Manager, Global Programs

Water Environment Federation; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Environment Federation is seeking a Manager, Global Programs to oversee volunteer programs and global initiatives from our Alexandria office. The role combines project management, partnership coordination, and cross‑cultural collaboration to advance WEF’s mission.

You will work with member associations and internal teams, plan events, and support strategy execution while traveling up to 20% of the year. This is a hybrid role based in Virginia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations/affairs or related field.
• MA degree preferred but not required.
• 5+ years in project management, data analysis, budgeting, communications and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Manage WEF volunteer groups: develop agendas, briefings, track actions and outputs, provide guidance and serve as primary contact.
• Lead process-improvement plans with Community Engagement and document procedures.
• Collaborate with volunteer groups to develop initiatives, plan webinars, events and workshops.
• Support Managing Director on initiatives related to global programs and volunteer engagement.
• Act as liaison for member associations and other WEF entities.
• Ensure collaboration between internal staff, member associations and WEF communities.
• Assist in developing global program strategies aligned to WEF goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with global member associations and stakeholders.
• Manage full project cycle: design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting.
• Contribute content for communications (social, website, newsletters, podcasts).

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Budgeting

Communications

Engagement

Community management

CRM software

Cross‑cultural understanding

Travel readiness

Written communication

Education

B.A. in International Relations/Affairs

M.A. preferred

Tools

CRM software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Manager, Global Programs

Community Engagement ** Professional Alexandria, VA, US

$70,000-$85,000

NOTE: This role is hybrid and requires working in the office (Alexandria, VA) 2 days every other week, or remote if you are not local to the DMV area. Travel is required (up to 20% of the year) for meetings and events, including travel to WEF’s annual conference, WEFTEC.

How This Position Contributes to the Team:

Manages operational and administrative activities for volunteer groups associated with WEF’s global

partners and stakeholders. Supports operational management to amplify WEF’s volunteer engagement and

communication. Assists in the management of process improvement within WEF’s global programs and other

WEF communities as assigned. Provides operational and subject matter expertise as required. Serves as

primary point-of-contact for assigned member associations and other WEF volunteer entities, ensuring

collaboration between internal WEF staff, member associations, and WEF Communities. Collaborating on the

planning, implementation, and evaluation of global programs that align with the organization’s mission,

vision, and strategic goals. This role involves project management, partnership management, and cross-

cultural collaboration to ensure the success and sustainability of global initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages the WEF volunteer groups by developing agendas, producing briefing materials, tracking action items, taking notes, and meeting outputs– in support of volunteer engagement, provides guidance, administration, and serves as the volunteer groups’ substantive point of contact.
• Manages process improvement plans, including definition of roles, responsibilities, detailed documentation of procedures within Community Engagement.
• Works with and manages relevant volunteer groups to develop initiatives and services to support WEF’s member engagement objectives. Liaises with volunteer leaders, schedules and participates in webinars, plans events, and workshops.
• Supports the Managing Director of Community Engagement on specific WEF initiatives on technical and volunteer engagement topics of interest.
• Act as a liaison for assigned member associations and other WEF volunteer entities.
• Ensures collaboration and coordination between internal WEF staff, member associations, and WEF communities, as needed.
• Assist the Director, Global Programs in the development and execution of global program strategies and initiatives aligned to WEF’s strategic goals.
• Assist building and maintaining strong relationships with global Member Associations, partners, and stakeholders.
• Assist managing the full project cycle: design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation/reporting.
• Provide content for communications, i.e., WEF social media, website, newsletters, podcasts, and other media as needed. Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

Qualifications:

• B.A. in International Relations/Affairs, International Development, International Business, or related degree area.
• M.A. preferred but not required.
• 5+ years’ experience focused on project management, data analysis and tracking, budgeting experience preferred, communications and engagement and/or community management
• Fluency in second language strongly preferred
• Experience managing CRM preferred but not required.
• Experience in working on international, multi-faceted programs; Cross–cultural understanding and sensitivity
• High degree of initiative and interest in business and service development
• Ability to manage support staff and volunteer teams
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimum direction and to lead projects from initial
• Articulate with excellent written communication skills & ability to serve as WEF representative
• Detail oriented and accurate with excellent project management skills
• Ability to travel, including internationally, up to 20-25% of the time

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.

WEF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Us

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations (MAs) representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. WEF and its global network of members and member associations provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of improving water quality around the world.

WEF is operating under a new Strategic Plan built on the vision of a life free of water challenges. Our ultimate goal is a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives. The key strategic goals under the new Strategic Plan are: 1) to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce; 2) to cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all; and 3) to lead the transformation to the circular water economy.

The new Strategic Plan embodies WEF’s embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. WEF is committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including within the governance structure and leadership, WEF partners, WEF staff, and the WEF membership. This commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will guide our work and our programs, culminating in outcomes that improve public health for all.