Strategic Initiatives Manager

SUMMARY: The Strategic Initiatives Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing strategic initiatives that support the utility's long-term goals, regulatory commitments, and community priorities. Reporting to the Director of Government Affairs, this position leads special projects and programs, manages grant-funded initiatives, and facilitates implementation of key planning efforts, including the Utility Master Plan and Source Water Protection Plan.

The Strategic Initiatives Manager serves as a cross-functional leader, working closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Customer Service, external consultants, regulatory agencies, local governments, and community stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and achievement of organizational objectives. In addition, the position provides leadership and supervision for assigned staff, including setting priorities, managing performance, supporting professional development, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage, direct and oversee strategic initiatives, special projects, and utility programs that support organizational goals and the strategic plan, including sewer expansion, Master Plan implementation, and source water protection initiatives. 
• Manage program and project execution by establishing priorities, developing work plans, allocating resources, monitoring schedules, performance metrics, budgets, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to ensure successful project and program execution. 
• Manage cross-functional collaboration among internal departments, customers, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, funding organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders. 
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, funding utilization, program participation, regulatory compliance, deliverables, and performance outcomes; identify risks and recommend corrective actions. 
• Manage grant-funded and externally funded projects, including identifying funding opportunities, assisting with applications, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and approving reporting and reimbursement processes. 
• Support stakeholder engagement, public outreach, government relations, and intergovernmental coordination efforts related to utility initiatives and strategic priorities. 
• Provide strategic recommendations to executive management by preparing and presenting reports and status updates for, governing boards, funding agencies, and other key stakeholders. 
• Oversee the development, implementation, and administration of program policies, procedures, records, and documentation to ensure compliance with organizational, funding and regulatory requirements. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating program effectiveness, identifying operational efficiencies, implementing best practices, and ensuring long-term program sustainability.
• Directs and supervises assigned staff by providing leadership, establishing priorities, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining performance standards, coordinating activities, and allocating personnel and resources. Oversees employee selection, development, performance management, and corrective actions, including recommendations regarding transfers, promotions, discipline, and discharge. Ensures staff efforts are aligned with organizational priorities and strategic objectives while fostering accountability for project, program, and operational outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, Political Science, Communications, or a closely related field. 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in program or project management, public administration, utility management, planning, government affairs, grant administration, or a related field. 
• Experience in water and wastewater utilities, municipal or county government, and/or publicly funded infrastructure projects is preferred. 
• Experience administering federal, state, or local grants, including funding compliance, reporting, and project coordination. 
• Experience coordinating cross-functional, intergovernmental, or multi-agency initiatives, preferably within a regulated utility or public-sector environment. 
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of project and program management, grant administration, regulatory compliance, and performance measurement. 
• Familiarity with water and wastewater utility operations, infrastructure planning, environmental regulations, and funding programs. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, preferred.