Assistant General Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Under administrative and policy direction of the General Manager and/or the Board of Directors, provide highly responsible and professional assistance in the overall administration of the Agency; direct, oversees, plans and coordinates the activities and operations of the Agency’s departments. Plan, organize, coordinate, and assist in managing the development and administration of special projects/assignments for other divisions, departments, and outside third party vendor services. Oversees the execution of short-term and long-term goals and objectives consistent with the Agency’s Strategic/Business Plan; may act in the absence of the General Manager.

The Assistant General Manager is an executive level classification within the Agency’s organizational structure. The incumbent functions as an administrative agent to the General Manager and Board of Directors with areas of program responsibility which include human resources/risk management, governmental affairs, regional coordination and collaboration, education and community outreach. The AGM may independently lead and make operational decisions related to assigned program areas, such as human resources, risk management, and interdepartmental initiatives, with strategic alignment and oversight provided by the General Manager. On occasion the Assistant General Manager may direct the efforts of multiple division managers and other support staff. Assistant General Manager may exercise direct supervision over professional mid-management and administrative staff.

The Assistant General Manager exercises delegated authority as assigned by the General Manager and does not hold independent authority over Agency-wide policy, contracts, or expenditures unless expressly authorized.

Supervisory Responsibilities

· May directly supervise mid-level managers and administrative staff.

· Provides leadership and oversight to program areas including human resources, governmental affairs, risk management, and third-party vendor coordination.

· Supports recruitment, training, evaluation, and development of staff.

· Implements performance standards and supports corrective actions and discipline, as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

· Support the General Manager in executing strategic and operational goals aligned with the Agency’s Strategic/Business Plan.

· Lead and coordinate interdepartmental efforts, ensuring smooth implementation of policies and agency initiatives.

· Oversee and administer key functional areas such as human resources, risk management, governmental and community relations, and organizational development.

· Monitor workloads, assess organizational systems, and recommend efficiency improvements.

· Coordinate the development, negotiation, and management of third-party vendor contracts and interagency agreements.

· Represent the Agency at public meetings, community events, and governmental forums to promote transparency and engagement.

· Assist in preparation and administration of the Agency’s annual budget; monitor expenditures and recommend adjustments.

· Develop and deliver presentations and reports to the General Manager and Board of Directors.

· Serve as Acting General Manager during absences or as designated.

· Respond to and resolve complex citizen inquiries, sensitive issues, or complaints with professionalism.

· Maintain strong internal communication and collaboration across all departments to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

· Explains and defends Agency initiatives to the public and stakeholders; negotiates solutions to complex or controversial issues.

· Coordinate development and partner outreach efforts as directed by the General Manager, including initial meetings, information exchange, and ongoing relationship management.

· Oversee and coordinate agency communications and public messaging in alignment with General Manager direction, including long-term communication planning, rate-related messaging, and coordination with external communications support.

· Coordinate administration and monitoring of wholesale customer contracts, including tracking amendments, compliance, performance, and financial impacts, and elevating issues or recommendations to the General Manager.

· Serve as a liaison for regional coordination efforts with neighboring districts related to policy alignment, water capacity planning, shared resources, and joint initiatives, under the direction of the General Manager.

· Coordinate identification, evaluation, and pursuit of state and federal funding opportunities, including grants and joint-benefit funding programs, in collaboration with partner agencies and as directed by the General Manager.

· Support compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and records retention requirements through coordination, documentation, and internal processes.

· Engages in executive-level exposure, including strategic planning, governance discussions, and external stakeholder interactions, to support leadership continuity and succession readiness.

Safety Requirements, Work Environment & Physical Demands

The Assistant General Manager role is primarily office-based but requires the flexibility to be present and responsive across the Agency’s field and administrative functions.

· Works in a professional office setting during standard business hours; extended hours may be required for board meetings, emergency responses, or critical deadlines.

· Regularly attends board meetings, community events, interagency functions, and may be required to assist the General Manager with updates or briefings on operational matters.

· Occasional travel to utility sites, construction zones, or field locations is expected to support interdepartmental coordination, assist with inspections, or stay informed of operational developments.

· May be exposed to outdoor environments with uneven terrain, loud noise, moving equipment, and variable weather conditions during site visits.

· Required to maintain situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols while on-site at utility facilities or active work zones.

· Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use (average 6–10 hours per day), with frequent need for written communication, reporting, and coordination meetings.

· Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, or reach during field site visits or equipment reviews.

· Minimal physical exertion is required; must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

· Must maintain reliable attendance, flexibility to respond to urgent matters, and visible leadership presence across departments when needed.

· The position is expected to be in-office every day, consistent with leadership presence and operational needs.

CORE Competencies

· Strategic Execution & Alignment: Demonstrates the ability to translate high-level agency goals and Board directives into actionable plans; aligns departmental initiatives with organizational vision and long-range priorities.

· Organizational Leadership: Provides cross-functional leadership and coordination; ensures accountability, fosters collaboration, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.

· Operational Insight & Responsiveness: Maintains awareness of operational challenges and field realities; supports or leads operational updates, site visits, and interdepartmental problem-solving as needed to ensure seamless delivery of services.

· Policy & Program Development: Designs and implements effective administrative policies, programs, and systems to enhance efficiency, equity, and compliance throughout the agency.

· Human Resources & Organizational Development: Oversees and supports agency-wide HR practices, employee relations, training and development, performance management, and risk mitigation strategies.

· Governmental & Community Relations: Builds and sustains productive relationships with elected officials, partner agencies, community organizations, and the public; communicates the agency’s mission and goals with clarity and professionalism.

· Contract & Vendor Oversight: Skilled in procurement processes, contract negotiation, and third-party vendor management; ensures service alignment with agency standards and financial accountability.

· Analytical & Critical Thinking: Capable of analyzing complex issues, identifying root causes, and developing data-informed solutions that balance operational needs, regulatory demands, and customer expectations.

· Financial Stewardship: Assists in budget development, monitoring, and resource allocation; understands public sector financial management, capital planning, and cost control practices.

· Communication & Presentation: Communicates clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms; prepares and delivers board reports, staff presentations, and public messaging with precision and diplomacy.

· Crisis & Risk Management: Maintains composure and decision-making ability during emergencies or high-pressure situations; supports emergency response planning and risk mitigation initiatives.

· Ethics, Integrity & Public Service: Demonstrates sound judgment, transparency, and a commitment to ethical leadership and responsible governance in all professional conduct.

Minimum Requirements

Education and/or Professional Designation

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Construction Science, or a closely related field.

· A Utility Management Certification from a recognized organization (e.g., AWWA, TRWA) is preferred but not required.

Experience

· A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in a public utility, local government, or similarly regulated service organization is required.

· Experience should include responsibility for cross-functional coordination, staff supervision, budget oversight, policy implementation, or project management in support of senior leadership.

· Prior experience in water or wastewater utility operations, human resources, risk management, or interagency coordination is highly desirable.

Language Skills

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policy documents, regulations, technical manuals, and operational data.

· Capable of drafting reports, procedures, and correspondence for internal and public audiences.

· Comfortable presenting to the Board of Directors, public officials, and community groups.

· Strong interpersonal communication skills to manage staff, contractors, and stakeholders effectively.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

· Leadership & Strategic Management: Strong command of public sector leadership, organizational development, long-range strategic planning, and performance-based management across multiple departments and initiatives. Skilled in delegating authority, developing staff, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.

· Utility Operations & Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, design, construction, and maintenance. Familiar with emerging technologies and best practices. Working knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations (e.g., TCEQ, EPA), with a demonstrated ability to ensure environmental compliance and public health protection.

· Financial & Contract Oversight: Proficient in public budgeting, capital planning, financial reporting, and resource allocation. Skilled in contract negotiation and management, vendor oversight, and interlocal agreements to ensure service quality and fiscal accountability.

· Human Resources & Risk Management: Familiarity with HR practices, employee relations, training, performance management, and risk mitigation strategies including workplace safety, insurance, and liability management.

· Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare formal reports, policies, board presentations, and public messaging. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff, Board members, regulators, community partners, and the public.

· Analytical & Operational Insight: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess internal systems, organizational performance, and field operations. Capable of leading change, responding to sensitive issues, and improving efficiency across functional areas.

· Technology & Documentation: Competent in using modern office technology, project management platforms, and utility systems. Able to prepare and manage professional documentation such as board materials, policy manuals, and regulatory filings.

· Professional Conduct & Emergency Response: Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and adaptability under pressure. Maintains readiness for site visits and emergency response situations, with the physical and mental capacity to make timely, effective decisions in dynamic environments.

Soft Skills

Other

· Valid Texas Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.