Manager, Circular Water Economy - Military veterans preferred

$85,000 - $100,000 USD

How This Position Contributes to the Team

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 leverages this collective knowledge to drive progress toward a life free of water challenges.

Leading the transformation to a circular water economy is one of WEF’s strategic priorities under its new strategic plan approved in 2024. WEF’s circular water economy framework focuses on:

• Reducing waste: efforts to improve the efficient delivery of water services, including energy efficiency upgrades, non-revenue water reduction, and investments in stormwater infrastructure.
• Recovering resources: developing and monetizing resources from the treatment process, including wastewater reuse, nutrients, and energy.
• Regenerating nature: identifying ways to improve ecosystems through water services, including nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment and flood control.

A successful transition requires additional technical research, commercialization of trusted technologies, and greater alignment on industry-wide benchmarks. However, adoption of circular water practices is also driven by cost, regulation, public acceptance, and risk perceptions. Utilities have limited incentives to recover resources without a market demand for them. Companies are unlikely to invest in water-efficient technologies without demonstrated cost savings. To help catalyze new investments in the circular water economy, WEF seeks to use its role as a leading voice in the water sector to support financing, market development, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The Manager, Circular Water Economy will work closely with the team to advance the principles of the circular water economy and solidify WEF’s position as the leading organization in this space. The manager will drive key initiatives that promote the circular water economy, fostering collaboration and innovation across stakeholders. By championing WEF’s strategic goals, the manager will ensure the organization remains the go-to resource for advancing circular water economy practices. These goals include:

• Building circular water skills and knowledge
• Amplifying circular water successes
• Connecting communities and fostering partnerships
• Developing markets for circular water products and processes

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 conferences, events, and stakeholder engagements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead strategic initiatives that promote the adoption of circular water economy principles across utilities, industry, and regulatory bodies.
• Work closely with WEF technical communities and volunteers to develop publications, training materials, and events that advance WEF’s circular water economy goals.
• Establish and strengthen partnerships between companies, utilities, government agencies, and research institutions to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative opportunities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for circular water economy practices, representing WEF at industry conferences, policy discussions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Work with WEF’s Member Associations to enhance understanding and implementation of circular water principles, identifying opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
• Identify and pursue mission-driven revenue opportunities, including corporate partnerships, philanthropic funding, and grants supporting circular economy programs.
• Manage program budgets, timelines, and deliverables while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Work cross-functionally within WEF to integrate circular economy principles into the organization’s broader portfolio of products, services, and initiatives.
• Design and coordinate study tours, field visits, and experiential learning opportunities for WEF members and stakeholders.
• Track and report on the progress of circular water initiatives, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Other duties as assigned within scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Biology, Water Resources, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of professional experience in water, environmental sustainability, circular economy, or related sectors.
• Strong knowledge of circular economy principles, resource recovery, and sustainable water management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, partnerships, and program development.
• Proven ability to secure funding and manage budgets effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and influence decision-making.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to develop strategic recommendations based on industry trends and stakeholder needs.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to travel (up to 20% of the year) for conferences, events, and stakeholder engagements.

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment. Onsite duties may require prolonged periods of standing and walking.

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.