Chief Operating Officer

~ The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), formed in 1989, is America's leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues. ~

Throughout the last 25 years, we have developed a portfolio of more than $134 million in water quality research and have become a recognized leader in advancing science and technology in the water quality industry.

We are a nonprofit organization located in Alexandria, Virginia, that operates with funding from subscribers and the federal government. Our subscribers include wastewater treatment plants, stormwater utilities, and regulatory agencies. Industry, equipment companies, engineers and environmental consultants also lend their support and expertise as subscribers.

WERF takes a progressive approach to research, stressing collaboration among teams of subscribers, environmental professionals, scientists, and staff. All research is peer reviewed by leading experts.

Position Overview 

The Chief
Operating Officer is responsible for oversight and effective implementation of
all operational and administrative aspects of the organization. 

The position is responsible for a
comprehensive array of administrative services and operations overseeing all
activities pertaining to contracts/legal, facilities management, finance, human
resources, information technology and business/office services.  

Responsibilities 

Financial Management 

• Oversee reporting and monitoring of
  organizational performance metrics.
• Provide financial oversight and monitoring.
• Oversee annual audit process, compliance with
  all required regulatory organizations and taxing authorities
• Ensure that relevant financial data is available
  to the ED and management team.
• Provides oversight of all financial and business
  planning activities, including, but not limited to:
  • Directing and administering all financial plans
  • Reviewing and analyzing financial reports
  • Overseeing business policies and accounting
    practices
  • Leading and supporting organizational budgeting
    processes 

Human Resources 

• Manages internal efforts and external resources
  in the areas of:
  • Benefits administration and oversight
  • Employee policies and practices
  • Employee relations
  • Performance Management and compensation
  • Recruitment, hiring, and compensation
  • Regulatory oversight and legal compliance
  • Staff training and development, including new
    employee orientation 

Administration/Operations 

• Collaborates with the management team to improve
  administrative procedures and operational services.
• Oversees contract and legal activities, letters
  of agreements, memos of understanding, contracts, leases, and other legal
  documents, business insurance and agreements.
• Oversees information technology ensuring the
  ongoing maintenance and updating of information systems and infrastructure,
  including hardware, software, and applications.
• Oversees office management and administrative functions
  to include equipment, facilities, services, etc.
• Updates and implements an appropriate system of
  policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures. 

Qualifications 

• BA/BS in a relevant area; MBA/Advanced Degree
  and CPA preferred
• 10+ years of professional experience that
  includes 5+ years of senior leadership experience in a not-for-profit
  organization that includes responsibility in each of the functional areas of
  the job
• Thorough understanding of finance, systems, and
  HR
• Broad understanding of the full range of
  business functions and systems
• Track record of success in financial planning,
  budgeting and analysis
• Demonstrated success in human resource
  management and employee relations areas
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Demonstrated expertise in working with grants,
  contracts, MOUs and similar
• Experience overseeing compliance with financial
  management and reporting for Federal awards
• Demonstrated expertise in effectively planning
  and managing the full range of operational infrastructure and administrative
  needs and services of an organization including IT
• Detail and performance oriented with a proven
  ability to manage operations and oversee financial aspects in an organization
  with multi-million dollar budgets
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and
  negotiation skills
• Demonstrates integrity, strives for excellence
  in work, and has experience leading and inspiring others to new levels of
  effectiveness and operational impact
• Excellent organization, time, and project
  management skills
• Flexible and able to multi-task
• Results oriented with the ability to identify
  and implement solutions 

Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with
candidate's qualifications and experience. WERF offers an outstanding benefits program including comprehensive health care, life and disability plans, a 401(k) plan, and a generous paid time off program. 

To Apply 

Please use the email address below to email your resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate "Chief Operating Officer." 

~ WERF is an equal opportunity employer ~