Water Intergovernmental Relations Program Manager

JOB LOCATION

Aurora, Colorado 80016-2946

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:Integrity,Respect, Professionalism, andCustomer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring Salary: $111,084 - $138,855/year

The deadline to submit an application to this position is May 15, 2026. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is obtained.

OVERVIEW OF JOB

The Water Intergovernmental Relations Manager leads Aurora Water’s government affairs and regulatory policy coordination at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. The position tracks and analyzes legislation, regulatory rulemaking, and policy initiatives that affect water utilities and Aurora Water operations. The manager works closely with Aurora Water leadership and technical staff to evaluate policy impacts and develop departmental positions.

The position also coordinates Aurora Water’s advocacy through key water policy organizations and associations such as the Colorado Water Congress, National Water Resources Association, Western Urban Water Coalition, and other regional water policy forums.  This is an individual contributor role that supports the department’s intergovernmental relations strategy and represents Aurora Water in policy discussions that influence the future of water resources, infrastructure, and regulation.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Aurora Water’s legislative and policy liaison on water-related issues with state and federal legislators, legislative staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor, track, and analyze state and federal legislation impacting water supply, water quality, infrastructure funding, environmental compliance, water rights, and utility operations.
• Prepare legislative and regulatory analysis for Aurora Water leadership, including summaries of potential operational, financial, and policy impacts.
• Coordinate Aurora Water’s participation in water sector advocacy organizations, including the Colorado Water Congress, National Water Resources Association, Western Urban Water Coalition, and other relevant associations.
• Support Aurora Water leadership in developing departmental positions on legislation, regulations, and water policy proposals.
• Work with finance and grant coordinator to identify federal and state funding opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Aurora Water divisions—including Environmental Services, Water Resources, Engineering, and Water Quality—to monitor and analyze regulatory rulemaking and emerging policy issues.
• Track state and federal regulatory rulemaking affecting water quality, wastewater treatment, watershed protection, and environmental compliance, and coordinate internal review of proposed regulations.
• Represent Aurora Water in meetings with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and regional water policy groups.
• Coordinate with the City of Aurora’s government affairs staff to ensure alignment between citywide priorities and Aurora Water’s legislative and regulatory interests.
• Manage relationships with state and federal lobbying representatives to ensure Aurora Water priorities are effectively communicated during legislative sessions.
• Support Aurora Water leadership in identifying opportunities for water infrastructure funding, grants, and federal or state program participation.
• Prepare policy briefings, legislative updates, and issue summaries for Aurora Water leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of emerging regional and national water policy issues and assess potential implications for Aurora Water operations and long-term planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, environmental policy, water resources management, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in legislative, regulatory, or policy analysis, including experience related to water resources, environmental policy, or public utilities

Preferred Experience:

• Six (6) or more years of legislative or regulatory policy analysis
• Experience working with water utilities, environmental regulation, or water resource policy
• Experience working with state legislatures, regulatory agencies, or water sector organizations

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and regional legislative and regulatory processes, including bill development, rulemaking, and administrative procedures
• Knowledge of water policy frameworks, including water rights, water quality regulation, environmental compliance, and public utility operations
• Knowledge of intergovernmental relations practices and public sector advocacy within a municipal context
• Knowledge of policy analysis techniques, including evaluating operational, financial, and regulatory impacts
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms and grant programs related to water infrastructure and environmental initiatives
• Knowledge of regional and national water policy organizations and networks

Skills:

• Skill in researching and analyzing complex legislation and regulatory proposals and translating them into clear, actionable insights for leadership
• Skill in developing and communicating policy positions that align technical, operational, and organizational priorities
• Skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with legislators, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and internal stakeholders
• Skill in synthesizing technical and policy information into concise briefings, reports, and presentations
• Skill in coordinating cross-functional input and facilitating alignment across diverse stakeholder groups
• Skill in organizing work, managing projects, and tracking multiple priorities

Abilities:

• Ability to lead and coordinate intergovernmental relations efforts that support organizational priorities and regulatory compliance
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Ability to communicate policy impacts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to assess emerging policy and regulatory trends and proactively identify risks and opportunities for the organization
• Ability to represent the organization effectively in external policy forums, legislative discussions, and regulatory engagements
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy in politically sensitive or high-impact policy matters
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines in a dynamic legislative and regulatory environment
• Ability to coordinate across multiple internal departments and external stakeholders

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to operate a city vehicle, or otherwise demonstrate ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands: