Introduction Indulge your passion for problem-solving and embrace the thrill of addressing risk head-on at Gallagher's global brokerage team. Join a family of diverse minds, united by a relentless pursuit of excellence. As part of our team, you'll be the architect of protection, safeguarding businesses and empowering their ambitions. Together, we'll build a legacy of trust and triumph in the dynamic world of risk management. We believe that every candidate brings something special to the table, including you! So, even if you feel that you’re close but not an exact match, we encourage you to apply. Overview RPA San Diego operates as a third-party administration (TPA), consulting, and strategic management branch for collectively bargained benefit plans, pooled purchasing arrangements, and trusts. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible health care to our members. The Community Relations Manager, under the guidance of the Director, VEBA External Affairs & Public Engagement, will support public affairs operations, logistics for outreach strategy, advocacy, and events. This position plays a vital role in connecting California Schools VEBA with its surrounding community and key stakeholders. Working through local officials, VEBA members, legislative staff, community leaders, unions, the Community Relations Manager helps advance VEBA’s advocacy positions by building and sustaining the capacity of members and partners to influence the course of legislative efforts. Serves as a liaison between VEBA and local officials, legislative staff, media and community leaders. Manages and enhances community relations, visitor relations, community programming, advocacy, and outreach activities for VEBA in an effort to effectively inform and engage various constituencies about the organizations activities, policies and practices. They will assist the Director in coordinating and implementing comprehensive community partnerships, outreach events, and education programs throughout VEBA service areas in San Diego and Orange County, enhancing the positive reputation of VEBA within the community. Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, elected officials, school districts, unions, and community leaders to support VEBA goals and mission. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in providing guidance around opportunities related to community outreach, helping to increase the VEBA’s visibility and public engagement. Supports day-to-day outreach, including content for events, public relations and social media needs, plan and executes projects and initiatives that align with VEBA's strategic outreach goals, engaging the community and raising awareness of the organization's brand, mission, and services. The manager will also prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their role, while adhering to relevant lobbying protocols and fulfilling assigned administrative duties. How you'll make an impact Under the guidance of the Director, VEBA External Affairs & Public Engagement will assist and support day-to-day community relations activities throughout VEBA’s service area, including but not limited to the facilitation of partnerships, coordinate joint campaigns, research opportunities for community outreach, and foster a collaborative environment to achieve shared objectives. Participate/plan/coordinate community events and/or VEBA participation in events including press conferences, displays and exhibits; Respond to requests for participation at community events; PIO duties Schedule and deliver presentations; and Create and promote targeted programs/events/campaigns A significant portion of the manager’s time is dedicated to fostering and maintaining partnerships with local organizations public officials, and legislative staff that align with VEBA’s strategic initiatives, particularly those focused on enhancing awareness around VEBA’s advocacy goals, products, and services. This involves identifying potential partners, cultivating relationships and collaborating on projects that strengthen VEBA’s presence in the community. Handles all aspects of community outreach events, from initial planning and logistics to on-site execution and post-event evaluation. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in supporting media opportunities related to community outreach, helping to increase the VEBA’s visibility and public engagement. Supports Marketing in creating educational and promotional materials and asset development for community and government affairs related activities. Stay up to date on relevant legislation, regulations, and policy developments that impact the organization's areas of focus. Assist media relations in writing press releases, media advisories, social media messaging, and other external and internal communications. Supports the development of and executes the community relations/partnerships outreach strategy to build VEBA brand awareness, strengthen relationships, and encourage productive collaboration among likeminded organizations. Coordinates with vendors for printing and production of public affairs materials and giveaways Updating calendars and support meeting scheduling as needed. Coordinates, plans and promotes events, including logistical support and on-the-ground support. Some travel may be required for off-site meetings and events. About You Required: Bachelor's degree and 5 years related experience required. Highly Preferred: Minimum of five (5) years experience government relations, or related function, preferably in the local setting. Proven experience implementing community outreach programs, organizing events, coordinating volunteers, developing strategies for community building, program development and delivering presentations to community groups, government officials and stakeholder management; Must display excellent organizational, planning, communications, writing and computer skills. Travel to Orange County and throughout San Diego County is required. Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate and problem-solve and represent VEBA in the community. Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism. Strong team-building skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Ability to work independently and effectively with others as part of a collaborative team. Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, as well as external organizations. Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software. Exhibit the highest degree of professionalism and creativity. Desired: Health care experience Teaching or presenting experience and prior community education experience Public speaking experience Prior Public Relations and Event Planning experience is helpful. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Experience in writing and editing communications (emails, marketing communication, newsletters) Efficiently work under pressure and deadlines to complete assigned task Compensation and benefits On top of a competitive salary, great teams and exciting career opportunities, we also offer a wide range of benefits. Below are the minimum core benefits you’ll get, depending on your job level these benefits may improve: Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one! Life and accident insurance 401(K) and Roth options Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA) Educational expense reimbursement Paid parental leave Other benefits include: Digital mental health services (Talkspace) Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function) Training programs Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing Charitable matching gift program And more... We value inclusion and diversity Click Here to review our U.S. Eligibility Requirements Inclusion and diversity (I&D) is a core part of our business, and it’s embedded into the fabric of our organization. For more than 95 years, Gallagher has led with a commitment to sustainability and to support the communities where we live and work. Gallagher embraces our employees’ diverse identities, experiences and talents, allowing us to better serve our clients and communities. We see inclusion as a conscious commitment and diversity as a vital strength. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we live out The Gallagher Way to its fullest. Gallagher believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any form of discrimination by its managers, employees, vendors or customers based on race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy status), sexual orientation, gender identity (which includes transgender and other gender non-conforming individuals), gender expression, hair expression, marital status, parental status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected (herein referred to as “protected characteristics”) by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, layoff, and termination. In addition, Gallagher will make reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.