Who We Are
The Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a partnership among federal and state stakeholders, communities, philanthropy, and the financial sector to address the funding shortage for water infrastructure projects in thousands of American communities. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WFX is comprised of a team of water and finance professionals devoted to supporting communities across the U.S. reach sustainable water infrastructure solutions, encompassing economic, public health, and environmental needs.
Our model is to provide neutral, third-party expertise to develop water solutions for small and underserved communities from the ground up, rather than top-down. We work at a local level together with communities to provide support to reach sustainable water solutions while providing accessible financing opportunities to remove roadblocks that prevent projects from launching.
WFX believes it can support the efforts of small, rural, and disadvantaged communities to access funding by assembling the best expertise, building trusted relationships with communities, completing projects, and disseminating information about recurring issues and solutions that allow for scaling-up funding of similarly situated communities and regional initiatives. WFX aims to serve as a national platform to accelerate the adoption of best practices, increase the ability of smaller communities to access financing, and close the water infrastructure equity gap across the country.
Launched in 2020, WFX has created a pipeline of community water infrastructure project opportunities and is expanding its efforts to match the new federal and state investments in water infrastructure.
As part of its growth, WFX is seeking to add a full-time New Mexico Community Support Director.
Job Summary
WFX is seeking a New Mexico Community Support Director to lead organizational priorities in New Mexico, including supporting communities in the state that are working to implement sustainable infrastructure solutions, advancing innovative financing solutions, supporting regional strategies to address shared water management challenges, and working with local partners to support New Mexico Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations.
This staffing position would work directly with WFX’s leadership, Senior Advisor team, and its existing partners in New Mexico to build its project pipeline, analyze, and conduct due diligence on technical assistance needs within target communities. In addition, this new hire will support efforts in New Mexico to develop and implement regional solutions for appropriate communities to achieve economies of scale solutions for water and wastewater services.
This position will lead engagements with communities in New Mexico, manage community referrals and support, and engage in community projects that grow beyond initial technical assistance engagements. This position will work directly with WFX’s Programs and Communications Manager, who has been leading WFX’s efforts in New Mexico.
This position is responsible for communicating with communities and leaders, conducting outreach with partner organizations, and providing direct technical assistance and support to communities in partnership with WFX’s internal team. This can include routine and complex financial and economic information, as well as issues pertaining to water utilities, such as rate and affordability analyses for smaller utilities. In addition, the position will focus on project development, financial feasibility analysis, and programmatic assistance.
The Community Support Director is responsible for managing key aspects of WFX’s operations in New Mexico, including state and federal funding application support, financing solutions, and coordination with other technical assistance partners and state agencies. The New Mexico Community Support Director plays a vital role in leading day-to-day activities, facilitating collaboration, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the Southeast team and other responsibilities, as needed.
The ideal candidate will have completed a BA or BS degree and should be self-determined, motivated, and enthusiastic about learning and advancing their career. WFX has offices in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio, Texas, but the majority of the team works remotely. This position will be based in New Mexico and the specific location will be determined by the candidate’s needs.
Travel to communities in the service area to conduct site visits and support technical assistance activities will be required and is expected to be approximately 20-25% of the employee’s effort.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include the following:
- Lead and conduct direct outreach to communities in New Mexico to market WFX’s technical assistance and pre-development services. Serve as the main point of contact for engaged communities.
- Lead efforts with engaged partners, including New Mexico government agencies, to develop and implement regional solutions that can provide water and wastewater services to eligible communities.
- Build and maintain partnerships with municipal groups, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Build and maintain funding and financing opportunities to support WFX’s activities in New Mexico, as well as for community support.
- Engage communities and conduct first due diligence assessments of communities.
- Serve as technical assistance support, coordinating services for communities and working with WFX team and its partners to provide expertise.
- Build and maintain trust and relationships at various levels within the community, including with community members, city staff, political leaders, utility managers, and engineers.
Minimum Requirements
- Must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree, preferably in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, or Economics.
- 3-5 years of experience in relevant sectors of community engagement, public utilities, finance, or municipal governance.
- Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong writing and editing skills, including comfort working with long technical reports.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
- Attention to detail and an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Intellectual flexibility and adaptability for working a wide range of industries and assignments.
Preferred
- Graduate degree (MA, MS, and/or MBA) in Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, or Finance.
- At least 1-2 years of experience in municipal government, the financial sector, or the water supply and sanitation sector.
- Knowledge of the State Revolving Funds and other infrastructure funding sources.
- Candidates with experience working with/engaging with New Mexico Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations
Remuneration
This is a full-time position based in New Mexico. Salary commensurate with experience. WFX offers a competitive benefits package that includes vacation and sick leave, as well as a comprehensive health plan.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following to info@waterfx.org
- A cover letter of qualifications;
- Resume (applicant may be asked to follow-up with professional references); and,
- Writing samples demonstrating experience preparing formal technical documents, such as memoranda, or reports with respect to finance or economic issues.
