Public Affairs - Public Affairs Coordinator

Job Title: Public Affairs Coordinator
Department: Public Affairs
Salary Range: $59,900-$69,900
Pay Grade: 5
FLSA Status: Exempt
Under limited supervision of the Manager, Media & Government Relations, provides execution-focused support for Pittsburgh Water’s government relations functions within the Public Affairs team. This role is responsible for coordinating event logistics, tracking requests and projects, maintaining institutional knowledge, and ensuring timely follow-through on key initiatives. The position allows leadership to focus on strategy, messaging, and relationship-building while ensuring operational excellence and continuity.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the Manager, Media & Government Relations to support Pittsburgh Water’s government and media relations strategy, ensuring operational follow-through on initiatives.
• Manage intake, tracking and follow-up for City Council and constituent inquiries, ensuring timely responses, clear internal routing, and thorough documentation.
• Lead coordination and execution of Public Affairs events including, but not limited to, media events, employee events, government relations events, and/or any public facing events.
• Maintain institutional knowledge tools such as trackers, timelines, contact lists, and process documentation.
• Prepare briefing materials, background documents, summaries, and timelines to support leadership in meetings and public engagements.
• Maintain and participate in the Public Affairs media on-call schedule, ensuring appropriate coverage and notifications to staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, tracking systems, and internal processes related to Public Affairs operations.
• Independently manage assigned projects and ensure tasks are completed with minimal oversight.
• Stay abreast of proposed legal and regulatory changes affecting Pittsburgh Water by providing legislative update reporting to management.
• Attend Authority events and promotional efforts, as needed, including any CEO-related meetings or events.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to summarize complex information clearly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with one’s supervisor, colleagues, outside agencies, government officials, and the community.
• Ability to take ownership of work, follow through independently, and anticipate next steps.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive information and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to a professional, respectful team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, solutions orientation, and reliability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with tracking tools and shared documentation systems. Familiarity with graphic design software and content management systems.
• Familiarity with local government or public-sector operations preferred.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of related experience in local government, public affairs, or event logistics.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and executing events and public-facing initiatives.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) PA Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
Applicant must have permanent residency in one of the following counties at the time of appointment and remain a resident throughout employment with the Pittsburgh Water: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Indiana, Washington, or Westmoreland.
This position may require occasional evening or weekend hours to support community events and organizational needs.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
No direct report / Will receive supervision directly from the Manager, Media & Government Relations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a moderate or quiet noise level in the office work environment. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.
DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to randomized drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and for reasonable suspicion.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.
Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.
Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provided on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at:

Pittsburgh Human Resources Department
1200 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-8800
[email protected]

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Pittsburgh Water is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. Pittsburgh Water is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or 412-255-8800.