Research Manager

Are you interested in working in a collaborative environment with like-minded professionals dedicated to the science of water, public health, and the environment? If so, advance the science of water by joining The Water Research Foundation (WRF) team. WRF is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. This is an exciting time to join WRF as we expand our impact and strengthen how research translates into real-world applications.

Position Overview

The Water Research Foundation is seeking a full-time Research Manager in our Alexandria, VA office. Research Managers (RMs) play a key role in shaping and delivering applied research across the water sector, including drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater.

RMs are responsible for planning research, managing projects, and providing technical oversight to ensure that WRF's research programs are scientifically credible and responsive to utility needs. RMs are also responsible for creating, maintaining, and disseminating knowledge resources for selected research topics of critical importance to WRF subscribers and the water community. RMs engage subscribers and the water community to inform the research process and support the dissemination of findings.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, support, and maintain an indepth understanding of assigned research topics.
• Collaborate with industry experts on professional committees to develop research agendas, design research projects, and monitor technical progress.
• Manage projects to ensure fiscal responsibility, timeliness, and contractual compliance.
• Administer, support, and coordinate the activities of volunteer advisory committees for assigned research projects and research topics.
• Provide technical content, prepare original materials, and respond to requests for information.
• Offer an elevated level of customer service to subscribers through presentations, authorship, conference involvement, professional association activities, and interactions with media.
• Lead or support proposal development teams in response to external grantfunding opportunities.
• Support and coordinate with other units/departments in developing and implementing plans for communicating and promoting research information.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Minimum of five years of knowledge and experience working in the water sector or related experience.
• A Master’s or PhD degree in civil or environmental engineering or other related fields with course and project work in drinking water, wastewater, reuse, or stormwater is required.
• Proven project management experience.
• Documented competencies in technical writing and oral presentation.
• Experience with group facilitation and working with volunteers and/or committees is preferred.
• Must work well in a group environment but also be independently driven.
• Domestic travel of 10 % is required for conferences and meetings; occasional international travel may also be required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
  
  

WRF Benefits

• A professional and collaborative environment.
• Competitive salary:
• The pay range for this position is $90,000 $100,000 (if calculated on an annual basis), based on location, qualifications, and experience.
• An outstanding benefits package including:
• Health, dental, and vision plans.
• Companypaid life insurance along with supplemental options.
• Ancillary benefit programs.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid sick and vacation time.
• Flexible work arrangement and scheduling to enhance work/life balance.
  
  

WRF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026