Posted: 2/26/25

An executive director is needed to be the new face of ACWA, leading our organization of Oregon’s wastewater and stormwater professionals, including municipalities, special districts, and consultants – working together with regulatory agencies, legislators, academic institutions, and regional and national partners – to promote sustainable water quality.

Apply by April 30, 2025

About ACWA:

Our Mission: ACWA provides high value, science-based practical services to its membership through education, regulatory advocacy, and partnerships for the development of proactive solutions resulting in water resources management that is environmentally, financially and organizationally sustainable.

ACWA is a not-for-profit organization of Oregon’s wastewater treatment and stormwater management agencies, along with associated professional consulting firms, which are dedicated to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s water quality.

ACWA Serves its Members in Three Ways:

• Education: providing training, webinars, conferences, newsletters, and access to legal and financial assistance.
• Advocacy: promoting members’ interests on legal, regulatory, and legislative issues at the state and national level.
• Partnerships: facilitating knowledge exchange, mentoring, and sharing of resources and benefits.

ACWA Committees Provide Specific Support:

• Water Quality                  
• Education and Communication
• Stormwater                      
• Legal
• Groundwater                   
• Biosolids and Recycled Water
• Pretreatment                    
• Energy
• Legislative                       
• Utility Management

About the Position

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the primary representative of ACWA, reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors to set and implement its strategic priorities. Supported by a 23-member Board and an Office Coordinator, the ED provides advocacy, education, and networking to municipalities, special purpose districts, and other utilities that deliver essential wastewater and stormwater services throughout Oregon. Overview: ACWA and its ED handle today’s challenges while looking to the future of the clean water industry in Oregon. Safe and reliable wastewater and stormwater services are vital for every community to protect human health and the environment. ACWA and its ED help members prepare for and face significant challenges, including affordability, regulatory requirements, climate change impacts, long-range water availability, and the quality and health of our waterways and groundwater sources.

Overview:

ACWA and its ED handle today’s challenges while looking to the future of the clean water industry in Oregon. Safe and reliable wastewater and stormwater services are vital parts of every community to protect human health and the environment.
ACWA and its ED help members prepare for and face major challenges, including affordability, regulatory requirements, climate change impacts, long-range water availability, and the quality and health of our waterways and groundwater sources.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a key link between members and regulatory agencies to provide a unified voice for utility interests. Represents ACWA in discussions with DEQ.
• Carries out the priorities identified annually by the ACWA board.
• Manages association membership, communications, and recruitment; fosters engagement and collaboration from membership; and addresses issues raised by members
• Oversees work of office coordinator and manages additional technical staff or consultants hired to assist with conferences and activities.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation Range: Depending on qualifications, $145,000 to $160,000/year, which assumes 30 hours/week. ACWA does not directly provide benefits; however, the salary range includes an assumed amount for self-coverage of fringe benefits. Various options exist and will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Desired Qualifications

ACWA is seeking a person with the demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and fairness in meeting the expectations of the Board of Directors.

The applicant’s employment history should demonstrate a proven track record of success and professional development with increasing levels of responsibility. Well-qualified applicants would benefit from the following:

• Understanding of wastewater and stormwater issues, including laws and regulations at the local, state, and national level.
• Experience working with elected officials and leadership at various levels of municipal organizations.
• Experience working with state agencies on legislative, regulatory, and legal matters.
• Leadership experience with membership organization(s), including effective membership management, retention, and recruitment.
• Experience with budgeting, planning, and implementation of organizational priorities.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with the following competencies and characteristics:

• Leadership: recruit, motivate, and develop individuals and teams of people to achieve established goals and objectives.
• Communication: clearly and effectively convey complex and technical information, orally and in writing, to various audiences.
• Strategic: establish and implement short and long-term plans and objectives to help shape the future of ACWA and its members.
• Collaborative: develop and maintain professional relationships and networks and work effectively with members and local and regional stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and interests.

Work Location and Schedule

Business Hours:

Hours are flexible, but the successful candidate will be expected to develop regular hours and be available Monday through Friday.

Flexible and Remote Work:

While an office is not provided, a budget is available to secure space. Budget is also available for computer needs and office supplies. Remote work is strongly encouraged in a locale accessible to locations the ED will be expected to travel.

Travel:

Given the statewide nature of ACWA, occasional travel is required to meet with members to build relationships and better understand their concerns. The ED also spends time meeting with DEQ in its Portland and Salem offices, as well as meeting with legislative members and partners with the League of Oregon Cities and the Special Districts Association of Oregon (most of these meetings are in Salem). Other travel requirements include attendance at periodic in-person board meetings (most are virtual), the annual Stormwater Summit, the Annual Summer Conference, and the annual Board Retreat.

How to Apply

Submit a detailed cover letter expressing interest, related experience and qualifications, and
resume by April 30, 2025, to Jerry Linder, linder@oracwa.org

For questions about the position, please contact:

Jerry Linder, ACWA Executive Director
Phone: 503-708-8366
E-Mail: linder@oracwa.org

ACWA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin; association with persons of another race, color or national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, marital status, familial relationship, sexual orientation and gender identity, or any other discriminatory reason prohibited by Oregon law.