Executive Director - National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI)

The National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI), managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, is seeking an experienced business manager, with extensive water industry expertise, to serve as its Executive Director (ED).

The NAWI ED will lead a world-class team of academic and industry partners in their mission to examine the critical technical barriers and research needed to radically lower the cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy of desalination. This executive has ultimate responsibility for NAWI's management and day-to-day operations, and is the principal externally-facing spokesperson for the organization, representing 420 alliance members. Working closely with the manager(s) from the Department of Energy, the ED ensures that NAWI's mission and vision are met and that all stakeholders' interests are fairly represented.

The NAWI program is funded through 2029. We anticipate that the Executive Director role will be full-time through at least 2028. The appointment may be extended after that, possibly at reduced hours, for up to 3 years.

The deadline to submit application materials for consideration is 28 FEB, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Establish and maintain close partnership with the DOE and other stakeholders. Ensure connectivity with other Federal agencies.
• Oversee all of NAWI's activities, manage day-to-day operations and ensure a smoothly functioning, efficient organization.
• Oversee and support the senior-level management team members and their hiring and performance management.
• Oversee the design, marketing, promotion and delivery of program messaging and communications through a variety of media channels.
• Assure program quality and organizational stability through the development and implementation of standards of control, policies and procedures, and regular evaluation.
• Recommend yearly budget for approval and prudently manages NAWI's resources within the budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations.
• Oversee the fiscal activities of NAWI including budgeting, accounting and DOE reporting.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives and drive the implementation of multiple research & development programs focused on the innovation of advanced water treatment technologies.

What is Required:

• A minimum of 15 years' experience in management roles in water treatment technology development, federal research administration, and business administration is required.
• An advanced degree in relevant disciplines is desirable.
• Familiarity with a wide range of water treatment processes and technologies, water regulatory policy and law, and global trends in water resource development and management.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and experience developing and executing national marketing and public relations campaigns.
• Critical competence in business strategy, technology development and commercialization, leading change and motivational leadership:
• Business strategy; The ED is an experienced business manager with a thorough understanding of the water industry, market forces and dynamics, finance and business administration. The ED is customer-focused and goal-driven and able to synthesize relevant information into an actionable plan.
• Technology development and commercialization: The ED is an experienced leader of teams that develop new technologies and has experience guiding technology development from early-stage applied research to commercial adoption and market acceptance.
• Leading through changes: The ED is an experienced change manager and can effectively guide individuals and stakeholders through changes in direction, priorities and policies and procedures.
• Motivational leadership: The ED is an inspirational and compelling communicator and able to clearly articulate and promulgate an organizational vision that engages multiple stakeholders. The ED models behaviors and values consistent with the vision and goals of the organization and proactively identifies positive contributions by team members throughout the organization.

Notes:

• This is a full time, 3-year term appointment, with the possibility of extension for additional years, based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• The full salary range of this position is between $189,420 to $319,632 per year and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $213,072 to $260,436 per year depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.