The Position
The One Water Executive Director provides strategic leadership to all water-based utilities. Through a One Water philosophy, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall operational results, strategy, and budgeting for water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. This position reports to the Deputy City Manager and serves on the City’s executive team, functioning as a strategic advisor and ensuring alignment with City leadership, other service areas, internal stakeholders, and community partners.

The One Water Executive Director develops and administers forward-thinking short-term and long-range plans, policies, and procedures that align with the City's mission, vision, and values. The Executive Director provides executive oversight for Water Production, Water Resources, Water Quality Services, Wastewater and Biosolids, and Environmental Regulatory Affairs. They provide direct leadership to the Senior Director of Integrated Water Sciences and Planning, Senior Director of Integrated Water Operations, Director of Capital Projects and Civil Engineering, Halligan Project Manager, and Business Support Specialist. This position also supports the City’s digital transformation efforts to enhance efficiencies and revolutionize both workforce and customer experiences.

The One Water Executive Director is energized by the opportunity to be an influential leader in shaping Fort Collins’ One Water future. The Executive Director partners with City leaders and water utility leadership to align people, resources, and programs to better position the water utilities to deliver on their key strategic outcomes. The successful candidate understands resilient water resources and healthy watersheds depend on complex systems and a diverse network of relationships and regional partners. They further recognize that the water utility of the future must incorporate a One Water approach to deliver equitable solutions to meet the future challenges of water scarcity, quality, and affordability.

A known water leader in the Western United States, the One Water Executive Director maintains an understanding of water, wastewater, and stormwater issues affecting Northern Colorado and leverages that knowledge to drive decisions. A person of exceptional character, the Executive Director offers confidence grounded in experience to make balanced decisions for the best outcomes. The successful candidate effectively builds and maintains relationships with leaders in other departments and supports collaborative partnerships between water utility employees and staff in other departments. The One Water Executive Director is a highly effective communicator, provides transparency in interactions, and works to ensure routine communications across the water utility and throughout the citywide organization. With strong emotional intelligence, the ideal candidate is a highly effective leader known for building high-performing teams and empowering employees.

Qualifications
Ten years of progressively responsible management-level experience in the water, wastewater, and stormwater utility industry. A deep understanding of water, wastewater, and stormwater industry issues specific to Colorado is ideal. A One Water mentality and understanding with experience in the Western United States is essential. A background in conservation, sustainability, resiliency, and navigating water scarcity is preferred. Experience working in a regulatory environment is essential with municipal water knowledge strongly preferred. Strong financial acumen with enterprise fund management, grant, and federal funding experience is required. Experience in the legislative environment is ideal, as is policy development expertise.
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, financial planning, or related field from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree in engineering, business administration, or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits
The City of Fort Collins offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including a market salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary range is $154,277 – $257,134, and the anticipated hiring range is $185,000 – $205,000; salaries are paid biweekly. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins offers additional benefits, including 401(a) and a 457 deferred compensation plan with an employer contribution, an optional Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, a significant Wellness program, and relocation assistance for the successful out-of-area finalist.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, please apply by Monday, July 8, 2024.