Executive Director

We are looking for our agency's next Executive Director!

Reporting to the UFSWQD Board, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the District, providing overall leadership for operations, finance, administration, planning, public affairs, and engineering. This role requires strong political and organizational acumen, the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and a practical, forward-looking approach to complex public infrastructure and environmental challenges. The Executive Director leads a senior team responsible for strategic planning, advancing major capital initiatives, ensuring compliance and strengthening internal systems, and representing the District in legislative, intergovernmental, and community settings. Inclusivity, transparency, and public service are central to the role, with responsibility for fostering an inclusive organizational culture and ensuring meaningful community engagement in the District’s work. To learn more about the full responsibilities of this position, view the full job description https://www.prothman.com/JobFiles/3347/UFSWQD%20OR%20Executive%20Director%20Profile%20Final.pdf

This role is open until filled, however, those interested in applying should submit applications by March 8, 2026 to be considered for first review.

Opportunities & Priorities:

• Now approximately 18 months into the transition from four flood districts into a unified organization, UFSWQD, together with the District Board, executive team, and staff, is well positioned to advance the agency to its next phase of organizational maturity. The incoming Executive Director will play a central role in shaping strategies to advance the District’s significant capital improvement program, respond to increased risk of pluvial flooding, support a talented team of senior leaders, continue the District’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Executive Director also will lead strategies to implement the District’s new mandates related to water quality, habitat, climate mitigation, social justice, and cultural history. 
• The Executive Director will collaborate closely with the District Board, building strong working relationships to guide strategic planning efforts and translate adopted priorities into clear, actionable objectives for staff. 
• A critical resource supporting this work is approximately $150 million in bond funding available to the District, which has already been allocated through the Capital Improvement Program. A key responsibility of the Executive Director is to ensure the effective, prioritized, and accountable deployment of these funds. For 2026, the GO Bond budget totals $18 million; however, projects have already been identified for the full $150 million in bond funding. In addition, the District has identified approximately $45 million in project spending tied to state funding sources, of which $20 million has already been awarded. 
• The Executive Director will ensure local, state, and federal elected officials are informed about the District’s accomplishments, challenges, and longterm needs. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules and District policies. Upholding public trust and clearly communicating the District’s mission and future priorities will be central to success in this role.

UFSWQD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by March 8, 2026 (first review, open until filled). Applications, supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to www.prothman.com and click on "Open Recruitments", select “Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District, OR – Executive Director”, and click “Apply Online”, or click here. Resumes, cover letters and supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in. If you are a veteran and wish to request veterans' preference credit, please indicate that in your cover letter, and complete and submit the veterans' preference form posted on the website as instructed on the form. UFSWQD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't believe they meet all the qualifications listed.