Position Overview
The Coastal Water Authority (CWA) is seeking a highly experienced Government Relations Specialist responsible for leading and coordinating CWA’s funding request and advocacy efforts across local, State of Texas, and federal funding programs. This role is mission‑critical to advancing CWA’s water supply, flood resilience, and infrastructure investment priorities and will focus heavily on legislative engagement, agency coordination, and strategic funding advocacy. The position will primarily operate in Austin, Texas, with periodic travel to and participation in CWA Board meetings, funding workshops, and stakeholder engagements primarily in Houston, TX, as needed. CWA has recently demonstrated significant funding success, including securing a $100 million grant through the Texas Legislature and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to support the modernization of CWA’s Lynchburg Pump Station, a critical component of the Authority’s regional water delivery system. This achievement underscores the importance of strategic legislative and agency engagement in advancing major capital investments.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate all funding request and advocacy efforts for CWA across local, state, and federal programs
Develop and execute legislative and funding strategies aligned with CWA’s capital improvement and resilience objectives
Serve as CWA’s primary liaison with the Texas Legislature, TWDB, Governor’s Office, and federal delegations
Prepare funding requests, testimony, presentations, and advocacy materials
Advise CWA leadership and Board on legislative developments and funding opportunities
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated success securing public funding from the Texas Legislature and TWDB
Deep knowledge of Texas water policy and public‑sector finance
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
High level of professionalism and discretion
Preferred Qualifications
Experience representing public water authorities or infrastructure agencies
Existing relationships within the Texas Legislature or TWDB
Experience supporting governing boards
Engagement Structure This is a full‑time position. The primary work location is Austin, Texas, with periodic travel to Houston as required to participate in CWA Board meetings, funding workshops, public meetings, and stakeholder engagements. Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan
457(b) deferred compensation plan
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave and holidays
Support for licensure and certification
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Key Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate all funding request and advocacy efforts for CWA across local, state, and federal programs
Develop and execute legislative and funding strategies aligned with CWA’s capital improvement and resilience objectives
Serve as CWA’s primary liaison with the Texas Legislature, TWDB, Governor’s Office, and federal delegations
Prepare funding requests, testimony, presentations, and advocacy materials
Advise CWA leadership and Board on legislative developments and funding opportunities
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated success securing public funding from the Texas Legislature and TWDB
Deep knowledge of Texas water policy and public‑sector finance
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
High level of professionalism and discretion
Preferred Qualifications
Experience representing public water authorities or infrastructure agencies
Existing relationships within the Texas Legislature or TWDB
Experience supporting governing boards
Engagement Structure This is a full‑time position. The primary work location is Austin, Texas, with periodic travel to Houston as required to participate in CWA Board meetings, funding workshops, public meetings, and stakeholder engagements. Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan
457(b) deferred compensation plan
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave and holidays
Support for licensure and certification
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