Municipal Water District of Orange County
Public Affairs Manager (Communications)
Municipal Water District of Orange County, Fountain Valley, California, us, 92728
Salary :
$127,899.20 - $179,067.20 Annually Location :
Fountain Valley, CA Job Type:
Full-time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
2025-02 Department:
Public Affairs Opening Date:
02/21/2025 Closing Date:
3/14/2025 12:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The job posting may close when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Do not delay in submitting your application.
Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates assigned Communications programs, activities, and operations within the Public Affairs Department, including activities related to community outreach, marketing, public relations, media relations, and other communication efforts developed for internal and external audiences; oversees the development of logos, websites, campaign materials, media kits, social media content, and related content; identifies, develops, and implements strategic programs and partnerships to engage target audience groups and increase understanding and support of the District and to advance the organization's mission, services, and priorities; represents the District at local and regional meetings and events; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex support to the Director of Public Affairs. Essential Functions
Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position). Communications Focused: Program Development & Implementation Identifies, develops, and implements strategic programs and partnerships that expand the District's reach and garner a broader range of interest in and support of the District's priorities, activities, initiatives, and program services. Develops and maintains media relations; conducts proactive media outreach; writes and edits press releases, news articles, social media content, and other media initiatives; provides interviews and writes articles for traditional and new media sources, including radio, newspaper, blogs, and newsletters. Oversee the planning and execution of public events and meetings, including forums, conferences, workgroups, and District events; directs assigned staff and contractors in the development and execution of promotional or support materials to ensure event or activity success. Oversee the development and implementation of all district-branded assets, communications tools, and platforms to ensure consistency that increases brand awareness, establishes credibility, and enhances marketing and outreach efforts. Oversees the development, design, vendor, and contractor selection and implementation of special projects; ensures brand consistency and alignment with the District's mission, priorities, initiatives, and program services. Participates in the planning, writing, development, enactment, and amendment of the Public Affairs Strategic Communications Plan to effectively identify and implement various communications activities that support, strengthen, and advance the District's strategic priorities and program services. Communications Focused: Partnerships & Outreach Coordinates with regional, state, and national industry and community-based organizations engaged in activities that affect the District's interests and initiatives; leads and sits on regional and state industry and communications task forces, committees, working groups, and/or councils. Develops and delivers routine or special presentations to a wide range of audience groups; engages participants to convey essential messages and information to persuade action. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with MWDOC's member agencies and provides such agencies with customer service and assistance as needed. Participates in emergency response initiatives, including planning, exercises, and emergency events. Serves as the liaison for assigned public affairs program activities with other various agencies and stakeholder groups; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues when required. Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of public affairs and incorporates such new changes as appropriate. Responds to and resolve complex and sensitive inquiries and complaints. Performs special assignments and other related duties as assigned. Oversight and Management Prepares detailed Board reports, as well as attends and delivers presentations at committee and Board meetings when requested. Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates assigned services and activities focusing on the District Communications; organizes, directs, and oversees internal and external teams that work to conceptualize, execute, and advance strategies, programs, and activities in support of the District's objectives and initiatives. Assist in the development and administration of assigned program budgets as well as the department's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned public affairs staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with public affairs staff to identify and resolve problems. Selects, trains, motivates, coaches, establishes performance requirements, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline and termination procedures to management.
Qualifications
Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public affairs program; principles and practices of communication; services, activities, methods, and practices applied in design and implementation of public affairs programs; principles and practices of program management and event planning and preparation; methods and techniques of writing and presenting for a variety of audiences; marketing, advertising, and public relations industry practices, trends, and platforms; website management and maintenance; social media marketing; principles and practices of branding; principles, methods, and techniques of graphic design, layout and print production; oral presentation development and techniques; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; advanced office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and databases; principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive public affair program; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of public affairs staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives, and procedures; prepare and administer budgets; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; develop and implement new communications strategies, public affairs programs. and community outreach efforts to meet the District's strategic priorities and initiatives; develop marketing and outreach plans; evaluate the success of public affairs programs and activities; demonstrate creative approaches in creating effective graphic designs and layouts for use in public information and programs; organize and lead regional meetings, and deliver presentations to regional audiences; plan regional events; ensure that program and project objectives and deadlines are met; exercise sound judgment and decision-making in situations involving the administration of District programs and activities; provide customer service when communicating with a variety of audiences and stakeholders; maintain accurate files and records; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; use graphic design software; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, outside agencies and the public.
Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, marketing, or a closely related field is desirable, and six years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs or community outreach, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and abilities required to enter the job and perform the assigned duties successfully. Any combination of experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and skills qualifies. Supplemental Information
Other Requirements: According to CA state law, all district employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, and potentially responding to support actual emergency events.
Possess and maintain a valid California driver's license and automobile insurance under the terms of the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy, as position requires driving.
Working Conditions and Physical Activities:
Environment:
Standard office setting. May be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends; may be required to travel to attend meetings via car, bus, train, or air transportation. Physical:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods; operate standard office equipment including the use of a computer and keyboard, telephone, FAX machine, printers, calculators, copiers; push, pull, lift, and/or carry approximately 25 pounds; and communicate to exchange information. Vision:
See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing:
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
The specific statements in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical e
lements and criteria necessary to perform the job successfully. Employee Benefits
The Municipal Water District of Orange County offers the following comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Please refer to the District's Personnel Manual for complete details on eligibility and enrollment dates for health benefits, insurance, policy requirements and restrictions.
Medical
Insurance
Several competitive medical insurance plans are currently offered, as listed, and employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly medical insurance premiums. The District currently pays 100% of the lowest cost plan for employee only. The employee may elect to "buy up" to another plan and pay the difference.
Anthem Blue Cross PPO Anthem Blue Cross HMO Kaiser Consumer Driven Health Plan (PPO) Consumer Driven Health Plan (Kaiser)
Dental
Insurance
The District currently offers the Delta Dental (PPO) plan. Enrolled employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly dental insurance premiums.
Vision
Insurance
The District currently offers Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eye exams, frames, lenses and/or contact lenses. Benefits are paid according to a scheduled allowances through VSP. The District currently pays 100% of the monthly insurance premium for employees and dependents.
Medical, dental and vision benefits go into effect on the 1st day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment with the District.
Life
Insurance
The District currently provides a Life/ADD (accidental death and dismemberment) benefit of two times annual salary to a maximum of $300,000 (see policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions) and the premium is currently paid by the District. Enrollment eligibility is 1st of the month following 30 days of continuous employment with the District. Supplemental coverage is available at employee's expense.
Disability
Insurance
Short-term Disability
-
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
is deducted (withheld) from employees' wages. SDI provides temporary payments to workers who are unable to perform their usual work because of pregnancy or a non-occupational illness or injury (work-related illness or injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance).
SDI also includes (PFL), which provides benefits to eligible workers when they take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. A qualifying family member isa child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.
Long-term Disability Insurance.
This insurance serves as partial income replacement should an employee become seriously injured or disabled and unable to work due to a non-work related injury or illness. The insurance becomes available after a waiting period of 90 days and provides 66.67% of an employee's salary up to a maximum monthly benefit of $10,000. (See policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions). The District currently pays for this benefit.
Vacation Time
Vacation accrual varies upon years of services, as follows:
Years of Service
Hours Annually (approx)
Beginning with 1st year 80.00 Beginning with 4th year 120.00 Beginning with 11th year 136.00 Beginning with 15th year 160.00 Beginning with 20th year 168.00 Holidays
The District offers 12 annual paid holidays, including one floating holiday, designated by the employee.
Sick Time
Regular eligible full-time employees are eligible for sick time following completion of 30 days of continuous employment. Sick time accrues at 12 days per year with a maximum accrual of 488 hours.
Jury or Witness Duty Leave
Regular eligible full-time employees required to serve as jurors are granted jury duty leave with pay, less any fees paid to them by the court, except mileage up to a maximum period of thirty (30) working days. Employees serving on a jury exceeding the thirty (30) day period shall do so without pay. This benefit is effective immediately upon employment.
Bereavement Leave
Up to 5 days is available when death of an immediate family member occurs. This benefit is effective upon hire.
Serious Family Illness Leave
Up to 4 days are available, per fiscal year, to attend the operation of an immediate family member, the serious illness, or injury of an immediate family member, where death of an immediate family member appears imminent, or birth of an employee's child. This benefit is available following completion of 30 days of service.
Pension Plan
The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform act of 2012 (PEPRA), "classic members" currently employed in a reciprocal public agency are enrolled in a 2% at 55 CalPERS pension plan with a 7% required employee contribution. "New members", either new to the public sector, or whose date of separation was more than 6 months before the start date with the District, are enrolled in a 2% at 62 CalPERS pension plan with a required employee contribution which is subject to change in accordance with PERS guidelines. Qualifying employees are eligible immediately upon hire by the District.
Deferred Compensation
/457 Plan
The Deferred Compensation Program is a voluntary, non-qualified deferred compensation plan and is available to any eligible employee who elects, pursuant to the Plan, to defer a portion of their compensation based on the maximum allowable annual contribution and meets participation requirements. Participation is available upon hire.
Flexible Benefits Spending Plan
A Flexible Benefits Spending Plan provides employees a means of paying unreimbursed medical, dental, and dependent care costs with pre-tax dollars, and allows for employee contributions for District group health insurance premiums to be deducted on a pre-tax basis.
Health Saving Account (HSA)
The District offers two high-deductible health insurance plans. Eligible employees who participate in one of these plans receive an annual contribution from the District to a health savings plan. Contribution amounts are determined annually by the Board of Directors.
Medicare Contribution
Employees hired after April 1, 1986, are required to contribute to the Medicare portion of the Social Security program and those employees shall contribute 1.45% of their salary; with the District matching the fund by contributing 1.45% of the employee's salary.
Social Security
The District and the Employee may participate in Social Security, if the employee does not meet the eligibility requirements for enrollment in the District's 401a plan or CalPERS. Career Development/Tuition Reimbursement
The District offers a tuition reimbursement program designed to provide financial assistance to all full-time employees who wish to continue their formal education and assist employees in obtaining skills and/or knowledge to become better qualified for their current work classification or for advancement at the District.
Computer Purchase Program
Loans from (up to $2,000) are available for full-time employees to purchase or upgrade a personal computer. Loans are interest-free and repaid over a one-year period through payroll deductions. This benefit becomes available following one year of service.
Cell phone Reimbursement
Employees may apply for cell phone reimbursement, in accordance with existing policy.
Catastrophic Leave Program
Allows employees who have accrued vacation or sick leave credits, to have the option to voluntarily donate hours to another full time employee who has exhausted his/her sick, vacation, and compensatory time leaves due to a non-work related catastrophic illness or injury.
Miscellaneous
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available and offers a confidential, consultative resource for personal or work-related concerns for yourself or your family. This benefit is available to full-time employees.
The District also offers workplace flexibility, voluntary supplemental insurance plans and a wellness program.
Please reach out to Human Resources for additional information and/or full program details.
$127,899.20 - $179,067.20 Annually Location :
Fountain Valley, CA Job Type:
Full-time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
2025-02 Department:
Public Affairs Opening Date:
02/21/2025 Closing Date:
3/14/2025 12:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The job posting may close when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Do not delay in submitting your application.
Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates assigned Communications programs, activities, and operations within the Public Affairs Department, including activities related to community outreach, marketing, public relations, media relations, and other communication efforts developed for internal and external audiences; oversees the development of logos, websites, campaign materials, media kits, social media content, and related content; identifies, develops, and implements strategic programs and partnerships to engage target audience groups and increase understanding and support of the District and to advance the organization's mission, services, and priorities; represents the District at local and regional meetings and events; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex support to the Director of Public Affairs. Essential Functions
Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position). Communications Focused: Program Development & Implementation Identifies, develops, and implements strategic programs and partnerships that expand the District's reach and garner a broader range of interest in and support of the District's priorities, activities, initiatives, and program services. Develops and maintains media relations; conducts proactive media outreach; writes and edits press releases, news articles, social media content, and other media initiatives; provides interviews and writes articles for traditional and new media sources, including radio, newspaper, blogs, and newsletters. Oversee the planning and execution of public events and meetings, including forums, conferences, workgroups, and District events; directs assigned staff and contractors in the development and execution of promotional or support materials to ensure event or activity success. Oversee the development and implementation of all district-branded assets, communications tools, and platforms to ensure consistency that increases brand awareness, establishes credibility, and enhances marketing and outreach efforts. Oversees the development, design, vendor, and contractor selection and implementation of special projects; ensures brand consistency and alignment with the District's mission, priorities, initiatives, and program services. Participates in the planning, writing, development, enactment, and amendment of the Public Affairs Strategic Communications Plan to effectively identify and implement various communications activities that support, strengthen, and advance the District's strategic priorities and program services. Communications Focused: Partnerships & Outreach Coordinates with regional, state, and national industry and community-based organizations engaged in activities that affect the District's interests and initiatives; leads and sits on regional and state industry and communications task forces, committees, working groups, and/or councils. Develops and delivers routine or special presentations to a wide range of audience groups; engages participants to convey essential messages and information to persuade action. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with MWDOC's member agencies and provides such agencies with customer service and assistance as needed. Participates in emergency response initiatives, including planning, exercises, and emergency events. Serves as the liaison for assigned public affairs program activities with other various agencies and stakeholder groups; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues when required. Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of public affairs and incorporates such new changes as appropriate. Responds to and resolve complex and sensitive inquiries and complaints. Performs special assignments and other related duties as assigned. Oversight and Management Prepares detailed Board reports, as well as attends and delivers presentations at committee and Board meetings when requested. Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates assigned services and activities focusing on the District Communications; organizes, directs, and oversees internal and external teams that work to conceptualize, execute, and advance strategies, programs, and activities in support of the District's objectives and initiatives. Assist in the development and administration of assigned program budgets as well as the department's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned public affairs staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with public affairs staff to identify and resolve problems. Selects, trains, motivates, coaches, establishes performance requirements, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline and termination procedures to management.
Qualifications
Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public affairs program; principles and practices of communication; services, activities, methods, and practices applied in design and implementation of public affairs programs; principles and practices of program management and event planning and preparation; methods and techniques of writing and presenting for a variety of audiences; marketing, advertising, and public relations industry practices, trends, and platforms; website management and maintenance; social media marketing; principles and practices of branding; principles, methods, and techniques of graphic design, layout and print production; oral presentation development and techniques; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; advanced office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and databases; principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive public affair program; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of public affairs staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives, and procedures; prepare and administer budgets; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; develop and implement new communications strategies, public affairs programs. and community outreach efforts to meet the District's strategic priorities and initiatives; develop marketing and outreach plans; evaluate the success of public affairs programs and activities; demonstrate creative approaches in creating effective graphic designs and layouts for use in public information and programs; organize and lead regional meetings, and deliver presentations to regional audiences; plan regional events; ensure that program and project objectives and deadlines are met; exercise sound judgment and decision-making in situations involving the administration of District programs and activities; provide customer service when communicating with a variety of audiences and stakeholders; maintain accurate files and records; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; use graphic design software; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, outside agencies and the public.
Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, marketing, or a closely related field is desirable, and six years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs or community outreach, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and abilities required to enter the job and perform the assigned duties successfully. Any combination of experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and skills qualifies. Supplemental Information
Other Requirements: According to CA state law, all district employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, and potentially responding to support actual emergency events.
Possess and maintain a valid California driver's license and automobile insurance under the terms of the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy, as position requires driving.
Working Conditions and Physical Activities:
Environment:
Standard office setting. May be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends; may be required to travel to attend meetings via car, bus, train, or air transportation. Physical:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods; operate standard office equipment including the use of a computer and keyboard, telephone, FAX machine, printers, calculators, copiers; push, pull, lift, and/or carry approximately 25 pounds; and communicate to exchange information. Vision:
See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing:
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
The specific statements in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical e
lements and criteria necessary to perform the job successfully. Employee Benefits
The Municipal Water District of Orange County offers the following comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Please refer to the District's Personnel Manual for complete details on eligibility and enrollment dates for health benefits, insurance, policy requirements and restrictions.
Medical
Insurance
Several competitive medical insurance plans are currently offered, as listed, and employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly medical insurance premiums. The District currently pays 100% of the lowest cost plan for employee only. The employee may elect to "buy up" to another plan and pay the difference.
Anthem Blue Cross PPO Anthem Blue Cross HMO Kaiser Consumer Driven Health Plan (PPO) Consumer Driven Health Plan (Kaiser)
Dental
Insurance
The District currently offers the Delta Dental (PPO) plan. Enrolled employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly dental insurance premiums.
Vision
Insurance
The District currently offers Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eye exams, frames, lenses and/or contact lenses. Benefits are paid according to a scheduled allowances through VSP. The District currently pays 100% of the monthly insurance premium for employees and dependents.
Medical, dental and vision benefits go into effect on the 1st day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment with the District.
Life
Insurance
The District currently provides a Life/ADD (accidental death and dismemberment) benefit of two times annual salary to a maximum of $300,000 (see policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions) and the premium is currently paid by the District. Enrollment eligibility is 1st of the month following 30 days of continuous employment with the District. Supplemental coverage is available at employee's expense.
Disability
Insurance
Short-term Disability
-
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
is deducted (withheld) from employees' wages. SDI provides temporary payments to workers who are unable to perform their usual work because of pregnancy or a non-occupational illness or injury (work-related illness or injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance).
SDI also includes (PFL), which provides benefits to eligible workers when they take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. A qualifying family member isa child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.
Long-term Disability Insurance.
This insurance serves as partial income replacement should an employee become seriously injured or disabled and unable to work due to a non-work related injury or illness. The insurance becomes available after a waiting period of 90 days and provides 66.67% of an employee's salary up to a maximum monthly benefit of $10,000. (See policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions). The District currently pays for this benefit.
Vacation Time
Vacation accrual varies upon years of services, as follows:
Years of Service
Hours Annually (approx)
Beginning with 1st year 80.00 Beginning with 4th year 120.00 Beginning with 11th year 136.00 Beginning with 15th year 160.00 Beginning with 20th year 168.00 Holidays
The District offers 12 annual paid holidays, including one floating holiday, designated by the employee.
Sick Time
Regular eligible full-time employees are eligible for sick time following completion of 30 days of continuous employment. Sick time accrues at 12 days per year with a maximum accrual of 488 hours.
Jury or Witness Duty Leave
Regular eligible full-time employees required to serve as jurors are granted jury duty leave with pay, less any fees paid to them by the court, except mileage up to a maximum period of thirty (30) working days. Employees serving on a jury exceeding the thirty (30) day period shall do so without pay. This benefit is effective immediately upon employment.
Bereavement Leave
Up to 5 days is available when death of an immediate family member occurs. This benefit is effective upon hire.
Serious Family Illness Leave
Up to 4 days are available, per fiscal year, to attend the operation of an immediate family member, the serious illness, or injury of an immediate family member, where death of an immediate family member appears imminent, or birth of an employee's child. This benefit is available following completion of 30 days of service.
Pension Plan
The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform act of 2012 (PEPRA), "classic members" currently employed in a reciprocal public agency are enrolled in a 2% at 55 CalPERS pension plan with a 7% required employee contribution. "New members", either new to the public sector, or whose date of separation was more than 6 months before the start date with the District, are enrolled in a 2% at 62 CalPERS pension plan with a required employee contribution which is subject to change in accordance with PERS guidelines. Qualifying employees are eligible immediately upon hire by the District.
Deferred Compensation
/457 Plan
The Deferred Compensation Program is a voluntary, non-qualified deferred compensation plan and is available to any eligible employee who elects, pursuant to the Plan, to defer a portion of their compensation based on the maximum allowable annual contribution and meets participation requirements. Participation is available upon hire.
Flexible Benefits Spending Plan
A Flexible Benefits Spending Plan provides employees a means of paying unreimbursed medical, dental, and dependent care costs with pre-tax dollars, and allows for employee contributions for District group health insurance premiums to be deducted on a pre-tax basis.
Health Saving Account (HSA)
The District offers two high-deductible health insurance plans. Eligible employees who participate in one of these plans receive an annual contribution from the District to a health savings plan. Contribution amounts are determined annually by the Board of Directors.
Medicare Contribution
Employees hired after April 1, 1986, are required to contribute to the Medicare portion of the Social Security program and those employees shall contribute 1.45% of their salary; with the District matching the fund by contributing 1.45% of the employee's salary.
Social Security
The District and the Employee may participate in Social Security, if the employee does not meet the eligibility requirements for enrollment in the District's 401a plan or CalPERS. Career Development/Tuition Reimbursement
The District offers a tuition reimbursement program designed to provide financial assistance to all full-time employees who wish to continue their formal education and assist employees in obtaining skills and/or knowledge to become better qualified for their current work classification or for advancement at the District.
Computer Purchase Program
Loans from (up to $2,000) are available for full-time employees to purchase or upgrade a personal computer. Loans are interest-free and repaid over a one-year period through payroll deductions. This benefit becomes available following one year of service.
Cell phone Reimbursement
Employees may apply for cell phone reimbursement, in accordance with existing policy.
Catastrophic Leave Program
Allows employees who have accrued vacation or sick leave credits, to have the option to voluntarily donate hours to another full time employee who has exhausted his/her sick, vacation, and compensatory time leaves due to a non-work related catastrophic illness or injury.
Miscellaneous
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available and offers a confidential, consultative resource for personal or work-related concerns for yourself or your family. This benefit is available to full-time employees.
The District also offers workplace flexibility, voluntary supplemental insurance plans and a wellness program.
Please reach out to Human Resources for additional information and/or full program details.