Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). This individual performs highly responsible administrative and professional work directing a program to develop and effectuate plans, policies and projects relating to the water resources of the Delaware River Basin. The work involves formulating, reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating program objectives, policies and operations, and effectuating program activities based on the Delaware River Basin Compact, the DRBC Comprehensive Plan, the DRBC Water Resources Program, and annual budget and work programs.

The Executive Director is also responsible for coordinating water resource plans and programs of the Commission's member jurisdictions to avoid duplication of efforts. Subject to review by the DRBC commissioners, the Executive Director works independently within the framework of the DRBC Compact, regulations and policies.

The Executive Director manages Commission officers and executive personnel and directs and coordinates with outside General Counsel. The Executive Director reports to the DRBC commissioners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Management Responsibilities

• Implements the plans, policies, projects, and programs relating to the water resources of the Delaware River Basin.
• Leads and administers the Compact-mandated and Commission ­directed programs.
• Uses personal initiative and judgment in identifying and referring to the Commission issues not covered by established policy in order to extend policy and mission development to issues not previously considered.
• Leads Commission staff and coordinates with Commission members in policy development and program implementation.
• Facilitates meetings of Commission staff, Commissioners, and the
• Leads the development of strategic plans and implementation of operations plans to address Commission needs related to: water resources; the regulated community, the basin stakeholders, the DRBC employees and workplace; and the Commission’s policies and programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging.

Vision, Mission & Strategies

• Promotes the Commission's vision, mission, and values in all aspects of their
• Ensures that the Commission operates within the jurisdiction and authority of the Delaware River Basin Compact.
• Ensures that the DRBC Comprehensive Plan is utilized, evaluated, and updated; provides leadership for staff in the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Management of Staff, Programs, Operations & Finances

• Directs the activities of a technical and professional staff responsible for the development, coordination and promotion of policies and standards for the conservation, utilization, development, management, and control of the basin's water
• Performs the specific duties required by the DRBC Administrative Manual to include but not limited to:
  • Appointment and removal of officers and employees of the
  • Negotiation of contracts, leases, and intergovernmental
  • Determination of internal organization of the Commission's
  • Assignment of functions, powers, and duties to subordinate officers and
  • Effectuation and enforcement of all policies and resolutions adopted by the DRBC commissioners.
• Leads staff in the day-to-day management and administration of the Commission's work activities. Ensures there are appropriate systems in place to facilitate the Commission's day-to-day operations.
  • Administers the Commission's Comprehensive Plan and Water Resources Program directed toward the immediate and long-range protection and development of the water resources of the basin.
  • Directs investigations, planning and research initiatives including proposed water resource projects.
  • Ensures operational results are achieved, deadlines are met; and employees meet their individual job qualifications and responsibilities.
• Ensures that there are adequate revenues to support the Commission's various work activities; the Commission's finances are accurately monitored, assessed, and managed; an annual budget work program is developed; an annual audit is performed; and other necessary work activities are carried out. Work to secure both sustaining sources of funding and short-term funding such as grants. 
• Leads staff by example; demonstrates a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and professionalism in all aspects of his/her work.
• Makes determinations and approvals on behalf of the Commission as authorized by the DRBC commissioners.
• Makes policy recommendations to the DRBC
• Recommends new programs and the modification or discontinuation of current programs as appropriate.
• Provides cooperation and coordination to the parties of the Supreme Court Decree to facilitate their discussions.

Communications

• Develops and maintains a strong working relationship with the DRBC
• Ensures effective internal communication among DRBC staff through regular meetings of the DRBC staff and other means.
• Utilizes advanced technologies to communicate effectively and
• Communicates Commissioners' direction to program

External Liaison & Public Image

• Cultivates working relationships with state and federal legislators, governors' offices, and other officials of the Commission's member jurisdictions; community and business leaders; other river basin commissions; and relevant professional Maintains a positive professional reputation in the Basin community and with the Commission's member jurisdictions; serves as a "leadership ambassador" for the Commission.
• Provides briefings to federal and state legislators and their staff members about the Commission's mission, goals, programs, and
• Represents the Commission at various meetings and
• Cooperates with federal and state agencies in determining water resource needs and development of programs to meet those needs.
• Represents the Commission on various professional and basin-related committees.

Other duties and tasks as assigned by the DRBC commissioners.

Required Knowledge and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, including superior public speaking This includes the ability to speak, listen, facilitate, and write effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership skills that inspire and motivate staff to perform.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials of other agencies, professional associations, work associates, non-government organizations and the general public.
• Excellent management skills that demonstrate the ability to include staff in planning, decision-making, and process improvement; provide staff with regular performance feedback that develops skills and encourages growth; provide accessibility to other members of staff.
• Extensive knowledge of current water resource management programs and
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, applying, and interpreting Commission policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate programs, plans and policies to make recommendations for improvement.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision/oversight.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel throughout the Delaware River Basin, including overnight travel as business needs require.

Minimum Work Experience and Education

• A minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience in the field of water resources management, geology, aquatic biology, or water.
• A minimum of 5 years as the top executive or senior manager in a public sector agency or a private organization with the primary mission of natural resources management and protection, preferably one involved with water resources.
• A minimum of 5 years of civil or hydraulic engineering, hydrogeology, geology, or related environmental science.
• A master’s or professional degree in environmental science, law, public policy and administration, regional planning or related field, or a Bachelor of Science Degree with experience in water resource management as described above is desirable.

Salary

$117,350 - $175,900

Salary Instruction to Applicants:

Send cover letter and resume via email to: jobs@drbc.gov 

Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without sponsorship.