Job Description

Organizational/Position Highlights

Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, formerly Rock River Water Reclamation District, was formed under the Sanitary District Act of 1917 and voted into existence by election in 1926. Today, a board of trustees appointed by the Winnebago County Chairman oversees the affairs of Four Rivers. Four Rivers' job is to collect wastewater, remove all the liquid and solid contaminants, and return fresh water to the Rock River.

Four Rivers serves over 240,000 customers in a 100-square mile radius with over 1,142 miles of pipe in Winnebago County alone, extending as far north as South Beloit, east to Boone County, south to Ogle County, and as far west as the Village of Winnebago.We utilize 36 lift stations throughout our system and we operate a 90-acre campus on Rockford’s south side, processing 40 million gallons of wastewater per day and producing over 9,000 tons of fertilizer twice per year that is used to benefit local farm fields growing cattle feed.

With the methane gas our operations produce, we meet 71% of our own energy needs, saving our customers $1 million annually and significantly lessening our carbon footprint.

At the end of the day, the water we return to the Rock River is cleaner than the water it joins. Our lab monitors our results by evaluating over 60,000 samples per year, so our citizens can rest easy knowing that Four Rivers Sanitation Authority is taking care of their needs and those of our shared environment.

In the process of doing this work, which is demanding from the perspectives of ingenuity, labor, equipment, and energy – we do everything we can to operate sustainably and benefit the environment.

Who We Are Looking For:

Due to a recent retirement, we are searching for a new Executive Director. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and policy implementation to ensure the utility operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with its mission to deliver reliable and high-quality services to the community. The Executive Director is the primary liaison between the Board, staff, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement long-term and short-term strategic plans that align with the mission, vision, and goals as directed by the Board of Trustees.
• Provide visionary leadership to navigate industry changes, regulatory developments, and technological advancements in the wastewater industry.
• Collaborate with the Board to establish organizational priorities, policies, and performance benchmarks.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Four Rivers, ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and cost-effective services that support a sustainable environment.
• Direct and evaluate management team to maintain high performance across all functional areas, including engineering, finance, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement and monitor operational policies, procedures, and standards of operation to optimize efficiency and resource utilization.
• Manage relationships with Union officials and membership

Financial Stewardship

• Prepare and present annual budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reports to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility through sound financial planning, budget management, and cost-control measures.
• Pursue opportunities to secure funding through state and federal grants, partnerships, or other financial mechanisms to support capital development.

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Trustees, providing timely and accurate information for decision-making.
• Facilitate effective communication between the Board and Four Rivers staff to ensure alignment on goals and initiatives.
• Implement Board directives and policies with transparency and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Four Rivers in interactions with customers, government agencies, community organizations, elected public officials, and industry groups.
• Foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote trust, collaboration, and public confidence in Four Rivers’ services.
• Communicate effectively to address concerns, educate the public, and advocate for the interests of Four Rivers Sanitation Authority and its customers.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Proactively identify and manage risks to safeguard Four Rivers’ operations and reputation.
• Oversee emergency response planning and preparedness to address service disruptions or crises.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration/Public Administration, Urban Affairs, or any combination of interdepartmental majors that combine to give a broad exposure to management.
• A combination of 10+ years of experience in wastewater/water utility, and related field may be substituted at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of strategic planning and operational excellence in both performance and culture.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory framework, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development in the utility/public sector, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.
• Specific knowledge of water/wastewater management is preferred
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle license from the state of residence with a driving record suitable to Four Rivers.

Preferred Attributes:

• Visionary leadership with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
• Commitment to community engagement and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to build consensus and lead through collaboration and teamwork.

Compensation:

Salary: 180k-200k

Benefits & Wellbeing:Medical/Dental/Vision, Flex Plan, Life Insurance, IMRF (Pension Plan), Deferred Compensation, Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave, Tuition Reimbursement (Detailed benefits/contribution rates provided upon request)

Company vehicle provided

Relocation assistance

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply. We are committed to ensuring our employment practices are non-discriminatory and based solely on job-related factors.

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to apply, please contact Cheryl Church

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and career narrative to:

Workplace

Attn: Cheryl Church

Cheryl@workplacesearch.com

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