The Position

The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (District) is seeking an Executive Director who will lead the organization in providing efficient wastewater and environmental protection in Madison and Dane County. Reporting to the District Commission, the Executive Director leads the execution of the strategic plan, sets goals, creates administrative guidelines, and oversees operations. Working closely with the Executive Office and directors, the Executive Director ensures safety and regulatory compliance, manages fiscal responsibility, promotes organizational optimization, develops customer and partner relationships, and ensures the District's long-term environmental and fiscal resilience.

The Executive Director engages with the leadership of owner communities, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and communicate the District's work. They establish business strategies, goals, and policies with the Commission and Executive Office to achieve the District's mission and vision, addressing emerging technologies and issues that may affect the District. They maintain top-tier wastewater treatment by understanding plant operations and financial needs and ensuring alignment with Federal and Wisconsin laws, regulations, and Commission directives.

The Executive Director ensures high levels of customer service, employee engagement, efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. They shape a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture, fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. Collaborating with directors, managers, supervisors, and staff, the Executive Director develops and oversees the implementation of the regulatory compliance strategy and ensures alignment with the strategic plan. They maintain open lines of internal communication to foster employee voice, collaboration, and alignment while supervising staff to ensure a safe work environment.

Overseeing the Executive Office, the Executive Director selects, leads, and develops executive staff, ensuring coordination and alignment of priorities. They approve the scope for major initiatives and coordinate regular meetings with directors and the Executive Office to share project information and priorities. The Executive Director works with the Commission to strategize and set policies, ensuring effective management under the Commission's authority. They keep the Commission updated on regulatory changes and potential risks, represent the District at Commission meetings, and prepare the meeting agenda in collaboration with Commission leaders and legal advisors.

The Executive Director recommends annual budgets, capital improvement plans, and financial strategies to the Commission. They manage the District within budget constraints, presenting service charge and fee requirements, including rate increase recommendations. They play a key role in fiscal management, planning and approving capital improvement projects aligned with the strategic plan, and ensuring appropriate fiscal controls and policies subject to regular audits.

The Executive Director engages with the Commission and owner communities, informing them about major District activities and initiatives. They advocate for the District in meetings with governmental and community agencies, highlighting its work to increase awareness and support. The Executive Director maintains relationships with key external constituents, including government agencies, regulators, developers, elected officials, and environmental organizations, and participates in relevant professional organizations to keep the District at the forefront of emerging trends.

The full job description is located here.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $173,000 – $233,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Only well-qualified applicants should expect to start above the midpoint. Benefits offered include the following: medical, dental, life, and short-term and longer-term disability insurance; holiday, vacation, personal, sick, bereavement, jury duty, military leave and paid parental leave; Retirement Health Savings Plan; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the best-managed public sector retirement plans in the country; Supplemental 457 Retirement Plan; Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Supplemental Voluntary Insurance; Wellness Programming; Length of Service Awards; and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 14, 2024.

Candidates should request confidentiality, or their materials may be subject to Wisconsin public records requests.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, business or public administration, finance, or a related field, and ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in utility management, municipal management, water policy, or a regulatory role, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership position, which includes experience in budget planning and management.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in engineering, business or public administration, finance, or a related field, specific experience in the wastewater field, and being a registered professional engineer (PE). Additional skills that are preferred include demonstration of building trust and engagement with internal staff and with customers, long-term planning, financing and delivery of capital projects, developing consensus with multiple stakeholder interests, and effective intergovernmental relations.

About Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Raftelis is an industry leader in financial, organizational, communication, and technology consulting for utilities and the public sector. We provide insights and expertise to help government agencies operate as high-performing, sustainable entities, and, ultimately, make their communities better places to live, work, and play.

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