Are you a dynamic leader passionate about making a difference? We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our small but impactful non-profit association based in the Washington, DC area.

 About Us:

The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) is dedicated to empowering and equipping states and territories to effectively protect public health with a strong and knowledgeable voice. Our work impacts everyone served by a drinking water system in the U.S. We represent state and territorial agencies that implement the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) by working with the Federal government, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations. We’re looking for a visionary leader to take our mission to new heights.

 Role Overview:

As the Executive Director, you will be the face of our organization, responsible for strategic leadership, operational management, membership engagement, and organizational growth. You will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, EPA and key stakeholders to ensure drinking water regulations are practical and implementable so that protecting public health continues 24/7/365.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Vision: Develop and execute a strategic plan that aligns with our mission and goals.
• Advocacy & Public Relations: Represent the organization at events, in the media, with policymakers at Federal agencies and Congress, plus build community partnerships to advance our mission.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and support a small, dedicated team, as well as volunteers from state and territorial agencies across the country.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, revenues & costs, financial planning, and reporting to ensure fiscal health.
• Member Services: Curate and oversee the delivery of relevant information to the members and help members provide information, tools, and resources to each other.

The job summary and essential job responsibilities can be found below.

If interested in applying for this position, please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing examples (the first-vision of where ASDWA is as an organization and where it could potentially go and the second-example of past technical/policy analysis, each no longer than 800 words) to ExecutiveDirectorSearch@asdwa.org by Friday, December 20^th.

Job Summary

The Executive Director leads the daily operations of ASDWA plus developing and implementing long-term strategic planning. The Executive Director is responsible for both fiscal and programmatic management as well developing the Association’s culture of transparency and collaboration. The Executive director is responsible for managing staff and supporting their professional growth and development.

Essential Job Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, each essential job responsibility must be performed satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities. Other responsibilities may be assigned to meet business needs.

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to identify, create, and implement strategic plans to actualize business objectives
  • Provide the day-to-day oversight of the Association to assist the Board of Directors with achieving its goals and advise the Board of Directors on the Association’s activities.
  • Promote the Association’s mission and strategic vision.
  • Identify potential risks and opportunities within the Association and its environment.
• Develop and direct strategy to support and enhance ASDWA’s day-to-day operations. Execute business decisions to drive organizational success by establishing business goals, optimizing financial operations, managing compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, overseeing and streamlining daily operations, and executing special business projects.
• Oversee all programmatic activities with ASDWA’s members and Federal agencies.
• Develop and nurture the Association’s culture. Align staff with the strategic direction and provide leadership to optimize performance.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, constituents, partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent the Association at events in ways that strengthen its mission and strategic objectives.
• Other duties as assigned and aligned with ASDWA’s strategic goals.

Requirements: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform the job as well as the education and experience requirements.

Education and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies (environmental policy or environmental science or environmental law), engineering, public health, physical science, natural science, biological science, or related field, required. Master’s Degree, preferred.

Experience:

• 12+ years of experience in progressive senior leadership roles, required.
• 8+ years of supervisory experience, required.
• P&L/Budget experience, required.
• Association experience, preferred.
• Environmental, public health, and/or drinking water experience, preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced working knowledge of the Drinking Water Sector, including the relevant legislation and regulations plus factors involved with implementing them
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, exhibits a positive attitude and a professional demeanor
• Demonstrated strong organizational leadership skills
• Ability to manage and motivate staff and assist in staff development and professional growth to not only execute needed tasks but to take on leadership and management roles for significant organizational goals
• Strong written and oral communication skills, a focused listener
• Ability to be diplomatic, resourceful, and persuasive
• Ability to anticipate challenges and effectively resolve conflict by identifying opportunities
• Ability to work with creativity and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to create new processes and demonstrate sound judgment
• Ability to pro-actively manage and develop direct reports and teams
• Ability to lead change management initiatives
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities. 

• Ability to execute standard office

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities. 

• Hybrid office schedule, currently at 60% in-office (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in-office). DC presence is required with some flexibility available for working in the DC office versus work-from-home

Travel: up to 30%, as needed.