Executive Director, West Virginia Water Development Authority

Salary: $120,000.00 – $140,000.00 Annually
Location: Kanawha County, WV
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: WDA271001
Department: Water Development Authority
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
LOCATION OF VACANCY: KANAWHA
Civil Service Type: Non-Covered – This Position is Not Covered OR Classified Under the DOP Merit System

Nature of Work

Reports To: West Virginia Water Development Authority Board

Position Summary

Shape the Future of West Virginia’s Infrastructure

Are you a visionary leader ready to build the infrastructure that will define the future of West Virginia? The West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) is seeking an Executive Director who is passionate about public service, economic development, and ensuring the health and resilience of our state’s vital water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

As the Executive Director, you will not just manage operations; you will serve as the chief architect of the Authority’s strategic future. You will be the bridge between policy and implementation, driving multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments that directly improve the quality of life for all West Virginians. This is a unique opportunity to lead a mission-driven team, steward the West Virginia Infrastructure Fund, and play a critical role in the growth and prosperity of the Mountain State.

Examples of Work

Key Leadership Skills and Abilities:

Strategic Visionary: You will lead the implementation of strategic initiatives and board directives, translating high-level policy into tangible progress for communities statewide.
Financial Steward: Overseeing the fiduciary health of the Authority and the Infrastructure Fund, you will manage bond issuances, complex financing instruments, and annual budgets, ensuring every dollar is invested to maximum effect.
Collaborative Catalyst: You will serve as a key leader within the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC), chairing the Technical Review and Funding Committee. You will unite diverse stakeholders—from elected officials and local governments to engineering firms and federal agencies—to solve complex infrastructure challenges.
Organizational Leader: You will cultivate a culture of excellence, providing mentorship and professional development to a team of dedicated experts, and serving as the public face of the Authority before the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and the public.

Successful Applicants will be:

A Strategic Thinker: You possess the ability to balance competing priorities, navigate complex regulatory environments, and drive long-term planning without losing sight of immediate operational needs.
A Trusted Expert: You have a deep understanding of public finance, infrastructure funding, and governmental administration. You can articulate complex financial and policy issues clearly to both technical experts and lay audiences. You will work closely with the Governor’s Office and high-level executives.
A Relationship Builder: You are a seasoned communicator who builds bridges across government, industry, and the public. You bring people together to achieve common goals through consensus and influence.
A Driven Professional: You are committed to integrity, innovation, and impact. You approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset and are energized by the prospect of creating lasting change.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, or a related field. Significant executive or senior management experience is essential.
Industry Expertise: Proven experience in public infrastructure financing, municipal utilities, economic development, or state government operations. Knowledge of West Virginia’s specific water and wastewater infrastructure landscape is highly advantageous.
Leadership Presence: Demonstrated success in managing complex organizations, high-stakes budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
Communication Mastery: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present compelling recommendations and reports to high-level governmental entities.