The Position

The Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) serves as the chief executive officer, reporting directly to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for executing the organization’s strategic vision. This position requires a leader who can oversee and modernize the city’s critical water, wastewater, and drainage systems while ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. Managing a complex public utility with aging infrastructure, significant capital projects, and essential service delivery, the Executive Director must implement transformative change that enhance resilience and reliability for the city’s residents and businesses.

This role requires expertise in financial stewardship, infrastructure investment, and policy navigation to ensure SWBNO operates efficiently and sustainably. Key challenges include modernizing infrastructure that exceeds 100 years in age, fostering transparency with stakeholders, improving workforce development and retention, securing financial stability, and maintaining an apolitical approach while navigating complex political environments. Additionally, the Executive Director must advance climate resilience strategies, which include green infrastructure, to mitigate the risks of extreme weather and flooding, given New Orleans’ geographic vulnerabilities.

Beyond financial and operational management, the role requires extensive knowledge of water management and environmental policy. The Executive Director must advocate for additional investment in stormwater management systems, create long-term funding strategies, and engage in public outreach to foster community trust. Strong communication skills and a commitment to transparency are essential, as the role involves coordinating with the mayor’s office, city council, and regulatory agencies. Given the political sensitivities of this position, the Executive Director must ensure that all messaging remains clear, consistent, and focused on SWBNO’s mission to serve the public effectively.

Compensation and Benefits

SWBNO is offering a highly competitive salary starting at $350,000+ depending on qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning March 14, 2025.

This recruitment will incorporate existing rules and regulations that govern public sector recruitments in the State of Louisiana. Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public upon request by interested parties in accordance with public disclosure and open records laws.

Qualifications

Requirements include a degree in public administration, business administration, finance, urban planning, engineering, law, or a closely related field. An advanced degree in these or a related discipline is preferred. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including three (3) years in a senior executive management capacity, preferably including leadership of a municipal government, business, or enterprise.

About Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

Raftelis is an industry leader in financial, organizational, communication, and technology consulting for utilities and the public sector. We provide insights and expertise to help government agencies operate as high-performing, sustainable entities, and, ultimately, make their communities better places to live, work, and play.

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