AWE Seeks Applicants for Director of Programs Position

Submitted on December 21, 2021

General Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Programs will develop deep knowledge of each project, and program operations, and will focus on the following three areas: program leadership and management, external relationships, and knowledge management. The Director will work closely with the President and CEO and other staff to determine programmatic strategy and will have an externally facing role managing relationships with members, funders, and partners. The Director will be required to travel occasionally to represent the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) at various meetings and events. Other duties as assigned. This is an exempt, salaried position.

Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Management:

  • Provide oversight and strategic vision to advance AWE’s core programmatic activities.
  • Demonstrate strong research and technical expertise and experience with issues that are critical to AWE’s strategic priorities and stakeholder groups, such as:
    • Water suppliers and utility operating environment
    • Outdoor water use and large landscape efficiency
    • Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial water use efficiency
    • Water loss control and intelligent utility systems
    • Water rates and financial practices
    • Water affordability
    • Fit for purpose water use (reuse, recycling, stormwater management)
    • Water-energy nexus issues
    • Green building codes and standards
  • Manage, execute, and deliver on multiple projects and programs, managing timelines, client deliverables, work quality, and AWE resources.
  • Manage delegation of projects as appropriate amongst staff and consultants as needed.
  • Work with the President and CEO and the Development Manager to secure grants and contracts for mission-aligned programs and projects.
  • Provide technical expertise in support of AWE’s policy work.

External Relationships:

  • Work directly with AWE members and partners to develop new collaborations, devise project ideas, and secure funding.
  • Represent AWE in external venues to discuss major initiatives and serve as spokesperson as needed on programmatic activities to the media, funders, and others.

Knowledge Management:

  • Develop AWE’s annual Program Work Plan and manage/monitor progress towards its goals.
  • Maintain the AWE Resource Library and provide technical support to AWE members who have research queries.
  • Stay abreast of water efficiency research, technologies, and policies.

Key Attributes, Experience, and Education:

  • A minimum of 5 years in a water, natural resources, or environmental field. Demonstrated experience with utility conservation programs is preferred.
  • Strong technical expertise in water efficiency and conservation planning, including modeling skills.
  • Strong project management skills with a history of measurable successes and program growth.
  • Experience writing about complex topics for non-technical audiences.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for AWE’s mission.
  • Ability to operate as a tactical as well as strategic, independent, and creative thinker and problem-solver.
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors, and other staff.
  • Policy experience a plus. 
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel Skills and ArcGIS or other mapping software experience a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits: 

  • Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  • Attractive benefits package offered, including but not limited to health & dental; retirement contribution; vacation, sick, and holiday pay.

Location
AWE’s headquarters is in Chicago. Local residency is preferred, but not required. Candidates who wish to reside in other geographic locations and work remotely are welcome to apply.

About the Alliance
AWE is a stakeholder-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. Headquartered in Chicago, AWE serves as a North American advocate for water-efficient products and programs, and provides information and assistance on water conservation efforts. 

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@a4we.org. Please put “Director of Programs” in the subject line of your email. Open until filled.

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. 

AWE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. If you have 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

AWE is especially excited about increasing applications from people who understand the value of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, including people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQ+.

Topics: 
Alternate Water Sources, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Communication and Education, Drought, Fixtures, Appliances, and Equipment, Green Building, Landscape, Irrigation, and Outdoor Water Use, Metering and Submetering, Residential (Including Multi-family), Utility Water Loss Control, Water and Energy, Water and Land Use Planning, Water Conservation Programs, Planning, & Evaluation, Water Rates, Water Resources,