Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Public Education Manager is responsible for the public education efforts for NTMWD’s operations, which includes the Water, Wastewater, and the Solid Waste services. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the NTMWD public education programs and select regulatory reports. In addition, this position requires the development of strong external relationships with the NTMWD’s member cities and customers; interactions with media outlets and reporters; local, regional, and state governmental and stakeholder agencies; and the public for education related to NTMWD and water conservation activities and issues. Acts as a spokesperson for select NTMWD operations, public engagement and outreach, tours and presentations. Additionally, this position will guide the development of a social media presence associated with public education.  This position establishes public trust, presents a positive and knowledgeable image for NTMWD’s operations and the water conservation programs/initiatives in addition to new outreach programs to increase the awareness and support of the NTMWD’s vital services. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Supervises exempt and non-exempt level public education staff within the Communications Department.
• Coordinates and/or provides public education presentations to NTMWD Board of Directors, executive management, member cities and customers, and civic, community, school, and stakeholder groups, and for public appearances.
• Coordinates and hosts some in person and virtual tours of NTMWD facilities and related facilities to various groups to promote public education topics.
• Responsible for the development and content of public education communication materials, including fact sheets, brochures and other related materials.
• Prepares and submits NTMWD and state agency required documents such as the, Annual Water Conservation Report, the NTMWD Water Conservation and Water Resource Management Plans, and other reports and notices as required.
• Maintains knowledge of current information about NTMWD activities and public education industry best management practices.
• Develops and maintains webpages related to public education
• Responsible for responding to public written and oral inquiries related to public education.
• Develops and shares water conservation materials, programs and services to member city and customer representatives in support of NTMWD’s water conservation goals. 
• Represents NTMWD in regional water conservation, wastewater and landscaping initiatives through the North Central Texas Council of Governments and other agencies and partnerships to support the creation and implementation of regional programs.
• Participates in media interviews in support of public education. 
• Responsible for the management, development, and implementation of all conservation programs which include marketing, advertising, community and business relations, and school outreach.
• Participates and represents NTMWD operations on various committees and work groups at the local, regional, and state level related to public education.
• Responsible for the preparation, and management of the annual public education budget.
• Assists in public education communications during times of drought restrictions when initiated by the Board of Directors and other related drought issues.
• Assists with public education programs for NTMWD Wastewater, Environmental Services, and Watershed Protection Programs.
• Develops educational tools and resources to affect public behavior change and provide education and awareness related to NTMWD’s public education initiatives.
• Participates in public education events within the NTMWD service area to include providing educational materials, attending public events, presentations, and staffing booths at various festivals and NTMWD events.
• Provides leadership, planning and support to execute the annual North Texas Regional Water Conservation Symposium in coordination with regional partners and other related public education programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Position requires creative skills to enhance the written and visual elements of work.
• Must have knowledge of personal computers, presentation equipment, and related desktop publishing software.
• Experience in planning and facilitating public education events.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proven knowledge in use of online tools such as: WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, Mail Chimp, Eventbrite, DocuSign, Constant Contact, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and/or similar platforms
• Strong presentation and public engagement skills for both in-person and remote interaction is necessary.
• Position requires poise under pressure and excellent communication skills with various leadership levels, city and civic members, and the general public of all ages.
• Writing proficiency and accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced situations.
• Experienced in creative and strategic thinking for problem solving and communication to groups of all ages.
• Experience in planning and facilitation of public meetings.
• Ability to connect a variety of topics in a way to align with NTMWD goals and messages.
• Ability to objectively evaluate a program or activity, give feedback and constructive criticism.
• Ability to actively listen and think critically.
• Ability to pay close attention to details and perform with accuracy.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and environmental stewardship, including and not limited to: water conservation, pollution prevention, recycling, gardening, water wise plants, local wildlife, solid waste, water and wastewater.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Studies, Water Studies, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of related experience with examples of work demonstrating skills in the areas of major responsibilities above.
• Previous experience in creating and delivering public education initiatives and programs.
• Experience in working with educators and/or teachers for in-person student interaction and programs.
• Experience with environmental programs focused on behavior change.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and executing events.
• Experience giving educational or instructional presentations to various audiences.
• Experience with local and state water conservation required reporting.
• Experience with drought and/or water conservation programs, outreach, and education.
• Experience using social media, including creating posts and being on camera.
• Requires a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Environmental Factors, Working Conditions and Equipment

This position requires minimum physical exertion on a daily basis with lifting requirements of generally fewer than 10 pounds to carry office equipment and communication literature and materials. On a weekly basis may be required to lift up to 25 pounds to carry presentation related equipment. Working conditions include some fieldwork to provide tours, prepare articles, and take photography. Some locations may not be accessible by vehicle and require working at various elevations and in various weather conditions. Office equipment includes use of calculator, copier, telephone, and Network computer. Cameras and presentation equipment are also used.