Senior Director, Strategy and Operations

Water Environment Federation • Alexandria, VA

1d • $145,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations (MAs) representing water quality professionals worldwide. Since 1928, WEF and its global network have worked to protect public health and the environment by advancing science, practice, and innovation in the water sector. In 2023, WEF launched a Strategic Plan to guide its work through 2028, anchored in three strategic goals: 1. Workforce: Attract and develop a diverse and passionate water workforce 2. Community: Cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all 3. Circular Water: Lead the transformation to the Circular Water Economy Two cross-cutting priorities strengthen these goals: Global Engagement: Expand international knowledge sharing and market access through global MAs, strategic partners, and curated commercial activities Artificial Intelligence (AI): Convene AI and water communities to develop AI- powered solutions and foster sustainable water use in the AI economy To operationalize this strategy, WEF created annual work plans to drive accountability and impact. The current Year 2 Work Plan defines key activities across all strategic pillars and cross-cutting areas. The Senior Director, Strategy and Operations will lead WEF’s efforts to turn strategic intent into coordinated action and measurable results. The Senior Director Strategy and Operations must thrive on Initiative, Problem Solving, be Agile, Inclusive and a Team Player. What Success Looks Like Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer and working closely with the five strategy leads (three for core goals and two for cross-cutting priorities), the Senior Director will: Ensure seamless execution of the strategy Develop systems for tracking and reporting on department operations and finances Serve as WEF’s in-house technical expert on the design and operation of water infrastructure Manage WEF’s community advisor support to WEF’s volunteer technical communities Success means connecting strategy to execution—facilitating clear communication, effective coordination, and tangible progress across teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, economics, public administration, business, environmental science, or related field required
• The ideal candidate will have at least 12+ years of experience and 7+ years of People Leadership.
• Have the ability to travel approximately 25% of the year to attend WEF events and industry conferences and will bring a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development experience:
• Strategic Leadership: Proven success executing multi-year organizational strategies, ideally within mission-driven or membership organizations
• Project Management: Expertise in translating strategic plans into actionable work plans with measurable outcomes
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of water infrastructure and policy and familiarity with WEF’s strategic priorities; experience within both the US and global context preferred.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to align priorities across departments and foster shared accountability
• Team Leadership: Experience managing and mentoring teams, promoting an inclusive and innovative culture
• Analytical and Communication Skills: Strong ability to synthesize data, assess progress, and communicate results to diverse audiences

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or environmental science strongly preferred
• Formal project management certification (PMP) preferred
• Experience with AI applications for water and the water footprint of AI preferred

Responsibilities

• Drive Strategic Execution: Lead and coordinate implementation of the Work Plan activities, ensuring milestones are met across Workforce, Community, Circular Water, and cross-cutting Global Engagement, and AI initiatives.
• Monitor and Report Impact: Develop systems and dashboards to track KPIs for all strategic objectives. Deliver timely reports to WEF leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Shape Future Plans: Collaborate with strategy leads and Chief Mission Officer to design future year work plans, identify priorities, resources, and opportunities for acceleration.
• Promote Organizational Alignment: Ensure strategic priorities are embedded in budgets, staffing plans, and program activities through cross-departmental coordination.
• Communicate Progress and Impact: Partner with Marketing & Communications to share success stories and demonstrate WEF’s leadership in advancing water solutions.
• Advance Financial Sustainability: Collaborate with Business Development and other key stakeholders to identify innovative revenue streams aligned with strategic priorities.
• Manage Community Advisor Support: Collaborate with Community Engagement department to support technical communities, including serving as WEF’s in-house technical expert on water infrastructure

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior