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 analy