Senior Manager, AI & Cybersecurity

Water Environment Federation • Alexandria, VA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, AI & Cybersecurity is a senior level program and relationship manager responsible for executing complex, cross functional initiatives related to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity across the Water sector. This role is central to advancing the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence and managing WEF’s engagement with key sector cybersecurity partners, including the Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) and WaterISAC. This position is well-suited for a motivated professional who brings strong project management and relationship building skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to quickly develop fluency across technical and policy domains. While a deep technical background in AI is not required, the Senior Manager must demonstrate familiarity with AI concepts and an understanding of water sector and cybersecurity issues, along with the ability to work effectively with subject matter experts. The Senior Manager, AI & Cybersecurity must thrive on initiative, problem solving, being agile, inclusive, and a team player. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a collaborative environment, leading a high-performing team and success working across and supporting our mission-based organization, to best help WEF serve the Water Community. The Senior Manager translates strategic direction into action, leads complex workstreams, and coordinates across internal teams and external partners, while operating within established organizational priorities. Strong program management

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience, with a strong emphasis on project management, program execution, and relationship management
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence concepts and awareness of water sector and cybersecurity issues (deep technical expertise preferred but not required)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
• Occasional travel for meetings and events (generally less than 25%)

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in or adjacent to the water sector, critical infrastructure, technology, or public interest organizations
• Experience engaging with utilities, associations, government agencies, or industry partners
• Formal project management training or certification
• Demonstrated work with generative AI and emerging technologies

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day execution and coordination of the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence initiatives, under the direction of senior leadership
• Manage multiple, concurrent projects associated with the CoE, including AI education efforts, surveys, publications, webinars, and partner driven activities
• Develop and maintain clear project plans, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring accountability across contributors
• Support CoE workgroup meetings, documentation, progress tracking, and internal reporting
• Manage WEF’s staff level engagement with external partners and organizations including the Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) and WaterISAC
• Serve as a consistent point of coordination for meetings, briefings, follow-up actions, and internal alignment related to cybersecurity initiatives
• Support development and delivery of cybersecurity related education, publications, and convenings led by WEF
• Track emerging cybersecurity and critical infrastructure issues affecting the water sector and elevate implications for WEF programs and members
• Coordinate and align work across WEF teams, including Marketing & Communications, Community Engagement, Business Development, IT and other stakeholders as needed.
• Lead defined project teams or workstreams, including contractors or cross functional contributors
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal colleagues, WEF members and volunteers, and external partners
• Prepare clear briefing materials, summaries, and recommendations for senior leadership
• Independently manage workload in a fast-moving environment while maintaining strong communication with leadership
• Track progress, risks, and outcomes across assigned initiatives
• Represent WEF in meetings, working groups, and convenings, as appropriate to the role
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position

Benefits

• WEF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

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