Director, Business Development (State)

**Requisition ID:**110376

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xand Instagram.

Position Information

$141,390 - $225,350

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professional.

• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-MR23

Primary Role

This position is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and recommending new business opportunities including acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships. Identify strategic growth opportunities by collaborating with business leaders across the enterprise, conducting analysis, and providing leadership with specific, conclusive recommendations.

Key Accountabilities

• Build a pipeline of target opportunities and develop tactical plans to produce sustainable business growth in line with the company’s business plan and strategy.

• Lead the development of the offer/bid strategy, deal structuring, financing and credit assessment of opportunities and champion projects through the internal and external processes.

• Identify, secure, and manage cross functional resources to evaluate, risk assess, develop & structure offers/bids and develop implementation plans which outline resource & capability requirements to deliver the deal.

• Identify creative approaches to developing & structuring new opportunities which accurately reflect client needs & support business plan priorities.

• Create market awareness and interest in California American Water and develop and maintain California American Water brand image with the key industry stakeholders within the designated territory.

• Develop and maintain an active presence in regional business-related organizations, local government, and state government leaders (including environmental regulations, utility regulations, etc.)

• Direct the preparation of proposals for acquisitions and other related business opportunities. Reflect a working knowledge of regulatory and technical developments and trends as they affect water and sewer utility sectors.

• Participate in meetings and conferences involving local leaders and key stakeholders, presenting the advantages of California American Water

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Highly developed relationship-building skills to foster effective working relations across municipal government and within the enterprise.
• Existing knowledge of, or interest in, water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
• Strong teamwork and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and empower employees.
• Demonstrate the ability to work cross functional.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• 15 years of experience in business or state/municipal government. Knowledge of or interest in California’s water and wastewater industry.
• Previous experience managing a team is required
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office Applications, Strong Excel and PowerPoint knowledge
• Salesforce experience preferred

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50 percent travel required

Competencies

Manages Complexity

Ensures Accountability

Directs Work

Develops Talent

Builds Effective Teams

Balances Stakeholders

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.