Director, Regulatory Affairs

Salary Range:

$105,000.00 To 157,400.00 Annually

How This Position Contributes to the Team

The Director of Regulatory Affairs leads the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) regulatory agency engagement and regulatory policy advocacy and reports to the Senior Director of Government Affairs. The Director of Regulatory Affairs engages with agency officials at the other relevant federal agencies on rulemaking, water policy matters, and other programs of interest to WEF members. The Director of Regulatory Affairs leads efforts to develop positions, strategies, and public comments that advance the interests of WEF and its members, particularly with the goal of advancing WEF’s Strategic Goals. The Director of Regulatory Affairs also works with WEF members, relevant WEF committees, and groups to advance WEF’s regulatory policy priorities through grassroots and membership engagement.

NOTE: This position is only open to hybrid work – 80% remote and 20% in-office (Alexandria, VA) – and requires travel (up to 25% of the year) into downtown DC and across the U.S to participate in relevant meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees WEF’s engagement with regulatory agencies of jurisdiction in water policy and programs, including EPA, DOE, USDA, USGS, DOC, DOI, DOL, and others. Maintains constructive working relationships with senior officials within relevant agencies.
• Oversees and informs member committees, subcommittees, and teams on relevant regulatory engagements.
• Coordinates closely with WEF staff and volunteer leadership to advance WEF’s policy positions and desired regulatory outcomes, particularly to advance WEF’s Strategic Plan and Goals.
• Contributes to WEF issue campaigns, such as Water Advocates calls-to-action, and periodic articles in WE&T, SmartBrief, and other publications.
• Serves as subject matter expert on regulatory policy matters for WEF and WEF’s members.
• Seeks opportunities to grow WEF’s profile in the water sector while coordinating with other WEF Departments to provide excellent customer service to existing members.
• Develop constructive, respectful, and effective relationships with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance WEF’s reputation across the water sector.
• Represents and presents on behalf of WEF at conferences, meetings, and events.

Experience and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Five or more years full-time experience in related field(s).
• Knowledge of existing and emerging water regulatory and policy matters, particularly in areas that align with WEF’s Strategic Goals.
• Experience analyzing, influencing, implementing, or adapting regulatory issues.
• Demonstrated results-oriented team leadership.
• Excellent program management abilities, including strong planning, time management, and basic budget management skills.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively with Executives and federal officials.
• Ability to resolve conflicts quickly, fairly, and diplomatically.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Motivated to seek new challenges with a creative and learning mindset.
• Willingness to travel and present at conferences, meetings, and industry related events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced or technical degree.
• Experience using online collaboration and communication software (e.g., SharePoint, Teams).

This person will work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.

WEF reserves the right to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or other compliance with public health measures as a condition of employment. This is not mandatory at this time.

WEF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Who We Are

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations (MAs) representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. WEF and its global network of members and member associations provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of improving water quality around the world.

WEF is operating under a new Strategic Plan built on the vision of a life free of water challenges. Our ultimate goal is a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives. The key strategic goals under the new Strategic Plan are: 1) to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce; 2) to cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all; and 3) to lead the transformation to the circular water economy.

The new Strategic Plan embodies WEF’s embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. WEF is committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including within the governance structure and leadership, WEF partners, WEF staff, and the WEF membership. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will guide our work and our programs, culminating in outcomes that improve public health for all.

Learn more here