The Great Lakes Water Authority: The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is a regional utility providing water and sewer services in southeast Michigan.
GLWA currently serves an area of 1,698 square miles located in eight Michigan counties and an estimated population of nearly 3.8 million or approximately 38% of Michigan’s population.
Affordability & Assistance Program Manager Summary: (Manager Specialty Designation) : Serves as the lead internal and external resource for strategic policies and programs related to water affordability & assistance.
Leads research and communication on behalf of GLWA for the water service sector as well as federal and state policy.
Supports operating, engineering, planning, legal, and financial teams with needs related to affordability matters.
Facilitates hub utility initiatives and partnerships on efforts related to affordability and assistance.
Core Job Functions: Core job functions span across four key themes: Affordability and Assistance Program Policy, Affordability Internal Resource, and Hub Utility Resource, and Water Residential Assistance Program Administration (WRAP).
Affordability and Assistance Program Policy: Monitor federal, state, and local proposed legislation and its potential impact on affordability and assistance programs to formulate and recommend strategy and action to GLWA leadership.
Identify opportunities for GLWA to serve as a subject matter expert for utility affordability and conservation policies at the federal, state, or local levels as well as service sector organizations.
Lead and/or support GLWA’s advocacy efforts through interactions with local and state policymakers on issues related to utility affordability and conservation.
Provide research-based reports and analysis to support service sector organizations and federal, state, and local workgroups.
Affordability Internal Resource: Develop and communicate an affordability framework to support decision-making by operating, engineering, planning, innovation, and legal, and financial teams.
Provide analysis and support related to affordability projects facilitated by the General Counsel.
Serve as a cross-functional team member to provide affordability analysis to reduce reliance on outside consultants from project planning, procurement, and execution.
Works closely with GLWA Public Affairs to communicate GLWA’s affordability and assistance efforts.
Hub Utility Resource: Provides thoughtful leadership and engagement with service area, regional, and state partners on matters related to water affordability and assistance.
Leverages GLWA and other resources to provide support of affordability and assistance efforts for other water utilities in the region.
Hosts educational and collaborative events to address affordability and assistance program matters.
Water Residential Assistance Program Administration: Project manager for contracts and agreements related to WRAP delivery.
Responsible for managing effective WRAP program delivery by strategic partners to address areas of need such as payment assistance, conservation, and home repair programs.
Manage financial matters related to WRAP program delivery.
Coordinate regular meetings with stakeholders to review program operations and performance.
Identify potential program improvements and develop proposals for program changes for Board approval.
Prepare and present reports related to WRAP performance and amendments to stakeholders and the Board of Directors.
Serve as to point of contact at GLWA for all Community Action Agencies (CAAs).
Provide WRAP updates and education to member partner communities (including boards and councils) as requested.
Conduct outreach to nonparticipating member partner communities in conjunction with CAAs.
Lead regular meetings with CAAs to address program issues and opportunities for improvement.
Develop network with community service agencies, foundations, grantmakers, and other resources to leverage increase in WRAP funding beyond member partner revenues.
Primary Responsibilities (Not Limited To ): As a GLWA Manager, performs the following: Uphold GLWA standards of conduct, policies, and procedures in the spirit of the GLWA’s Mission at all times.
Manages and mentors one or more team members.
Secures outside consulting or other assistance through established procurement policies and procedures in alignment with budgeted amounts.
Attend and participate in all scheduled or mandatory, training and supervisions as requested both in person and in a remote environment.
Initiate preparation of proposals with requisite creativity, thoroughness, and attention to detail, including scheduling and deadlines.
Deliver professionally completed reports to GLWA leadership team, member partners, program partners, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
Perform all other tasks as requested by the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer or their designee.
Educational and Work Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Policy, Marketing, Human Services, Public Administration, or related field required.
Master in a related field is preferred.
Minimum 5-8 years experience in program policy and/or delivery, including government, nonprofit, and/or consulting experience.
Demonstrated analytical skills in financial matters, research, and performance measures.
Knowledge of the grant application process.
Understanding of project management and lean process improvement techniques.
High level of computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Valid Michigan Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as required by GLWA.
Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of residents in financial stress facing water shut-off for nonpayment of services and/or in demonstrated financial need.