Assistant Executive Director

“Come grow with us.” The South Granville Water and Sewer Authority (SGWASA) in Butner, NC – just north of Durham, seeks motivated professionals with a passion for public service to serve as its first Assistant Executive Director.

SGWASA provides high-quality water and sewer services in an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious manner to the residents and businesses of Southern Granville County, a population of 20,000. The Authority’s governance structure is a very effective model for providing public water and wastewater services.

The Assistant Executive Director’s primary responsibilities include supporting the Executive Director in the overall leadership and direction of the Authority, assuming all duties in the absence of the Executive Director while also directing and supporting business and operational process improvements and managing projects. The position will work closely with the Executive Director and staff to manage the agenda and staff reports for the Authority’s Board of Director meetings.

This position is for the self-motivated, forward-thinking leader energized by the idea of growing a progressive water utility organization with a cohesive team and a passion-driven working environment. The Authority's service population is expected to double within eight years. The ideal candidate promotes the use of technology and will support the organization in its efforts to invest in technology and industry best practices. As a vital executive team member, the Assistant Executive Director is a highly effective problem-solver, swift and strategic in decision-making, with a natural pulse on risk management and safety best practices. This Director is available 24/7 to assist staff with the coordination of emergencies.

This senior supervisory position is for the candidate who:  

• is knowledgeable of water and wastewater utility operations and business practices;
• has demonstrable knowledge of the local, State, and Federal laws and regulations relating to operations, maintenance, and laboratory functions of water and wastewater utility operations;
• exhibits knowledge and experience to successfully manage the operations and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities rated at a minimum of 5 million gallons per day (MGD);
• knowledge and experience optimizing water and wastewater treatment processes is desirable.
• has the depth and breadth to develop and manage comprehensive operations and capital improvement budgets and the capacity to seek opportunities to operate more efficiently;  
• is known for their collaborative mindset and keen interpersonal skills, someone who can quickly step into collaborating with the Authority’s departments, Executive Director, the general public, and other stakeholders to promote the Authority's strategic priorities; and,
• is a motivational team leader, builder, and player with high integrity who holds themselves and others accountable to a high standard of excellence and is strategic in executing plans and navigating problems swiftly.

About the Organization and Position:

Established in 2005, SGWASA is a multi-member Authority governed by seven board members from four jurisdictions: Stem, Butner, Creedmoor, and Granville County, who are highly engaged, supportive, and committed to the well-being of the Authority’s employees. SGWASA's values of integrity, diversity, excellent service, accountability, listen, and safety, ensure a culture of excellence. To learn more about the Authority, visit: https://www.sgwasa.org. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Assistant Executive Director will work collaboratively to fulfill the Authority’s vision – to be a superior utility service provider that contributes to the success of the region through attracting and retaining the best employees, maintaining high satisfaction from customers, employees, and stakeholders; achieving operational excellence, ensuring reliable and regularly scheduled updates to infrastructure, implementing innovative growth principles and being environmentally compliant.

SGWASA’s Assistant Executive Director supports the Executive Director in managing the organization’s $16.5M 2024 – 2025 budget, overseeing its 49 full-time employees while supervising four direct reports: Finance Director, Public Information Officer, Utilities Engineer, and Human Resources Manager. The following income sources balance SGWASA's 2024 – 2025 budget: 

• $9.3M – Wastewater revenues
• $6.3M – Water revenues
• $472,800 – Non-billing revenue
• $432,540 – Interest Income

The Assistant Executive Director will join a reputable organization committed to environmental character—promoting, protecting, and enhancing a healthy and sustainable natural environment. Five focus areas, including environmental character, are included in the organization's 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, which positions the organization to provide outstanding utility service and proactively address the evolving utility needs of its stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The following are required:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, engineering, public administration, or related field and ten years of experience in water/wastewater engineering, operations and treatment processes, utilities construction and maintenance, project management, contract administration, budget administration, and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
• Note: This position must respond to urgent matters 24/7 in all types of weather conditions.

 Preferred qualifications:

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience with water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems is preferred.
• Residence within a 45-minute drive.  
• Knowledge and experience in optimizing water and wastewater treatment processes and utility business practices are desirable.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for this position is $95,512 - $140,992, depending on qualifications and experience. SGWASA provides comprehensive benefits including excellent health insurance and participation in the local government retirement pension (LGERS).

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the title of “Assistant Executive Director – South Granville Water & Sewer Authority, Butner, NC.”

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the organization’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by July 1, 2024.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to virtual interviews and skill evaluations on July 30 -31, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

The South Granville Water & Sewer Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select “Client Openings," and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”

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