WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AUTHORITY OF ARIZONA

Address:  100 N. 7th Ave. #130 Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: Negotiable

Salary Range: $140,000 - $190,000

Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled.
(Review of resumes will be February 2, 2023 - submit application no later than 2/1/2023 11:59pm)

*Applicants must submit a Cover Letter with resume to be considered*

The WIFA is seeking to hire a leadership team to accomplish the WIFA’s responsibilities. The Assistant Director will be a key member of a goal-oriented, pragmatic, innovating team who provide expertise and leadership to drive economic growth and environmental benefits through supporting state, tribal, and local efforts to augment water supplies, conserve water, and modernize water infrastructure for all of Arizona.

The responsibilities of the WIFA have recently been greatly expanded through the enactment of SB 1740. The bold plan to secure Arizona’s water future provides over $1 billion to fund projects that seek to address water supply for the next 100 years. Historically, the WIFA’s primary responsibility has been to help Arizona’s communities construct and maintain their wastewater and drinking water infrastructure by providing them low-cost financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs. SB 1740 expanded the WIFA’s responsibilities to include a fundamental role in meeting the existing and future water supply needs of the State of Arizona through the Water Supply Development Fund (WSDF), the Long Term Augmentation Fund (LTWAF), and the Water Conservation Grant Fund (WCGF).

The ideal candidate will be someone who is able to act independently, has a sense of urgency and the confidence to handle a variety of challenges, a full commitment to the success of the business and high standards of achievement are expected in this position. We are looking for someone who puts an emphasis on results, and effective systems that achieve results through and with people, rather than on the details of implementation. Someone who understands that the work requires a sense of urgency for goal achievement, has the ability to handle varied activities as well as multiple, simultaneous projects in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment. This person must be comfortable delegating to proven people, putting an emphasis on building rapport and relationships with individuals and groups. If you feel you have the ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions we want you to apply!

The duties of Water Projects Assistant Director requires a high degree of decision-making focused on implementing practical, timely solutions. The job duties requires getting things done quickly and handling a variety of activities. Self-assurance, and the confidence to purposely drive toward results while constantly problem-solving and engaging the commitment of others is essential to be successful in this role. This role requires a leadership style that is firm and goal oriented, and yet motivates, trains, and engages others, which produces accountability for timely results. Major job responsibilities include:

• Responsible for developing and implementing processes to evaluate proposals for WIFA assistance across all five WIFA funds.

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to deploy WIFA financial assistance across multiple funds, multiple types of projects, and across the entire state in a manner consistent with statutory guidance and WIFA board direction.

• Hire and manage staff (or engage external contractors and consultants) to prioritize, evaluate, prepare evaluation reports, and prepare recommendations to the WIFA board for project assistance.

• Proactively develop and maintain relationships with potential WIFA project beneficiaries, industry groups, public agencies in Arizona, the Environmental Protection Agency, and SRF agencies in other states to identify innovate ways to better deliver WIFA services.

• Closely coordinate with WIFA’s external relations staff to ensure WIFA has the widest audience possible for its programs.

• Engage with the entire Arizona water community to identify emerging physical, legal, or regulatory issues and how WIFA’s programs can best meet future needs.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of and experience with a suite of Arizona water resources including groundwater, surface water, SRP supplies, and CAP supplies.
• Working knowledge of Arizona water law.

Skill:
• Skills in and demonstrated experience with project management and project delivery. (preferably in a utility)
• Significant skills in and proven experience with water conservation. (preferred)
• Significant skills in and proven experience with State Revolving Funds. (preferred)

Ability:
• Ability to and experience in supervising employees as well as maintaining relationships with external consultants and contractors.
• Ability to and experience in developing a new organization.

• Possess a Master's or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university.
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11)
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license appropriate to the assignment.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Sick leave

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Cindy Soto at cindy.soto@azdoa.gov for assistance.