Government and Public Relations Manager

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD) provides sustainable and high-quality water treatment services to the Vail Valley. We are looking for an experienced Government and Public Relations Manager to lead a team that oversees government affairs, public relations, and manages our emergency communication plans. This role will be part of ERWSD’s management team and responsible for supporting and shaping the organization’s strategic vision. This is a great opportunity for someone that wants to shape the conversation of water in the west. 

As the Government and Public Relations Manager, you will serve as ERWSD’s Public Information Officer. You will ensure our board of director processes are efficient, effective, and compliant, provide guidance to leadership on intergovernmental relations, legislative matters, and industry trends, lead public outreach initiatives, oversee branding and media relations, and play a critical role in emergency response communications. If you are an experienced leader in Communications, Public Relations, or Government Affairs, we look forward to meeting you! 

What You’ll Do 

• Develop and execute ERWSD communications plans focusing on topics like excessive water users and water use regulations. 
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and liaison for ERWSD and its Boards of Directors. 
• Oversee intergovernmental relations, board governance, board agendas, strategies and meetings, and board best practices.  
• Lead legislative efforts to ensure regulations are developed with the best interests of water in the west. 
• Direct crisis communication efforts, including all-hours on-call communications during emergencies. 
• Manage public outreach, branding, marketing, and media relations to enhance ERWSD’s reputation. 
• Oversee the creation of communication materials, including press releases, social media content, and reports. 
• Oversee event planning and public engagement initiatives. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure clear and consistent external messaging.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field or equivalent experience. 
• 7+ years of experience in government affairs, public relations, communications, or media. 
• 5+ years of experience leading teams, including at least 3 years of direct supervisory experience. 
• Proven expertise in crisis communication, media relations, and strategic public outreach. 
• Strong knowledge of legislative and governmental processes. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills. 
• Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across teams. 
• Experience managing digital communications, social media, and branding efforts. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in the water, sanitation, or public utilities sector. 
• Familiarity with Colorado water laws and regulations. 
• Professional certifications in public relations or crisis communication. 

Pay Range 

The pay range for a manager at ERWSD is $130,936 - $196,414.40 annually. The starting range depends on qualifications but generally falls within the minimum and midpoint of the pay range. 

Benefits 

At ERWSD, we value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage 
• Employee housing or $479 monthly housing stipend 
• Wellness program 
• Retirement savings plans (414h and 457) - We are a social security exempt organization 
• 13.5 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off program 
• Paid parental leave 
• Priority waitlist status at select local childcare facilities 
• Relocation assistance (if applicable) 
• $700 annual recreation benefit 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Loan programs for: ski passes, electrical vehicles, and computers 

Click this link to learn more and view our full 2025 Benefits Guide. 

All District employees must submit to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check including an educational verification and reference check. For a full position description including work environment and physical demands, email erwsdjobs@erwsd.org. All applicants must apply online at www.erwsd.org by April 30, 2025. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.