Assistant Program Manager – USDA Circuit Rider

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small and rural communities across the country. NRWA provides education, training, and technical assistance to all 50 states through affiliated State Rural Water Associations. Rural Water training and technical assistance covers every aspect of operating, managing, and financing water and wastewater utilities.

The Assistant Program Manager serves a vital role within NRWA, supporting the Program Manager in the overall coordination, management, and success of the USDA Circuit Rider program. This includes overseeing program implementation, monitoring staff at the state level, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and the program’s terms and conditions, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including federal agencies and State Rural Water Associations.

The Assistant Program Manager will also be responsible for data analysis, preparing various internal and external reports, and managing program documentation.

The Circuit Rider program provides a nationwide team of drinking water professionals to provide training and technical assistance to water utility managers, board members and operations specialists. The program is designed to protect USDA Rural Development ongoing investment in water utility infrastructure and help systems plan for a more sustainable future.

Mission:

• Ensure all program activities further the NRWA mission, which is to “Strengthen State Associations.”

Program Support:

• Assist the Program Manager in the day-to-day management and implementation of the Circuit Rider program.
• Coordinate and track program activities, ensuring adherence to project timelines and deliverables.
• Provide administrative support, including preparing reports, maintaining records, and managing program documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement &

Collaboration:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agencies (e.g., USDA Rural Development), State Rural Water Associations, industry partners, and other relevant organizations.
• Represent NRWA at national and regional meetings and conferences. Serve as a point of contact for State Rural Water Associations, facilitating communication and providing support.
• Assist in the development and distribution of program materials and resources to State Associations.
• Collaborate effectively with internal NRWA departments (e.g., Resource Development, IT, Accounting, Compliance, Legislative) and fellow staff on the Federal Programs Team.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Prepare regular reports for the Program Manager and funding agencies.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of program documentation, such as procedures, operating plans, and other guiding materials.
• Support the Program Manager in monitoring program budgets and expenditures.
• Maintain robust internal controls for program management.

Training and Technical Assistance:

• Assist in the development and coordination of training programs for Circuit Riders and water system operators.
• Provide support in the delivery of technical assistance and resources.

Collaboration and Relationships:

• The Assistant Program Manager reports directly to the Program Manager, and will work closely with the NRWA Grants Administrator, Compliance Officer and collaborates continuously with key State Association Management, program staff, staff at strategic governmental agencies (e.g., USDA), and key individuals at industry associations and entities.

Travel:

• Ability to travel frequently for meetings, conferences, site visits, and other program-related activities.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

• Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in program management, preferably in the water/wastewater industry or a related field. Experience working with rural communities or non-profit organizations is a plus.
• Knowledge of State Rural Water Associations and the challenges faced by rural water and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of federal agency programs, funding procedures,…