General Manager

Northshore Utility District in Kenmore, Washington is seeking to fill the General Manager position.

This position is open until filled and may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected. The first application review will be January 17, 2025.

The Opportunity

Northshore Utility District is seeking an innovative professional with exceptional leadership and communication skills to lead its community-focused, customer service-driven organization. The current General Manager is retiring, and the District is searching for the next leader who will continue to strengthen the District's positive culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, and service to its customers. A planned overlap with the retiring General Manager will ensure a smooth transition. Serving 17 square miles near Lake Washington, the District has provided reliable water and wastewater services for almost eight decades, and does so in a way that is safe, economical, and ecologically responsible. The District builds its success from within by empowering employees and celebrating their achievements. The next General Manager will have the opportunity to work with deeply dedicated employees and a tenured commission, ensuring the District remains competitive throughout the industry and continues to provide essential services for decades to come.

The Position

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and management of District operations, community relations, environmental compliance, engineering, finance, contracting, personnel, customer service, and other functions. As the liaison between the policy-setting body, employees, and consultants, the General Manager provides advice and counsel to the Board of Commissioners regarding management options and policies. The General Manager reports directly to the elected board of five commissioners and directly supervises the activities of the Assistant General Manager, Finance Director, Engineering Director, IT Manager, and Executive Assistant. This high-level leadership role requires a collaborative, experienced professional who will continue to support training and professional development of staff, demonstrates out-of-the-box thinking, and is committed to strengthening community relationships through partnerships, events, and programs.

Key Responsibilities :

• Responsible for standards, organization, management philosophy, contracting, and compliance with state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Provides leadership, direction, and mentoring to District employees.
• Communicates with the Board of Commissioners to keep them informed of issues facing the District, internally and externally.
• Responsible for the management of all District personnel in coordination with respective Director / Manager / Supervisory level staff (hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, terminations, etc.).
• Recommends all compensation and benefits changes to the Board. Establishes administrative procedures for effectively managing District personnel.
• Attends meetings and workshops of the Board; facilitates and implements Board direction and policies; and provides staff support and policy advice to the Board.
• Prepares and presents reports to the Board; oversees preparation of agendas and meeting information.
• Recommends policies, procedures, and priorities to the Board of Commissioners and carries out directives and policies of the District.
• Leads and facilitates, in conjunction with the Board, the District's short-term and long-term planning, community relations, environmental, financial, personnel, budget, and implementation plans.
• Represents and negotiates on behalf of the District, when appropriate, before legislative, public and private groups, and industry associations and partnerships.
• Plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, reviews progress, and directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, generally during normal operating hours. Occasional local, regional, or national travel for business-related meetings and training can be expected. Work will involve evening meetings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment and a personal computer. Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and / or carry up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. May be exposed to upset customers. Wear protective equipment, follow safety procedures, and exercise caution during inspections. Occasional travel to seminars and evening work is required.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

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