Director, Technical Publications at Water Environment Federation – WEF in Alexandria, Virginia

Job Description:

How This Position Contributes to the Team

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 around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. WEF and its global network of members and member associations provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of improving water quality around the world.

The Director, Technical Publications will be responsible for the full portfolio of WEF’s publications other than our monthly magazine, Water Environment & Technology (WE&T). This portfolio includes the Fundamentals training series, Manuals of Practice, Standard Methods, and the Water Environment Research journal. The Director will be responsible for both digital and print publications, as well as the WEF document library, AccessWater.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing and leading a publications strategy for professional associations in either the water sector or another industry outside of water.

NOTE: Hybrid work is preferred for this position. The role may require occasional travel (approximately 5-10% of the year) across the U.S to participate in relevant meetings and attend WEF educational events.

Key Responsibilities

General

• Management: Supervise and develop direct reports, including recruitment, hiring, retention, professional development, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Departmental oversight: Oversee operations and budget for the department, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic allocation of resources.
• Inter-departmental coordination: Collaborate closely with other WEF departments on all aspects of technical publications. Work closely with the Editor in Chief for WE&T to align publications strategy.

Conference Programming

• Strategic alignment: Ensure alignment of WEF technical publications with WEF’s strategy and mission, as well as operational and financial goals, coordinate with Programs team and volunteer technical communities on selection, preparation, and delivery of publications.
• Oversee all publication activities: Manage the development, editing, production, and distribution of the association's print and digital publications (e.g., journals, textbooks, reports).
• Content strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive content strategy aligned with the association's goals, ensuring timely and relevant publications are delivered on time.
• Editorial leadership: Lead editorial teams, including authors, editors, designers, and vendors, ensuring high-quality, accurate content.
• Vendor relations: Collaborate with external printers, publishers, and digital platforms for distribution and production.
• Customer feedback: Engage association members through surveys and other channels to ensure publications meet their needs.
• Compliance and standards: Ensure all publications adhere to ethical standards, copyright laws, and industry best practices.
• Innovative content delivery: Explore and implement new technologies and formats for content delivery.
• Metrics and reporting: Track publication performance, readership, and feedback, providing regular reports to the executive team.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in publishing (particularly academic publishing), editorial management, or content development, with a track record of leadership in a professional setting.
• Experience in managing print and digital publication processes, including layout, design, production, and distribution.
• Proven editorial experience, including content creation, editing, and proofing for accuracy, quality, and style.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, track, and manage budgets for publishing or communications.
• Vendor and external contractor management experience, including negotiation and performance oversight.
• Familiarity with copyright, intellectual property laws, and industry standards for print and digital media.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with authors, editors, designers and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in publishing software and digital tools, such as Adobe InDesign, content management systems (CMS).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience in professional associations or nonprofit organizations.
• Strategic thinking and innovation in content delivery and publication formats.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, delegate and manage staff, track multiple programs and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel to conferences, meetings, and industry events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience using online collaboration and communication software (e.g., SharePoint, Teams).

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience successfully building and managing high-performing teams of equivalent size or greater.
• Masters' degree in relevant discipline, such as public policy or education.
• Knowledge of the US water sector.

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment. Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs.

WEF reserves the right to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or other compliance with public health measures as a condition of employment. This is not mandatory at this time.

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.

Who We Are

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 around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. WEF and its global network of members and member associations provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of improving water quality around the world.

WEF is operating under a new Strategic Plan built on the vision of a life free of water challenges. Our ultimate goal is a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives. The key strategic goals under the new Strategic Plan are: 1) to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce; 2) to cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all; and 3) to lead the transformation to the circular water economy.

The new Strategic Plan embodies WEF’s embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. WEF is committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including within the governance structure and leadership, WEF partners, WEF staff, and the WEF membership. This commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will guide our work and our programs, culminating in outcomes that improve public health for all.

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