Director, Planning and Sustainability

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Directs the Authority's Planning and Sustainability Department and is responsible for the development of the Authority's long-term master planning function. Directs planning activities in the areas of public and environmental health, local infiltration/inflow (I/I) reduction program, mapping and modeling, hurricane preparedness, Orange and Yellow Notebook monthly and quarterly business metrics reporting and production. Collaborates with other departments to ensure compliance with drinking water regulations. Coordinates and directs interdivisional projects and sets policy and guidelines for agency-wide planning initiatives. Leads agency efforts in integrating sustainability into all MWRA activities through the use of environmentally responsible protocols in accordance with best industry practices.

Posting Period: 5/11/2026 to 5/22/2026 Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $180,000.00 to $194,000.00 Annually Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the production of water and wastewater master plans and setting of capital program priorities. Leads water and wastewater policy development, and represents MWRA's interests in state and federal regulatory development. Provides assistance with environmental planning to projects throughout the Operations Division.
• Directs and coordinates the authority's environmental sustainability efforts.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of programs to promote MWRA system's adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
• Oversees MWRA's emergency response planning, including coordinating compliance with the requirements of America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), production and maintenance of emergency response plans for MWRA facilities, and planning and implementation of response drills and exercises.
• Leads public health research and outreach efforts. Manages the production and distribution of MWRA's annual water quality report (the Consumer Confidence Report), and water quality related outreach.
• Oversees technical and financial assistance programs for communities, including over $1 billion in water pipe, I/I and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) grants and loans.
• Directs MWRA's Lead and Copper Rule compliance program, coordinating with MWRA water communities and state and federal regulators. Oversees MWRA's outreach and financial assistance to encourage community replacement of lead service lines.
• Provides technical analyses for the system expansion, emergency connections and water supply agreement processes.
• Coordinates with metering and monitoring data management activities, assisting in community coordination and outreach.
• Oversees the GIS mapping, data analysis, and demand forecasting functions for both water and sewer systems.
• Coordinates the Operation Division's efforts in benchmarking, performance measurement, emergency planning/risk reduction and energy management.
• Participates in and represents the MWRA at regional and national forums as appropriate.
• Represents the Authority at public meetings and, as appropriate, speaks publicly at workshops, conferences and events on Authority initiatives.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Participates in preparing for collective bargaining and hears Step One Grievances.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Analytical and writing skills as normally attained through a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public administration, planning science, engineering, or related field required. An advanced degree in public administration, law, environmental science, or related field preferred; and
• At least ten (10) years professional experience with state and federal environmental regulations development, compliance, and policy analysis of which at least five (5) years are in a managerial or supervisory capacity preferably in the public sector; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or driver's license from another state.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends for urgent business issues or respond to business calls on MWRA assigned phone after hours.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Position may be eligible for up to 50% telework.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiarity with water and sewer infrastructure issues preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly as they relate to drinking water.
• Understanding of the key principles of strategic planning and sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, train and assign duties to subordinates.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to successfully interact with high-level executives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise diplomacy.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated with professional administrative settings, including but not limited to the use of telephone, personal computer, word processing and other software, videoconferencing applications, copier, scanner and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
There are no requirements that weight is lifted or force is exerted in the performance of this job.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment.
The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting. The position may be eligible to telework up to 50% after an initial waiting period.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Programs, Policies and Planning.
Exercises general supervision of assigned professional and administrative staff.

Other Position Information
PCR: 1510002 Division: Operations
Department: Planning
Union/Grade: Non-Union/Grade 16

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.