Coordinator, Board and Finance Administration

The Aquarion Water Authority (AWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 735,000 people in 60 municipalities across Connecticut. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, AWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the state's largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, AWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves.

Job Summary

The Coordinator of Board and Finance Administration serves as a trusted administrative and governance partner to senior Finance leadership, Board members, and key stakeholders by coordinating critical activities, managing confidential information, facilitating effective communication, and ensuring the smooth execution of governance and Finance-related initiatives. This position coordinates governance and compliance activities for the Aquarion Water Authority ("AWA") and Representative Policy Board ("RPB"), ensuring adherence to Connecticut's enabling legislation, organizational bylaws, and rules of practice. The Coordinator also supports compliance with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Finance function, including Treasury, Compliance, and Accounting.

Principal Responsibilities

• Manages the governing boards (AWA and RPB) and provides staff support for all Board activities, anticipating and responding to the needs of the boards and their chairs.
• Files timely notice to Town/City Clerks, other officials and the public regarding the AWA Authority Board and RPB meetings, public hearings and actions taken.
• Prepares and distributes meeting agendas, related materials and minutes for the AWA and RPB, their committees and task forces, interfacing with the board officers, President, CEO, Leadership Team and counsel, as appropriate.
• Alerts the chairs of the governing boards and their committees of required actions and the timing of said actions, as set forth in the enabling legislation and/or the governance documents of the respective board.
• Develops, implements and maintains tools to support the efficient operation of the governing boards, including Reference Manuals, minute indices, contact lists, meeting schedules, AWA master calendar and RPB planning calendar.
• Acts as an information resource to respond to internal and external inquiries regarding activities of the governing boards, e.g. guiding applicants.
• Develops departmental budget and expends budgeted funds that do not require direct action by either the AWA or the RPB.
• Arranges Board and Committee meetings and public hearings, including space, presentation media and recording media.
• Coordinates the orientation of new Authority and RPB Board members.
• Supports compliance related to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in coordination with legal counsel and the Compliance/Regulatory team.
• Coordinates communications and follow-up activities among Board members, senior leadership, legal counsel, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Tracks Board and committee action items, ensuring timely follow-up and completion of assigned deliverables.
• Drafts, edits, proofreads, and distributes executive-level correspondence, reports, presentations, and other materials.
• Supports Finance leadership with special projects, meeting coordination, and administrative initiatives as needed.

Preferred Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional grammar and proofreading skills.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to address multiple tasks routinely.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to anticipate needs, exercise initiative, and work proactively with minimal direction.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of AWA enabling legislation, bylaws, and rules of practice for both boards.
• Sound judgment and well-developed analytical skills, with the ability to effectively interpret situations and information before acting, consulting, or referring matters to others for appropriate action.
• Significant experience supporting senior executives, Board members, elected officials, and/or executive leadership teams, with a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in highly visible and confidential environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build credible and professional relationships with senior leaders, Board members, and external stakeholders.
• Executive presence with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Experience working with Boards in a corporate or nonprofit environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment when interacting with diverse stakeholders and handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to remain flexible and effective in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, governance, Board administration, or related experience required.
• Experience supporting senior executives, Boards of Directors, elected officials, or other executive-level leadership preferred.
• Experience in a regulated, utility, public sector, legal, compliance, or finance environment preferred.

Salary

• This position is classified as exempt, with a starting salary range of $76,000.
• This position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• This position is 100% in-person, reporting out of our Bridgeport office.
• Position may require attendance at evening or after-hours Board meetings and related events as needed to support organizational and governance activities.

Aquarion Water Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.