Sr. Manager, Emerging Leaders Program at Water Environment Federation – WEF in Alexandria, Virginia

Job Description:

Water Environment Federation – WEF

$78,000 - $93,000 USD

About Us

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. 

How This Position Contributes to the Team

The Sr. Manager, Emerging Leaders Programs plays a pivotal role in delivering dynamic and diverse leadership and skill-building programs tailored for future leaders of the water quality community. This position is responsible for full-cycle program management, including strategy alignment and implementation, budgeting, quality assurance, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement to ensure program success.

The Emerging Leaders Programs team is responsible for delivery of leadership programs within WEF’s portfolio of workforce development, including but not limited to Water Leadership Institute (WLI), Introducing Future Leaders to Opportunities in Water (InFLOW), and Students and Young Professionals Community (SYPC) programs. The Sr. Manager collaborates with staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders to facilitate program development, drive continuous improvement, and implement innovative solutions. Additionally, this role fosters effective communication and engagement to enhance learning and networking experiences – both in-person and online – and maximize program impact. The position reports to the Sr. Director, Workforce Development. 

The ideal candidate will have experience developing excellent and highly impactful programming for annual programs and in-person events for current and future water leaders of the water sector.

NOTE: This role is hybrid and requires working in the office (Alexandria, VA) 2 days every other week. Travel is required (up to 20% of the year) for meetings and events. Must be able to lift and carry at least 20 lbs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages assigned emerging leader programs. 
  • Works with team colleagues to ensure day-to-day workflow for assigned program deadlines are met. 
  • Facilitates a variety of volunteer stakeholder groups in developing and delivering programs to enhance their management and leadership skills and build their connection within the water sector. 
  • Collaborates with the Senior Director, Workforce Development to enhance technology, develop and deliver key content, implement process improvements and ensure alignment with WEF’s strategic plan. 
  • Coordinates with key WEF volunteers and communities, collaborating and sponsoring organizations, colleges and universities, and other WEF departments.
• Manages program resource updates, ensuring proofreading of materials, timely website and community site updates, and data management. 
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence through sound judgment, discretion, and sensitivity when managing stakeholders experiencing difficulties/concerns. 
• Serves as primary project-related contact to strategic partners, sponsors, and volunteers, addressing and resolving concerns based on project urgency. 
• Develops budgets and manages fiscal tracking of projects. 
• Analyzes program and industry trends, event outcomes, and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent training and experience. 
• 7+ years’ experience in association/nonprofit management and program development. 
• Experience in adult learning and leadership programs, communications, and/or event management, and a solid grasp of project management principles. 
• Proven experience working and managing volunteers at all levels of the organization. 
• Clear and persuasive communicator, capable of crafting messages for diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrates dedication to detail and ability to work under pressure in a deadline driven environment. 
• Positive work ethic and excellent customer services skills; demonstrated ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with colleagues, members, and the public. 
• Demonstrates a proactive, self-starter attitude, thriving in fast-paced environments. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to problem-solve independently and proactively, and to lead collaborative efforts to define solutions. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Experience with finding creative and innovative solutions. 
• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in procedures, practices, and engagement. 
• Able to travel up to 20% of the year.
• Able to lift and carry at least 20 lbs.
• Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification highly desired. 
  • Knowledge of the US water sector.

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.

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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI267179025

Salary:

$78,000.00

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