Water.org - Executive Director (ED) Latin America

ABOUT WATER.ORG

1 in 4 people around the world lack access to safe water and 2 in 5 people don't have access to a safe toilet. We are working every day to change this. We are Water.org. We're here to bring water and sanitation to the world. We want to make it safe, accessible, and cost-effective because we believe that water is the way to empower a bright future that we can all share in, worldwide. We are an international nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri that has positively transformed millions of lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, we pioneer market-driven financial solutions to the global water crisis. For more than 30 years, we've been providing women hope, children health and families a bright future. Learn more about Water.org here!

JOB OVERVIEW

The Executive Director is primarily responsible for oversight of multiple business lines and related functions within the region, ensuring the development and execution of partnerships, products and services that strategically position the expansion and delivery of Water.org´s unique value. This individual partners closely with the Regional Director to build and execute the regions impact strategy, annual operating plans, and act as a key member of the regional leadership team to support the organizations short- and long-term objectives.

DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Impact Strategy, Leadership, and Execution
• Portfolio + Account Management
• Business Development
• Business Metrics and Data Insights
• Pre-Award and Post Award Administration
• Project Management
• Risk Identification
• Advisory and Consulting Services

JOB- SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership + Vision

Partners with the Regional Director to define and execute a comprehensive regional strategy that delivers high-impact partnerships and initiatives aligned with organizational strategy, positioning Water.org as a partner of choice and thought leader. Serves as a member of the regional leadership team, bringing both an organizational mindset and deep functional expertise to prioritize and accomplish short-and long-term objectives.

Business Planning & Development

Directs development and execution of partnerships, products, and services that impact multiple business lines within the region. Works collaboratively to prioritize opportunities and plan philanthropic resources for mission-critical initiatives. Maintains ongoing coordination and collaboration across the Water.org group of entities and WaterEquity within the region to ensure integrated and effective implementation.

Operational Effectiveness

Leverages expertise both at an individual level and within the team to address implementation barriers, technical challenges, and risks. Ensures effective planning and deployment of resources, ensuring timely and accurate forecasts, analysis and reporting are available to support executive-level decision making and communication.

External Engagement

Supports efforts to promote Water.org´s mission and help drive additional philanthropic resources to the organization. Acts as a spokesperson for the organization in the region and contributes to an evidence base to enable the full range of impact and foster innovation. As applicable, acts as legal representative for Water.org´s entity in the country of location.

Talent Management

Enhances regional collaboration and communication within the business lines. Challenges and maximizes the strength of the team by aligning their efforts to meet growth objectives and deliver results. Fosters productive cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive effort and delivery of business outcomes.

This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required by an incumbent in this job. Some responsibilities, activities, and people who are expected to regularly interact with the incumbent in this job may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Complexity + Problem Solving Skills

Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to develop a unified and comprehensive approach to strategically position the organization for new business opportunities.

• Ability to manage complex challenges and projects, requiring adaptive thinking and solutions to unique circumstances and strategic and organization-level requirements.
• Superior communication and presentation skills (written and verbal) including highly developed skills to motivate, influence, and persuade to reach diverse audiences.
• Ability to zoom in and zoom out; rollup sleeves to understand underlying details and still maintain a view of the big picture and guide executive-level decisions and communications.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Values Differences – Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Strategic Mindset – Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Builds Effective Teams – Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• ​​Supervises work of others. Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of their subordinates.​
• Supervised positions may include one or more of the following: Director, [Partnerships], Associate Director, [Partnerships], Portfolio Lead.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, and/or related field.
• Fifteen or more years of progressive responsibility managing emerging market initiatives with P&L accountability (or equivalent), including specific leadership roles in one or more of the following: business development, product/service design, and/or market strategy.
• Six or more years of supervisory experience.
• Deep and broad knowledge in one or more of the following: retail or wholesale finance, impact investing and/or capital development.
• Proficient (written and verbal) in English.

LOCATION

México City or Monterrey preferred; flexibility for other cities in México, as well as Brazil or Peru.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

• Up to 25% of domestic and international travel

WHY THIS ROLE IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role with real influence and visibility at a pivotal moment for Water.org´s work in Latin America.

The Executive Director will shape regional direction, strengthen high-impact partnerships, and contribute to how Water.org continues to evolve as a trusted leader in market-based solutions for water and sanitation.

It is an opportunity to work alongside a seasoned regional leadership team, engage with diverse stakeholders, and lead talented teams who are deeply committed to the mission. For the right leader, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting imprint on both the organization and the region.

HOW TO APPLY?

HRIC Executive Search has been exclusively retained by Water.Org to lead this recruitment process. If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your experience, wed love to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter (in Word format) to: Pallavi Kanikaram. APPLYING HERE!

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, Feb 10th, 2026.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive leadership team that reflects the communities we serve.

ABOUT HRIC EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Leadership that moves missions forward

HRIC Executive Search is a Latina-founded boutique firm, created in Canada and based in Guadalajara-México, with a global perspective and deep regional expertise. We specialize in recruitment and executive search for development banks, foundations, nonprofits, and organizations seeking leadership rooted in purpose, vision, and real-world understanding.

Wed love to connect and explore how we can support your mission! letstalk@hric.com

Water.org offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Details will be shared with candidates advancing in the selection process.

Proficient (written and verbal) in English.