 11:59 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a selection process that may consist of a skills assessment and interview panels.

• Conducts outreach to local youth and adult educational institutions to secure bookings (e.g., field trips, workshops, classes, tours, camps, etc.), at the Mesa Water Education Center, co-located at the Mesa Water Reliability Facility.
• Leads field trips, tours, and special events, including pre- and post-event logistics coordination.
• Oversees audio/visual displays and interactive exhibits at the Mesa Water Education Center and coordinates regular and emergency maintenance.
• Coordinates with the Senior Public Affairs Specialist and Public Affairs Specialist to develop collateral materials, website and social media content, draft newsletter articles and conduct media relations.
• Represents Mesa Water District to promote education center programs and effectively solicit program and event participants.
• Networks and maintains positive relationships with local school districts, agencies, organizations, and community groups regarding program offerings and coordination of services to promote the education center use.
• Recruits and maintains list of instructors, educators and speakers, conducts program evaluations and produces various reports.
• Provides oversight of education center bookings and events, including opening, closing, and securing the facility; supervises use of the space, assists with setup, and monitors materials, supplies, and equipment levels.
• Assists in preparing and presenting written and oral information to program participants, elected officials, school officials and community groups regarding program services and events.
• Attends and promotes educational outreach events. 
• Develops, monitors, and recommends program budget revenues and expenditures, and procures equipment and supplies. 
• Collaborates and provides guidance to consultants working on various education center projects.
• Monitors and measures education center programming and adjusts as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field.

• Experience: Three (3) years of consecutive and increasingly responsible experience in communications, marketing, event coordination and management, outreach, educational program administration or public relations profession.
• Teaching degree and/or credential is highly desirable.