Sr Manager-Technical and Research Programs

Are you looking for employment with a purpose? Join the team at American Water Works Association
! At AWWA, you’ll find purpose, great benefits, relaxed culture, collaborative colleagues and interesting work. Our mission is providing solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most vital resource.

We are seeking a
Sr Manager-Technical and Research Programs to manage and oversee AWWA’s technical and research programs and initiatives. In partnership with our members and volunteers, this role leads the development of resources and products for a technical audience that educates and provides value within the water sector. Manages a small group of engineering professionals.

• Manage, design, and execute professional and technical education programs that meet or exceed membership needs. Provide technical expertise and leadership to ensure excellence and quality of work.
  • Analyze and implement program and process improvement initiatives for
    • AWWA Annual Conference (ACE), specialty conferences, workshops, webinars, and other education events in collaboration with staff and volunteer units
    • Manuals, technical reports, TEC Journal and Opflow submissions, handbooks, and other print and digital materials in collaboration with staff and volunteer units.
    • Seminars, training, round tables, eLearning and other education materials in collaboration with staff and volunteer units
• Deliver technical, managerial, and administrative leadership to the Technical and Educational Council, its divisions and committees. Oversee development and management of TEC budgets to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  • Foster a culture of volunteerism and leadership development
• Provide expertise and guidance on initiatives, policies, and procedures to members and stakeholders.
• Manage research projects and data collection surveys to generate actionable technical insights for internal use and external distribution. Ensure development and maintenance of industry databases to support decision‑making and member services.
• Develop and monitor department budget and project execution to maximize revenue and control expenses. Drive efficiency and accountability across all initiatives.
• Develop and implement clear, consistent communication strategies that connect and engage members, volunteers, and stakeholders. Ensure timely dissemination of technical information, policy updates, and program initiatives through multiple channels, including publications, and digital platforms. Represent the Association at conferences, meetings, and forums to promote collaboration and thought leadership.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned including but not limited to:
  • Attend and/or lead team meetings, virtual meetings, and training as needed
  • Know, understand, and follow employee guidelines, employment policies, and department or company procedures

• Support AWWA mission and vision in all interactions with staff
• Provide leadership to direct reports
  • Help direct reports overcome any organizational obstacles encountered
  • Foster a positive work environment
• Demonstrate and model AWWA core competencies in communication, productivity, quality, responsiveness and leadership
• Manage and fulfill supervisory responsibilities for recruitment, hiring, retention, performance and professional development, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and termination of direct reports

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or related professional field with an emphasis on water-related disciplines required
  • Master’s degree in related technical or business area preferred

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ related water industry experience required demonstrating understanding of water industry technical, managerial, and financial issues including but not limited to:
  • Knowledge of conducting, analyzing and reporting technical research strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated knowledge of water utility operations strongly preferred
  • Project management experience required
  • Experience working with volunteers and/or large committees required
• Supervisory experience…