FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY: OFFICE OF GOVERN…

Job Title: Fellowship Opportunity: Office of Government Relations

Job Type: Fellowship/Limited Term

Salary: $80,000.00 Annually. Pre-tax payroll deductions toward CalPERS contributions are required of all employees.

Are you looking for a fascinating and unique fellowship opportunity in the water industry/public agency? Do you have a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science or Public Relations? Then keep reading!

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is an excellent place where you can explore your chosen career path, develop industry specific skills and knowledge, and increase your professional network! If you are keen to convert your skills, ambition and academic accomplishment to real-world success, the Santa Clara Valley Water District would like to invite you to participate in our Fellowship Program and become part of our network of like-minded current and future leaders.

The Fellowship Program is open to recent graduates with a Master’s Degree. Designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and contacts to launch thriving careers in today’s ultra-competitive job market, they will be assigned to work on complex, high level projects for a period of one year. We will provide you with a realistic exposure to the public sector environment and develop your awareness of the internal dynamics of an organization, including the value and dedication of public employees in fulfilling their mission and vision to the public good.

We are offering four fellowship opportunities with full benefits, one in each of the following divisions: Water Utility, Watersheds, Administration, and Office of the CEO.

Office of the CEO Fellowship: Office of Government Relations. Get direct experience with our top managers in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, elected official and stakeholder engagement, and public policy.

Fellowship Program Scope of Services :
Policy analysis and recommendations (including drafting recommended positions on legislation and/or emergency legislative positions).

Advocacy efforts with elected officials and/or key Advocacy Stakeholder Groups (including, but not limited to, testifying before these bodies, presenting to them, supporting District Board members for this purpose, educating and engaging these bodies/groups, advocating for support for District efforts, etc., on a diverse range of priority District issues and Board priorities).

State and Local elected official briefings, coordination, and support (including educating and engaging elected officials on priority District efforts and responding to their inquiries, etc.).

District strategic tour coordination and facilitation (including at least two major tours for elected and appointed officials and key advocacy stakeholder groups).

District community partnership sponsorship analysis and recommendations.

District community festival and event coordination (prime festival season is April through October, with sometimes several events each weekend, and a smattering of events in the off months). Desired Qualifications:

MBA or MPA with major in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science or Public Relations.

Experience in advocating for public policy issues, performing policy and legislative analysis, serving municipalities or organizations at the local, state, or regional level (desirable but not required).

Knowledge and understanding of drafting public policy, analyzing impacts of policy on existing regulations or operations, and event planning.

Understanding of public sector processes and governance.

Strong writing skills, able to prepare high quality and articulate written report and presentations.

Strong computer skills: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft, VBA, etc.

Ability to learn quickly, work independently and responsibly.

Typical Qualifications:
ELIGIBILITY:
The Fellowship Program is open to recent Master’s graduates that meet the following requirements:

Fluent in both written and spoken English.

Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Can provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.

Can pass a pre-employment screening process to include reference checks and a background/criminal check.

Able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for one year.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license is required. Individuals who do not meet the driver’s license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Include ALL of the following with the online application:

Completed online Employment Application (required) – Note : In the work experience section of the online application, school projects, volunteer and extracurricular activities may be included in lieu of work experience.

Resume (required).

Attach .pdf format of unofficial transcript(s) from all institutions attended to the online application ( required and must be attached as a separate document).

Completed supplemental questionnaire (required) – Do not indicate “see resume” as this response to any of the questions will disqualify you.

Participants in the Fellowship Program must adhere to all district policies at all times.

Selection Process:
(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance test, written test and/or oral interview examination. (2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated for minimum qualifications. Resumes are required. NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. The District retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary. The District’s Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request. The Santa Clara Valley Water District will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 1-408-630-2260. Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned. Human Resources staff is not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.