Location: Syracuse, NY
Category: Research Foundation
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Mon Jun 29 2026
Job Description:
Title: Agency Administrative Officer
Campus Title: Executive Director
Unit: New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA)
Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 annual (based upon experience)
The New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA or Association) Board of Directors is looking for a dynamic individual to lead a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the best interest of the public by promoting sustainable clean water quality management through science, education and training.
NYWEA is Member Association (MA) of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) - a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated MAs. Headquartered at 525 Plum St Syracuse, New York, NYWEA itself is made up of more than 2,500 professionals who are committed to matters related to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, supporting economic development, and ensuring the reliable operation of critical water quality infrastructure. NYWEA members include operators, engineers, scientists, regulators, academics, manufacturers, vendors, and other professionals in the water/wastewater industry, as well as students interested in this field. NYWEA is governed by a Board of Directors lead by a President. There are also seven (7) local chapters of NYWEA strategically located throughout the State.
Founded in 1929, NYWEA is looking for an individual to lead the Association into its second century of operation. NYWEA's Executive Director serves as the key management leader of the Association. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and reporting on the administration of a budget of over $1.5 million, managing a staff of four (4) individuals, organizing major conferences and events throughout the year, maintaining several programs and activities, and directing strategic initiatives for the organization - while diving into the details when needed. This position requires an engaged and proactive leader who actively participates in day-to-day operations while providing strategic direction.
The position reports directly to the NYWEA President and the Board of Directors, with supervisory oversight from SUNY Research Foundation.
General Responsibilities:
- 1) Board Governance: The Executive Director works with NYWEA Board of Directors and Executive Committee to fulfill the mission of the Association.
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Responsible for leading NYWEA in a manner that supports and guides the organization's mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
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Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
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Assist in implementing special projects as directed by the Executive Committee.
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2) Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the long-term financial health of the organization.
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Responsible for working in conjunction with the NYWEA Finance Committee on developing revenues necessary to support NYWEA's mission.
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Responsible for the fiscal integrity of NYWEA including the development of the annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
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Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, managing scholarship funds and reserve accounts, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
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Work with NYWEA's accounting firms for ongoing bookkeeping and to carry out annual financial audits, as well as working with NYWEA's investment advisor.
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3) Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through strategic planning, programs, and community outreach.
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Responsible for implementation of NYWEA's Strategic Plan, Business Plan, major conferences and events, key programs, publications, and other activities that carry out the organization's mission into the future.
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Responsible for the enhancement of NYWEA's image and reputation by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with partner organizations such as: New York Section of the American Water Works Association (NYS AWWA), WEF, New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and other professional, civic, and private organizations.
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Support the needs of NYWEA's committees, task forces, local chapters, and other mechanisms of member engagement.
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4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate, as well as actively participating in day-to-day operations.
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Work closely with WEF and other WEF MAs.
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Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff, as well as promoting professional development, mentoring, and conducting routine performance reviews.
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Responsible for working with the Research Foundation of the State University of New York regarding payroll and employee benefits.
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Responsible for effective leadership and administration of the NYWEA Executive Office.
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In conjunction with the Treasurer, responsible for signing all contracts, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in appropriate field and at least five years progressively more complex technical and managerial experience gained by job experience or special study.
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Requires the ability to establish priorities for work to be accomplished by others as well as assess program plans and evaluate administrative processes.
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The education and experience requirements described in this standard may be satisfied by an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills and Competencies:
- Transparent and high integrity leadership.
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Proven experience effectively working with and supporting a Board of Directors.
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Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities, with the ability to articulate and advance the organization's long-term vision to staff, board members, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
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Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly and compellingly convey the organization's mission to diverse audiences.
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Demonstrated success in staff leadership, including supervision, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.
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Track record of organizational management, including developing sustainable revenue streams and strengthening financial performance.
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Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including partner organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and volunteers.
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Strong organizational and operational management skills, including planning, delegation, program development, and execution.
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Experience planning and coordinating conferences and other events that support professional development, education, knowledge-sharing, and networking.
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Strong financial acumen, including budget development, financial analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
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Self-motivated, results-oriented, and accountable, with a high level of personal initiative.
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Confident and effective public speaking abilities, including presenting to elected officials, technical, academic, regulatory, and community audiences.
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Note: Approximately 25-35 days of travel required annually. Most travel is within New York State.
Additional Information:
In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php
SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.
The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
