Government Affairs Manager

Join our team as a Government Affairs Manager!

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and highly motivated Government Affairs Manager to lead the District’s government affairs and grants programs. This impactful leadership role oversees legislative advocacy efforts, funding strategy, and grant administration activities that help support critical infrastructure, operational priorities, and long-term District initiatives.

If you enjoy public policy, relationship building, strategic planning, and representing an organization on regional, state, and federal matters, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of water and wastewater services in Southern Orange County.

Under general direction, the Government Affairs Manager plans, organizes, and manages the District’s government affairs and grants programs, including advocacy strategy, legislative analysis, funding opportunities, and grant administration activities. This role serves as a key liaison between the District and federal, state, and local agencies, legislative representatives, consultants, and community partners.

The position oversees advocacy and funding initiatives that support District priorities, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, and provides professional guidance to District leadership, management, and the Board of Directors on emerging issues and strategic opportunities. This is a highly visible role requiring independent judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy and funding environments. 

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. 

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. 

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. 

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence 
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive 
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency 
• Environmental and resource stewardship 
• Employee development and leadership training 
• Building relationships that strengthen communities 

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage the District’s government affairs and grants programs, including supervision and development of assigned staff
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and funding developments impacting the District and provide strategic recommendations
• Support implementation of the District’s advocacy priorities and coordinate with external consultants and stakeholders on local, state, and federal initiatives
• Identify, pursue, and oversee grant and low-interest loan opportunities, including application development, compliance, reporting, and program administration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, agencies, grantors, consultants, and regional partners
• Represent the District at meetings, hearings, conferences, and stakeholder events
• Prepare Board letters, reports, presentations, updates, and other materials related to legislative, regulatory, and funding matters
• Conduct research and analytical studies related to emerging legislation, policy trends, and funding opportunities
• Coordinate with internal departments to support grant-funded projects and compliance activities

• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and local levels
• Experience with advocacy strategy, grants administration, and public-sector funding programs
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop strategic recommendations
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and political awareness

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, business administration, or a related field and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs and/or grants administration, including two (2) years in a lead or supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Public agency experience is preferred, and a master’s degree is highly desirable. A valid California Class C driver’s license is required.

To view full job description click here: Government Affairs Manager Job Description