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

For more details: Government Relations Specialist