Part-Time Executive Director — Water Policy Leader

Brown and Caldwell, Inc.; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 207,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short and long-term disability

Life insurance

401(k) with employer match

Bonus eligibility

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Long-term care insurance

Job summary

Brown and Caldwell is seeking an Executive Director for a California-based nonprofit focused on sustainable urban water solutions. This part-time leadership role may transition to full-time based on skills, experience, and business needs, with 8–12 hours per week commitment.

The Executive Director will lead the client organization, guiding strategic priorities, strengthening Board relations, and representing the organization to member agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders across

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in a related role.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred in a technical, business, or related field.
• Water industry experience, executive leadership experience, and an established network within California water.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to support the client organization's mission and long-term objectives.
• Partner with the Board to develop, implement, and advance strategic priorities, goals, and organizational initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and objective resource on California water issues, emerging trends, and policy developments.
• Prepare and communicate issue briefs, strategic recommendations, policy principles, and other executive-level materials to Board members and stakeholders.
• Represent the organization with member agencies, industry associations, regulatory agencies, research organizations, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration and consensus-building among diverse stakeholder groups to advance shared objectives.
• Lead Board and committee meetings, fostering engagement, productive discussion, and effective decision-making.
• Support the financial and operational sustainability of the organization through sound stewardship of resources and the identification of potential partnership, sponsorship, or funding opportunities.
• Represent the client organization at Board meetings, hearings, conferences, and industry events throughout California.
• Manage and mentor a team, maintaining high-quality standards, strong communication skills, and alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategy.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Water policy

Stakeholder relationships

Board relations

Facilitation

Executive communication

Budgeting

Staff mentoring

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Job description

Brown and Caldwell is seeking an Executive Director for a California-based nonprofit focused on sustainable urban water solutions. This part-time leadership role may transition to full-time based on skills, experience, and business needs, with 8–12 hours per week commitment.

The Executive Director will lead the client organization, guiding strategic priorities, strengthening Board relations, and representing the organization to member agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders across