DIRECTOR OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY  & UPLOAD RESUME.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Water Infrastructure Finance. This leadership role is responsible for deploying billions of dollars through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to build resilient communities, safeguard public health, and accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of Maryland's water infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with a proven track record in program management and team development, who is passionate about engaging with communities to leverage public finance for environmental progress. You will lead a dedicated team in financing the drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects that are essential to the health and prosperity of our state.

 This is a MANAGEMENT SERVICES position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Maryland Department of the Environment

Business Administration

Water Infrastructure Financing Administration

1800 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21230

The purpose of the role is to lead the Water Infrastructure Financing Administration (WIFA). This executive role sits at the heart of MDE's mission to protect and restore the environment for all Marylanders. As a key member of the Department's leadership team, you will guide the strategic deployment of federal and state capital to ensure every community has access to safe drinking water and clean water infrastructure, directly safeguarding public health and the future of the Chesapeake Bay.

This leadership role combines high-level financial stewardship with impactful government and community engagement. You will have ultimate oversight of Maryland’s multi-billion-dollar water infrastructure capital budget, ensuring its long-term sustainability and compliance by managing critical partnerships with federal funders at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state agencies like the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and local governments. You will lead and empower a dedicated team of finance and policy experts responsible for the full lending lifecycle—from underwriting and loan negotiation to financial reporting and portfolio management. As a key subject matter expert for the administration, you will champion resilient infrastructure with local leaders across the state and support the MDE Secretary by providing expert testimony before the General Assembly.

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and management of Water Infrastructure Capital Projects, long-range financial forecasts, and strategic financial plans.
• Direct the planning, development, and implementation of state and federal infrastructure loan programs.
• Oversee all financial reporting and analysis, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to senior staff.
• Ensure all loan programs comply with applicable federal and state laws, including environmental, procurement, and financial regulations.
• Lead a team of finance professionals, underwriters, and program analysts to execute and monitor loan activities.
• Coordinate annual audits and liaise with external auditors and financial consultants.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Advise leadership on financial planning, risk management, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Serve as liaison with the Governor’s Office, the State Legislature, and oversight bodies on budgetary and financial matters.
• Develop and implement program policies, operational procedures, and modernization initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal divisions and external partners to align budget planning with agency priorities and strategic plans.
• Work with stakeholders including municipalities, counties, utilities, tribal governments, and regional agencies to promote funding opportunities and provide technical assistance.

Applicants must satisfy the minimum qualifications to be considered for this position and move forward in the hiring process.  Please read all requirements before applying.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of senior-level experience managing financial operations for a professional organization to include budget management, budget analysis, and/or overseeing water infrastrucure capital budgets.  Two years of this experience must include the supervision of financial staff.

Please note that your answers to the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit.

Preferences will be given to candidates with the following:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in program management, public finance, or infrastructure development.
• At least five (5) years of experience in a senior management capacity, with a proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of high-level stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Direct experience managing a State Revolving Fund (SRF) program or similar large-scale public financing instruments.
• In-depth knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and related federal and state environmental regulations.
• Experience in municipal finance, capital project planning, or public works management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of State budgeting processes, legislative appropriations, and public finance regulations.
• Excellent leadership and strong written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with federal or state-level stakeholders and navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences clearly and effectively.
• Understanding of environmental review processes and capital improvement planning.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure funding mechanisms, credit evaluation, and capital project financing.
• Familiarity with federal and state revolving loan fund programs and grant-to-loan leveraging strategies.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider the information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered.

Should you possess a bachelor's/master’s degree from a college or university outside of the United States, you must have your educational credentials evaluated by an approved education review service.  This evaluation must be submitted prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. at 302-737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. at 1-800-932-3897 or 202-331-2925.

All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. You must be legally authorized and possess any necessary documents under this Act in order to be hired in the position for which you applied.  

 CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS   STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

PERSONAL LEAVE - New State employees are awarded six (6) personal leave days annually (prorated based on start date).

ANNUAL LEAVE - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

SICK LEAVE – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

PARENTAL LEAVE – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

HOLIDAYS – State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year. 

It is highly preferred that you apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit the State paper application and supplemental questionnaire (by the closing date) to olivia.sterrett@maryland.gov or mail to:

Maryland Department of the Environment

OHR - Recruitment and Examination Division

1800 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore MD 21230

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact  Olivia Sterrett at 410-537-3105.  If you have difficulties submitting your online application, please contact the Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.  People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.  MDE is dedicated to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated.