Description

The City of Madison is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and empathetic leader for the Madison Water Utility. The General Manager leads the work of the Madison Water Utility, and is ultimately responsible for the financial, technical, maintenance and repair, operational, developmental, public relations, and administrative functions of the Utility.  This position reports to the Mayor and the Water Utility Board, is a member of the Mayor's Management Team, and a member of the Public Works team. The work involves the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in carrying out responsibilities under broad policies established by the Water Utility Board, the City Common Council, the State Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The successful candidate will have strong management skills and a customer-focused mindset, with experience working in a public utility. They will have experience managing large budgets, creating customer service programs, and preparing rate cases. They will understand the regulatory framework governing utility operations and grant funding.  They will be able to be strategic in communication and explain complex technical information to the general public. They will advance Madison’s sustainability goals and help build a diverse, inclusive workforce. They will have excellent communication skills and be excited to collaborate with other agencies.

Employment will be subject to a five-year employment contract negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council and a term of the contract requires residency in the City of Madison. Non-residents will be given time to establish residency if necessary. This position currently supervises approximately 130 permanent employees, both directly and through lower-level supervisors.

Requirements

Five (5) years of responsible supervisory and administrative experience in a senior leadership position at a utility, preferably a public water or water-related utility; AND
Bachelor’s (or higher level) degree in Engineering, Business, Public Administration, Water Resources or Environmental Management, or a related field of study.
-OR-

Four (4) years of experience applying all of the following:
Principles and methods of administration as they apply to the management of a public utility.
Sustainability, water resources management issues and available technology, including ground water and water conservation issues.
Full range of supervisory principles and practices, labor relations and personnel management.
Racial equity and social justice principles, particularly with respect to water quality, environmental justice, and the impacts of utility bills on low-income households.
Principles and practices relating to water utility plant operation.
Rate determination and financing principles and practices relating to public utilities, including billing and utility accounting.
Business administration including financial management, general accounting, program and business planning, and budget development and monitoring; AND
Familiarity with the following:
Customer assistance programs and ways to mitigate the impact of rate increases on customers.