December 19, 2025

Drinking Water Manager

Drinking Water Manager  

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a Drinking Water Manager who will join our Water team. This role will work across the OEC to develop, execute, and coordinate smart strategies to advance the water-related policies outlined in the OEC’s strategic plan. The role will also support the water policy advocacy efforts conducted by the OEC’s affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. 

The Drinking Water Manager will ensure the maintenance of strong partnerships and networks with diverse stakeholders, decision-makers, and media to strategically execute and coordinate a range of effective tactics to advance OEC’s drinking water policies. Along with the Agriculture and Water Manager, The Drinking Water Manager will report to the Managing Director of Water Policy. 

Job Responsibilities 

As the Drinking Water Manager, your responsibilities will include: 

• Researching and analyzing best practices for protecting drinking water sources, securing clean water access, and water affordability. 
• Developing and maintaining relationships with government officials, community stakeholders, and businesses to secure policy changes and promote science-driven solutions. 
• Supporting the drafting and development of policies that align with strategic objectives. 
• Developing subject matter expertise that can be used to provide factual information and analysis to a variety of stakeholders, including legislators and funders. 
• Managing the implementation of related programs, including monitoring programmatic outcomes and responsible grant management (including meeting grant deliverables). 
• Actively pursuing opportunities to engage, and when necessary, educate the public about drinking water issues and policy solutions. 
• Coordinate the needed research, planning, and analysis for the execution of campaigns. 
• Effectively collaborating with organizations, partners, and stakeholders to meet and support organizational goals. 
• Successfully fulfilling organizational responsibilities, which include attending meetings as requested; support grant writing as needed, participating in other fundraising efforts. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Key qualifications 

• You have at least 3 + years of relevant experience in advocacy, community organizing, or program management. 
• You have working knowledge of drinking water issues, solutions, policies, and regulations. 
• You have effective communication and interpersonal skills that can be leveraged to represent the OEC in a variety of settings. 
• You have effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects independently. 
• You are comfortable with facilitating meetings and problem solving with a variety of stakeholders. 
• You have the ability to work collaboratively or independently and “fill in the blanks” when needed. 
• You approach your work with a flexible, positive attitude, and the spirit of “yes”. 
• You have the ability to adapt quickly to change. 
• You share our commitment to ensuring an inclusive organization that is representative of all Ohioans. 

Preferred qualifications  

• You have some experience working with nonprofit and government organizations or advocacy groups.  
• You have demonstrated a commitment to continued professional growth and development. 
• You have experience managing multiple projects at once while delivering quality results. 
• You have experience with fundraising and/or grant writing. 
• You have the ability to plan, track, and manage a budget successfully. 
• You can travel within the state, and available for occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for meetings and conferences. 

Compensation and benefits 

The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $53,000 and is within the bargaining unit represented by OEC Workers United. Excellent benefits include employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund. 

Additional Details 

The OEC’s headquarters is in Columbus, with a satellite office in Cleveland. The location of the Drinking Water Manager is flexible within the State of Ohio, with a preference for one of these cities. Some travel will also be required, including occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for conferences and meetings with partners, donors, etc.  

About the OEC 

The Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, envisions a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment. The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio’s environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund’s website to learn more about its work. 
 
The OEC seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.