The North Carolina Rural Water Association’s (NCRWA) mission is to provide our water and wastewater membership with the highest quality support services possible. As such, the NCRWA Board of Directors is seeking an Executive Director who will lead our Association into the future through a deep commitment to serving our industry, strong relationships with our staff, membership, state regulatory agencies and legislators, and an ability to develop a shared vision for the organization.

The Association:

Incorporated in 1976, the NCRWA is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization representing water and wastewater system members across North Carolina. NCRWA is the state affiliate of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) but exists as a standalone trade association governed by a 15- member Board of Directors elected from water and wastewater system members across the state. There is currently 34 staff positions including a five-person Leadership Team, Deputy Executive Director, and Executive Director. Each member of the Leadership Team is a Division Manager and manages a specific operational area of the association: Training, Technical Assistance, Member Services, Special Projects, and Finance/HR. NCRWA also contracts with an attorney and a state lobbying team that report directly to the Executive Director on most issues.

NCRWA has a current operating budget of $4.3M consisting of strategically diversified revenue streams as follows:

12.5% Membership Dues

42.1% Non-Dues Revenue (Training and Events)

32.0% Federal Contracts and Grants (through NRWA affiliation) 13.4% State Contracts and Grants

Members of NCRWA benefit from training programs, both virtual and in-person, major conferences that focus on professional networking and industry topics, on-site financial and technical assistance, apprenticeship and workforce development programs, legislative and regulatory advocacy in Raleigh and Washington, DC, monthly eNews updates and quarterly publications. NCRWA is one of the largest and most successful rural water associations affiliated with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA), based in Duncan, Oklahoma.

NCRWA’s headquarters is located in Welcome, North Carolina. Only 5 of 28 staff positions are currently based in the Welcome office with the remainder working remotely across the state.

NCRWA has a training facility in Sanford, North Carolina as well.

NCRWA has had eight (8) Executive Directors over its 45-year history.

The Position:

The Executive Director of the North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) serves at the pleasure of the elected, all-volunteer 15-member Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall perform a wide range of executive responsibilities while working alongside the Board’s President to advance the vision and mission of the organization and implement the Board’s strategic long-range plan. The Board of Directors meets quarterly and currently has six functional committees that meet routinely to assist in governing the organization. The Executive Director shall also work with the management team to oversee and ensure compliance of all operations of the organizations in support of the Associations members. Within the framework of the Board’s mission, goals, objectives and related policies, the Executive Director plans organizes, coordinates, controls and directs the staff, programs and activities of the association.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Within the limits of the charter and bylaws of the NCRWA and policies established by the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, with appropriate delegation shall:

• Maintain the scope of the Mission and Vision of NCRWA.
• Be responsible for implementing and executing all Board directives and shall maintain the responsibilities as clerk to the Board of Directors. This shall include conducting research necessary to inform the Board, elected officials, and membership as appropriate.
• Be responsible for the success, growth and results produced by the Association and ensure the realistic expectations of the Membership are met or exceeded.
• Ensure the compliance and performance of all Federal, State, and other programs with applicable agencies and organizations.
• Prepare and execute the annual budget, manage the financials of NCRWA, and ensure that all internal controls are maintained to ensure a clean, unqualified auditor’s opinion.
• Establish NCRWA’s organization structure for all staff and operations.
• Establish administrative policies and procedures for all operational functions.
• Recruit, hire, train, monitor performance, and terminate staff and administer an effective personnel program which includes position descriptions, performance standards, performance appraisals, and a compensation system.
• Develop and supervise an effective program of membership development and membership services.
• Develop and maintain a publications program that is responsive to the needs of the membership; this currently includes a variety of electronic and hardcopy publications delivered to members and other constituents.
• Develop and conduct an education program to advance the professional, technical, and managerial skills of the membership.
• Organize and conduct an annual conference which includes programs, exhibits and other events consistent with the objectives of the association.
• Maintain effective internal and external public relations.
• Serve as spokesperson for the association in conjunction with the Board President.
• Maintain an effective government affairs program to represent the interests of NCRWA’s members to Congress, the NC General Assembly, and governmental agencies as appropriate; this includes serving as NCRWA’s Lobbying Principal for the NC General Assembly and working in concert on legislative issues with other associations and organizations including the NRWA.
• Ensure the legal integrity of the Association.
• Serve as project manager for internal capital projects, including the construction oversight of the future NCRWA Headquarters in Welcome, NC.
• Provide technical reviews of documents and reports developed by other technicians in the course of their service to systems.
• Preparation of business plans for new and upcoming projects.
• Uphold the utmost integrity, professional character, and image of NCRWA while dealing with Members, the Board of Directors, Subordinates, Subcontractors, and External Contacts.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory or statutory requirements for assigned duties.
• Monitor and ensure quality of services provided by the Association.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the NCRWA Board of Directors.

Travel:

The Executive Director will have occasional planned travel as necessary to meet with members and staff throughout North Carolina; attend NCRWA-related meetings, conferences, and training events, in addition to travel in Raleigh and Washington, DC for various meetings with elected officials and agencies; and to NRWA meetings and events.

Compensation and Location:

The Executive Director will be provided a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with their level of experience and particular knowledge, skills and abilities. The salary range for this position is $104,000 - $149,000. The Board of Directors conducts an annual performance and compensation review of the Executive Director.

The Executive Director must reside in North Carolina, with an expectation of working in the Welcome, NC office a minimum of two (2) full days per week during normal operating hours.  (The Board reserves the right to modify this requirement upon completion of the new office.)

The Candidate:

A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in the field of engineering, environmental science, business administration, or another related field, is required. An advanced degree in engineering, business, law or another related field is desirable. Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development through the Institute of Organizational Management or Certified Association Executive designation desirable.

The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of success and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as: serving as the top executive within a comparable sized utility-related association; experience as senior level executive at a larger association as noted above; or a management leader or executive from a utility, public water or wastewater entity. Experience with the water and wastewater industry is strongly preferred. At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role is required. In addition, significant Board interaction is strongly desired.

Submission:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter in PDF form to executivesearch@ncrwa.org by 5 pm EST on January 1, 2024. NCRWA is an equal opportunity employer for all individuals regardless of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Position is open until filled.

About North Carolina Rural Water Association

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping our members attain the highest standard in drinking water and wastewater service. Serving members statewide, NCRWA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from the association's membership. Members represent both community and non-community water and wastewater systems.

Connections working at North Carolina Rural Water Association