Corporate Water Stewardship Manager

This position will be based in WRI Washington DC office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program:

WRI’s Water Program works with countries, cities and companies to build a water-secure future. We produce innovative data and analysis tools to help decision-makers understand current and future water risks. We identify ways for policymakers to build water resilience, prevent water-related conflicts and invest in nature- based solutions. We guide companies on water stewardship initiatives that can reduce financial risk and improve collective water security. And we work with cities to expand water access and address the root problems of water insecurity to create more resilient communities.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Water Engagement, you will lead research, program development, and engagement in close collaboration with the Aqueduct team, with a particular emphasis on WRI's work with the private sector. Specifically, the Corporate Water Stewardship Manager will help lead WRI’s engagement with the private sector on topics related to water risk, disclosure, strategies, target-setting, and stewardship, including development of thought-leading research to advance collective sustainability goals working with the private sector, governments, and civil society. The Manager will lead private sector fundraising efforts, program development activities, communications and outreach efforts, and leverage data and research from WRI to build the case for private sector engagement in sustainable water resources management. You will be supported by the Aqueduct and Corporate Water Stewardship teams within the Water Program and WRI’s Corporate Relations team within the Global Development Department.

What will you do:

Research and Thought Leadership (40%):

• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis and research related to corporate water stewardship, such as on water risks, strategies, reporting, target-setting, nature-based solutions, and valuation, for the private sector
• Research private sector market trends to inform Aqueduct project activities and corporate engagement strategy
• Research, develop and pilot test, and publish methodologies, standards, and protocols relevant to water resources management in the private sector

Corporate Engagement (40%):

• Identify new bilateral and multilateral partnership opportunities to expand and deepen WRI’s corporate water stewardship portfolio and engage in collective action
• Cultivate new corporate partners and lead on funding proposals and innovative options for funding and marketing Aqueduct products and engagement opportunities, including Corporate Advisory Services projects
• Participate in relevant corporate water stewardship consortiums (e.g., CEO Water Mandate Water Resilience Coalition, Science Based Target Network) and with other key stakeholders in order to effect external change and drive greater water security
• Develop presentations, blogs, webinars, events, and other communications

Program development (20%):

• Work closely with the Corporate Engagement Director and Global Program Director to develop new areas of work to advance private sector stewardship and collective action to reduce water risks and build water security globally

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, engineering, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred
• Experience: You have a minimum of 7 years full-time relevant work experience on water and/or corporate sustainability. Mention prior experience in technical areas or in previous industries/sectors
• You have corporate sustainability experience, particularly familiarity of corporate water stewardship initiatives
• You have experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research and have authored papers on relevant topics
• You have experience building partnerships and consensus across a wide range of stakeholders o You work proactively to fulfill responsibilities and meet deadlines
• You have experience generating innovative new project ideas and securing funding
• Languages: Verbal and written English proficiency. Other language skills desirable. Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary: Salary range is between 96,000 and 116,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of July 28, 2023.  You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US.
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI.
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.