JOIN OUR TEAM: Government Relations Director

AMWUA is looking for a passionate, high-performing professional to join our team in the role of Government Relations Director. The Government Relations Director will assist the AMWUA Executive Director in leading and coordinating AMWUA’s relationships and advocacy efforts with the Governor’s Office, Arizona State Legislature, state agencies, and regional and local economic development organizations to further advance AMWUA’s positions on water issues. The position will review and analyze state and federal legislation and water policy issues, as well as prepare policy options and strategies. Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage AMWUA’s state legislative agenda, including coordinating and directly advocating AMWUA’s position to the Governor’s Office, the Arizona State House of Representatives and Senate, state agencies, and the state’s congressional delegation.  
• Work closely with the governmental relations staff of the AMWUA municipalities and coordinate with AMWUA’s contract lobbyist.  
• Engage with Arizona water entities and business associations to advance AMWUA’s perspective on water. 
• Conduct public policy research and write fact-based issue summaries, talking points, fact sheets, and various other documents for AMWUA to use in advocating for its members.  
• Review, analyze, and summarize water-related bills during the legislative session.
• Oversee the legislative process by monitoring hearings and maintaining a legislative tracking system.  
• Interpret, research, and evaluate water policy regulations in statutes, rules, policies, and contracts.
• Track current emerging water issues and understand the historical context to generate technical, timely policy research that assists with legislation.  
• Attend and summarize water meetings, report on developing water policy issues, and alert members of potential impacts.   
• Coordinate special projects at the direction of the Executive Director.

Position Requirements and Qualifications

A minimum of four years’ progressively responsible experience in public administration, municipal and/or legislative research and analysis. Preference given to five years or more of federal and/or state lobbying experience.  

At minimum, a bachelor’s degree, or preferably, a master’s degree, in business or public administration, natural resource management, political science, water resources, economics, or a closely related field.  

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess exceptional writing and verbal skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and simply to audiences of different levels of water expertise.
• Have a broad understanding of state and federal legislative processes and protocols; elected and appointed officials and their staff; and municipal government structure.
• Have the initiative to “dig in” and utilize the details involved with water issues.
• Be intrinsically motivated to solve water resources issues and develop sound public policy.
•  Be a critical thinker able to make well-reasoned and logical judgments. 
• Be organized, detail-oriented, and naturally curious in exploring new ideas and challenges.
• Be able to discern and summarize the key discussion points and policy outcomes in meetings.
• Work cooperatively with others and build trust among stakeholders.
• Be comfortable interacting in large groups and making public presentations.
• Be a team player willing to assist coworkers in a small office atmosphere.

The salary range for this position is $105,000 to $130,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

AMWUA offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package that includes:

• 5 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and sick leave
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible work environment with a hybrid schedule 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample with your application to Tyenesha Fields at tfields@amwua.org .  If you have questions about the position, contact Warren Tenney, AMWUA’s Executive Director, at wtenney@amwua.org .  

The first review of application materials will be on August 15, 2025. The position remains open until filled.

The full job description can be downloaded HERE .