The City of Hopewell, VA (pop. 23,000) is seeking a highly skilled professional to serve as its next Water Renewal Director. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the next Director will take the lead on major wastewater infrastructure projects as well as manage the Water Renewal Department. The ideal candidate possesses a balance of senior local government management experience and a strong background in wastewater management, engineering, construction, infrastructure development, and/or project management.
Hopewell is an independent, historic, riverfront city–adjacent to Prince George and Charles City counties, as well as the Fort Lee Military Installation-located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With a population of approximately 23,000, Hopewell is centrally located about 20 miles south of Richmond and approximately 130 miles south of Washington, D.C. Hopewell occupies 11 square miles and is bounded by the Appomattox and James Rivers on three sides.
The City of Hopewell operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Thirty years ago a group of City leaders and managers of local industry set forth a remarkable partnership whereby the City of Hopewell and five major industries would join together on a common environmental mission: to clean up the combined industrial and domestic renewable waters of the Hopewell area while meeting or exceeding all environmental standards. This was no easy task but by cooperation and communication, the “first of its kind” regional water renewal facility began treating a combined waste stream in the summer of 1977.
The Water Renewal Department has 53 full-time and 3 part-time allocated positions and an FY26 operating budget of $19 million. The Sewer Operations and Maintenance Fund is a combined budget of $7.9 million for FY26. They operate a 50 MGD, Municipal Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Facility that treats 85% industrial and 15% domestic wastewater treatment. It serves the City of Hopewell, local industries, and surrounding localities (Prince George County, Fort Gregg Adams) as a regulated discharger into the James River, which is a tributary in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The capital budget is $7.5M.
The Water Renewal Director will oversee wastewater operations, and provide high-level leadership in areas such as capital improvement planning and project delivery, budget development and financing, regulatory compliance, asset management, and workforce development. The role requires a visionary leader capable of navigating complex operational agreements with private industry while advancing Hopewell’s mission of protecting public health and safety while being fiscally responsible.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology, or chemistry from an accredited institution is required, with a master’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education that enables success as the director will be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus with stakeholders that have diverse and conflicting interests while supporting the department’s mission.
- Ten years' progressively responsible experience in the management of a medium or large public or private sector water or wastewater utility; and experience in issues affecting government is required.
While technical expertise is essential, success in this role hinges on exceptional interpersonal intelligence, political acumen, and strategic awareness. The salary range for this position is $200,000 to $250,0000 depending on experience/qualifications. The City of Hopewell provides a comprehensive benefits program that includes generous paid leave, health and dental coverage, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, and much more. For more information about benefits, click City of Hopewell Benefits Plan.
Candidates can apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references. Deadline for applications is November 7, 2025. For more information, contact Sarah McKee, MGT Senior Consultant, at 847-380-3240 ext. 120.
The City of Hopewell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The City is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
