Details

Posted: 06-Aug-26

Location: Washington, D.C.

Type: Full Time

Categories:

Executive Director/CEO

Required Education:

4 Year Degree

Certifications:

CAE

Earners of the Certified Association Executive have demonstrated, through experience and passing an exam, that they have practical experience in association management and executive level knowledge in defined competencies. Earners pledge to uphold codes of ethics and professional conduct. The CAE is maintained through ongoing association management professional development and leadership activities. The CAE Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Chief Executive Officer
American Metropolitan Water Association (AMWA)

About AMWA

The American Metropolitan Water Association (AMWA) represents the nation’s largest publicly owned drinking water systems, serving as a leading advocate on the policy, regulatory, and operational issues affecting metropolitan water utilities. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, AMWA advances the interests of its members while supporting the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to millions of Americans.

The Opportunity

AMWA is seeking an accomplished, visionary executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the Board President, the CEO will provide strategic leadership for the association and serve as its chief executive and principal spokesperson.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a highly respected national organization at a time when water policy, infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, and member engagement are increasingly important. Working closely with the Board, professional staff, and industry stakeholders, the CEO will shape the organization’s future while strengthening its influence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer will:

• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish and execute AMWA’s strategic vision and long-range priorities.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the association, ensuring operational excellence and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership and support to a talented professional staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture.
• Ensure the organization’s long-term financial health through sound fiscal management, budgeting, and revenue diversification.
• Strengthen membership recruitment, engagement, retention, and overall member value.
• Represent AMWA before members, policymakers, partner organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Support effective governance by working closely with the Board and implementing Board policies and strategic priorities.
• Oversee compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Provide executive leadership for WaterISAC.

Desired Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of ten years of senior association management or comparable executive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success working with boards of directors and volunteer leaders.
• Strong experience in strategic planning, financial management, organizational leadership, and operational oversight.
• A successful track record leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and public presentation skills.
• Experience with membership organizations and member engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with public policy, advocacy, and legislative or regulatory affairs is highly desirable.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential preferred.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will be:

• A strategic and forward-thinking leader.
• An effective communicator and trusted relationship builder.
• A collaborative partner to the Board of Directors.
• An inclusive and empowering leader who develops talented teams.
• Financially astute with strong business judgment.
• Mission-driven with a commitment to serving AMWA’s members and advancing the association’s impact.

Why Join AMWA?

Leading AMWA offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the nation’s most essential public services. The next CEO will work with dedicated volunteer leaders, experienced staff, and influential stakeholders to shape policy, strengthen member value, and position the association for continued success in a rapidly evolving environment.

Location and Travel

This position is based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and requires approximately 30% travel.

Application Process

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are welcomed.

https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/sterlingmartin/job/jo96xigftdehb94twykno4bp3a

David Martin
Managing Partner
Sterling Martin Associates
dmartin@smartinsearch.com

The American Metropolitan Water Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.