Department: Environmental Finance Center

Campus Location: Outside Kansas

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary Range is $71,000 to $94,000 based on education and experience

Work Schedule: Generally 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. May include some evenings

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Are you interested in finding innovative ways to improve environmental health and resilience? Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Program Managers are collaborative resources for communities, helping develop and implement solutions to environmental challenges that improve quality of life for everyone.

We are searching for a Program Manager to connect communities in Iowa with water infrastructure funding opportunities.

One of the main roles of this position is helping communities access water, wastewater and/or stormwater infrastructure funding through direct technical assistance. All Program Managers at the EFC also join project teams on a variety of environmental topic areas (air quality, green infrastructure, solid waste management, litter reduction, environmental education, etc.) as their experience and interests align.

Program managers build capacity in communities as they:
• Provide one-on-one assistance to municipalities, environmental professionals, tribal communities, and others.
• Lead in-person trainings, workshops, conference presentations and webinars on a variety of environmental and financial topics.
• Build relationships with environmental regulatory agencies, municipal staff and managers, elected officials, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations.

The WSU EFC primarily serves communities in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and adjoining Tribal Nations. Regular, regional travel is required. This position is focused on serving Iowa, and regular travel throughout the state is expected. There will be opportunities for occasional travel to states outside the region on national projects and/or conference presentations.

WSU EFC supports the importance of actively pursuing professional development for its staff. Program managers are encouraged to attend trainings, conferences and events that ensure that their knowledge and skills stay relevant and up to date.

Job Summary

Manages assigned public service, environmental finance, environmental, or social service program(s) to meet Center objectives. May develop and implement program plans. Oversees the day-to-day program, initiative and/or Center activities including project schedules, budget tracking and development, and project and/or program administration.

Essential Functions

Collaborates with senior leaders to develop program, initiative and/or Center goals and infrastructure to align with defined business, initiative and/or Center strategy. Creates new or troubleshoots and improves upon existing processes, procedures or systems to meet program, initiative and/or Center goals. Manages program or initiative through creation of program plans, management tools and reporting capabilities. Performs project research and develops plans to effectively use program, initiative and/or Center resources. Develops metrics to measure program success against program goals. Manages, trains and leads cross-functional teams and/or agency partnerships and ensures resources are appropriately assigned to meet program, initiative and/or Center goals. Creates strategic partnerships with new or cultivates existing customers. Recommends program or project budget according to needs based on customer and/or leadership consultation. Monitors and adjusts project and program plans as resource requirements change. Communicates and documents program, initiative and/or Center quality outcomes and progress metrics to senior leader and/or customers. Addresses and resolves major or complex issues to ensure program, initiative and/or Center goals remain on track.

Job Duties

Program managers support communities through one-on-one assistance, training, community engagement, research and writing, and facilitation.

The Program manager duties include:

1. Direct Technical Assistance: Program managers provide one-on-one assistance and consultations as requested from communities to support environmental infrastructure planning and financing, and implementation of topics taught at EFC trainings. Assistance will vary, depending on the type of service, from a few hours to multiple visits with the community. Assistance may take place virtually or on-site.

2. Project Leadership and Support: Program managers research, lead, and assist with projects related to the environment and finance, including water utility management for state and local governments. Projects may include on-site work with communities. Projects will vary in subject matter, duration, stakeholder groups, etc.

3. Professional Development Programming: Program managers conduct recurring trainings for existing projects, and they will develop new trainings, workshops and conference programs. Training audiences may include local government professionals, elected officials, environmental professionals, students, and others as defined by project scope and workplan. Trainings, workshops, and conferences often take place across the Midwest, and financial and environmental topics vary.

4. Partnership Development: Program managers are integral to the EFC’s community service efforts and play a lead role in service delivery and maintaining relationships with current federal, state and local government, nonprofit and industry partners; as well as cultivating new partnerships and project opportunities.

5. EFC Representation: Program managers represent the WSU Environmental Finance Center and WSU Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at seminars, conferences and meetings throughout the region and country.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in any field
• Two (2) years of experience in applicable program management or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of water, wastewater, and/or stormwater infrastructure planning and finance.
• Skills in assisting individuals and/or organizations one-on-one.
• Skills in program/project development and implementation in environmental or public service arena.
• In-depth understanding of environmental topics, trends, best practices and local government finance and regulatory issues.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects at one time, work effectively with a team and meet project timeline, budget, and deliverables.
• Ability to build and sustain effective professional and courteous interpersonal relationships with a diverse constituency of staff, faculty, environmental professionals, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, etc.
• Ability to travel regionally (Midwest, with preferred focus on Iowa) and nationally, including overnight trips.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated success:

• Working with communities and organizations in Iowa on public and/or environmental service issues or projects.
• Working with municipal utilities on water, wastewater and/or stormwater infrastructure planning and financing.
• Working on complex environmental projects/programs with a variety of stakeholders that could include local, state, federal and/or tribal governments and nonprofit organizations.

Additional Information:

The EFC Program Manager will work remotely but must live in or near the State of Iowa so that they have regular, drivable access to the communities EFC is tasked with serving in that state.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Able to drive, or travel, several hours to meetings or events.