Executive Director

Association of California Water Agencies•Sacramento, CA

10d•$304,461 - $415,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director oversees an annual budget of approximately $11 million and provides leadership to nine direct and approximately 40 indirect staff. Working in close partnership with a 37-member Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads ACWA across three core areas: advancing state and federal advocacy to shape policy and support member interests; managing the organization’s internal operations and financial health; and fostering strong, consistent engagement with a diverse membership representing agencies of all sizes through outreach and promotion of ACWA’s services and value.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in political science, business management, organization leadership, a technical field related to natural resources or the environment or a related field.
5-10 years of executive or senior administrative and management experience in planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising varied programs, including five (5) years in a water and/or environmental policy environment or non-profit advocacy association.
Experience managing and interacting with a Board of Directors or similar policy body.
The incoming Executive Director will primarily work out of ACWA’s headquarters in Sacramento, California.
They will be expected to travel regularly, within reason, to visit members, and represent the Association at conferences, meetings, advocacy events, and legislative and regulatory engagements across California and Washington, D.C

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree, ideally an MBA, MPA, or MPP, is preferred but not required.
Strong operational experience or the equivalent level of leadership is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead ACWA across three core areas: Advocate on behalf on ACWA’s membership at the state, federal and regional level to solve and advance critical water policy issues.
Manage internal operations
Build consistent engagement with a complex and varied membership group through outreach and promotion of ACWA’s services, mission and values.
Partner with the Board to translate and execute the Strategic Plan and organizational goals, and track key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring alignment across the team to drive operational excellence and results.
Cultivate strong relationships with policymakers and promote the Association’s positions on critical water policy and management issues.
Represent the organization as ACWA’s chief executive, public voice and face of the Association, positioning ACWA as the leader in water policy and related issues.
Serve as ACWA’s primary representative, building coalitions and consensus, strengthening relationships across the public and political spectrum, and uniting a diverse membership around the shared goal of safe, reliable, and affordable water for California.
Lead a dedicated and mission-driven workforce, fostering a collaborative culture grounded in service, integrity, and teamwork across all departments and staff.
Effectively manage and streamline Association’s budget, oversee staff, and ensure the effective, economical, fiscally prudent, efficient delivery of programs, services, and strategic initiatives.
Bring visibility, cohesion, and trusted leadership to an organization at the forefront of advancing water reliability and influencing California’s long-term water strategy.