Public Affairs & Communications Manager

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District; Vail (CO); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Housing stipend program

Wellness program

Retirement plans (414h and 457)

13.5 paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) is seeking an experienced Government and Public Relations Manager to lead a team delivering public communications, community outreach, and emergency communication plans. You will serve as ERWSD’s Public Information Officer and shape the organization’s strategic communications.

You’ll guide messaging for executive leadership, manage media relations, and oversee branding, content strategy, and digital channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration or related field.
• 7+ years in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, public information, media or related field.
• 5+ years leadership experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for executive, public, digital, media and community audiences.
• Experience advising executives on communications strategy, messaging and sensitive issues.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, audience-friendly communications.

Responsibilities

• Advise CEO/General Manager and leadership on messaging strategy and public response.
• Lead development of ERWSD's communications strategy aligned with district priorities.
• Produce and edit high-visibility communications, including CEO messaging, board materials, press releases, newsletters and web content.
• Translate complex information into clear, accessible communications for diverse audiences.
• Oversee grants communications and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead digital and social media strategy and measurement.
• Act as Public Information Officer and primary media spokesperson; manage crisis communications.
• Coordinate Board communications, materials, and meeting processes.

Skills

Strategic communications

Leadership

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public information

Content strategy

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration

Tools

Photography

Videography

Graphic design

CMS platforms

Job description

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) is seeking an experienced Government and Public Relations Manager to lead a team delivering public communications, community outreach, and emergency communication plans. You will serve as ERWSD’s Public Information Officer and shape the organization’s strategic communications.

You’ll guide messaging for executive leadership, manage media relations, and oversee branding, content strategy, and digital channels.