Interested Candidates should submit their Resume and Cover Letter prior to October 21, 2026. The Rivanna Authorities are seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking executive to serve as our next Executive Director, providing strategic leadership for the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) and Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA).
Serving the Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and University of Virginia community, the Rivanna Authorities provide essential regional services including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, recycling, refuse services, and associated environmental and infrastructure programs. Reporting to the Boards of Directors of RWSA and RSWA, the Executive Director leads an organization of approximately 137 employees and is responsible for organizational strategy, utility operations, financial stewardship, capital planning, infrastructure reliability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and relationships with regional partners and the community. The next Executive Director will join the Authorities during an important period of continued investment and growth. We are seeking a leader who can balance the operational demands of providing essential public services today with the long-term infrastructure, workforce, technology, environmental, and financial needs of the region. The next Executive Director will be expected to build upon the Authorities' existing foundation while positioning the organization for its next chapter. The successful candidate will demonstrate: - Significant executive or senior leadership experience in public utilities, water/wastewater, solid waste, infrastructure, local government, or a closely related field;
- Strong strategic and organizational leadership;
- Experience with complex capital and operating budgets;
- Ability to develop productive relationships with governing boards, local governments, regional partners, regulators, employees, and the community;
- Sound judgment and the ability to make timely, fact-based decisions;
- A collaborative leadership approach that develops and empowers employees;
- Commitment to safety, reliability, environmental stewardship, transparency, innovation, and exceptional public service.
Responsibilities include: - Providing strategic leadership and organizational direction;
- Ensuring safe, reliable and efficient utility and solid waste operations;
- Developing and implementing long-range organizational strategies;
- Preparing and administering annual operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets;
- Modernizing and maintaining critical infrastructure and technology;
- Maintaining strong relationships with regional governmental and utility partners;
- Ensuring regulatory compliance;
- Developing and retaining a highly skilled workforce;
- Advancing safety, training and professional development;
- Supporting environmental sustainability and resiliency; and
- Representing the Authorities with Boards, government officials, regulators, community organizations and the public
The successful candidate minimum qualifications: - A Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline is required.
- A Master's Degree and relevant professional licensure or certification are preferred.
- Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a senior or leadership role.
This is an opportunity to lead two regional public authorities responsible for critical environmental infrastructure and services in one of Virginia's most dynamic communities. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive for both Authorities and is responsible for translating Board direction into organizational strategy and results while ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, financially responsible, and sustainable services. The salary range for this position is $230,000 – $280,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
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