Executive Job Description |
“The Mission of Madera Irrigation District is to obtain and manage affordable surface and ground water supplies in a manner, which will ensure the long-term viability of irrigated agriculture in the District.”
Our client, THE MADERA IRRIGATION DISTRICT (MID or District), is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as its new General Manager. The District encompasses an area of 128,292 acres with approximately 300 miles of open flow canal systems and 150 miles of pipelines, and is governed by a five-member Board of Directors (Board) elected by voters within the District. The District offices are located in Madera, California, about 20 minutes from Fresno, California, and the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. Madera offers all of the amenities of comfortable living: a wide variety of affordable housing, a unified school district, local Universities and Colleges, and a high quality lifestyle without the hassles of the big city. An oasis retreat in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Madera is less than two hours from three National Parks, including beautiful and majestic Yosemite. As a premier residential community, Madera offers an abundance of cultural activities reflecting its rich heritage, special attractions, miles of trails and open spaces, outstanding recreational facilities as well as renowned resorts, luxurious hotels, great dining, championship golf courses, family-friendly amenities, and spectacular events.
The District has a solid financial base with an annual operating budget of approximately $15-20 million and employs 40-45 employees. The General Manager is an “at-will” position hired by and reporting directly to the Board. The MID General Manager has full responsibility for the direction and management of the District, including: tactical and strategic direction; budget and financial management; asset management; maintenance and capital improvements. This challenging and high impact position will work closely with, report to and support the Board and serve as the primary interface with the District’s stakeholders, including its customers, peer organizations, community and civic organizations/groups, as well as lead the District’s management team and staff. The General Manager will be an action-oriented, creative, hands-on leader, master collaborator, and effective delegator with high integrity and excellent communication and other people skills, who can effectively build relationships, teams, and trust.
The expected outcomes for the General Manager include:
Within 90 days:
1. To have identified and met with key stakeholders (e.g., MID Board and staff, community leaders, etc.) for the purpose of establishing relationships, listening, and gaining an understanding of stakeholder roles, perspectives, and issues.
2. To have begun to establish a reputation as a strong leader for the District by setting a positive example (e.g., representing MID at events, being an effective communicator and creating positive, productive relationships with staff, the Board, and other stakeholders).
3. To have identified and analyzed District needs and opportunities for improvement, performance gaps, goals and objectives, key projects (e.g., Water Bank Project).
Within 180 days:
4. To have evaluated staff strengths, gaps, and needs; developed and established appropriate plans, goals, and standards for enhancing performance and addressing developmental and performance issues.
5. To have made significant progress in building a high performance, cohesive team by effectively working with and utilizing staff and other resources (e.g., Board, consultants, counsel, community leaders, etc.).
6. To have developed and implemented (with MID Board approval) a plan and written report that will enhance District performance and meet objectives and goals.
Within 1 year:
7. To have met District fiscal/budgetary, project-related, personnel, and operational goals, and built a high performance, cohesive team.
8. To have ensured solid progress on the Water Bank Project, including:
• Planning and developing, fiscal, operational, and people-related objectives, goals and metrics to ensure success of the project.
• Effectively monitoring and making appropriate adjustments on the Project, as necessary.
9. To have achieved a smooth transition into the organization; be seen inside and outside the District as an effective, knowledgeable leader and ambassador for the mission of the organization.
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate any combination of education, training and experience which would demonstrate the ability to successfully perform these duties and achieve these expected outcomes. A typical way to demonstrate these qualifications would be:
• Minimum of 5-10 years of increasingly responsible management experience (preferably in the water industry), including working knowledge of operations, finance, and human resource functions.
• Strong working knowledge of engineering and other technical issues and challenges, effective resource utilization, understanding of business and fiscal issues, and managing to a budget.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a public water agency or irrigation district, other special district, local government, or similar organization.
• Successful experience working with a board of directors, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Law or a closely related field.
• Additional experience and knowledge learned on the job, and a record of accomplishments may be substituted for formal education. Masters Degree in related area, preferred, with a track record of ongoing professional development in relevant areas.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated proven leadership in directing a workforce including staff and administrative functions, and operating departments; a strong understanding of the water issues (e.g. water rights, sources, conservation, technical and regulatory issues, etc.); demonstrated financial acumen; proven experience developing and implementing strategic business goals; ability to identify opportunities for increased efficiencies while maintaining a high level of customer service; experience with and interest in interfacing with stakeholders; a strong understanding of organizational structures: board, staff, consultant roles and relationships; excellent communication, collaboration, delegation and related people skills; strong analytical, planning, implementation, and follow-up skills; leadership that is dynamic, motivational, visible and personable; performance driven and focused on strategic initiatives; ability to create beneficial alliances; a strong customer service orientation; a passion for the mission of the organization.
Our client is offering an exceptional opportunity to work in an organization committed to excellence and quality of life for its customers and community, in a family-friendly environment. The compensation package includes a competitive base salary starting from $130,000 to $160,000 (depending upon qualifications), plus excellent benefits. The position is located at the District’s offices in Madera, California (Madera County). If hired, preferred that the successful candidate will reside in Madera County.
Pre-screened, selected candidates who most closely match the candidate profile will be invited to interview at the District office in Madera, California on February 23rd and 24th, 2012. Finalists will need to be available on both dates.
For confidential consideration, we invite you to submit a cover letter summarizing what interests you about this position, your compensation expectations, and a chronological resume no later than February 6, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. to the email address below.
MaderaGM@wilcoxcareer.com
Screening interviews will begin prior to the closing date and earlier submittals are appreciated.
Greg Thomas, Senior Consultant
Wilcox Miller & Nelson
916-977-3700
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