Regional Director Western North Carolina (full-time, exempt, in-person)

The Regional Director for Western North Carolina (WNC) is a pivotal leader in shaping WTW’s humanitarian impact in the region. With a focus on delivering transformative WASH programs and building authentic connections with vulnerable communities, this role demands vision, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Director will oversee a dynamic team across three geographic zones, driving high-quality program delivery while refining the team’s structure and talent to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly growing organization. They’ll serve as the face of WTW in WNC, forging strong partnerships and fostering trust within rural and low-income communities.

We’re looking for an energetic and thoughtful leader who thrives in complexity, brings deep humanitarian programming expertise, and understands the unique challenges of WASH and disaster relief work. If you’re someone who navigates ambiguity with confidence, solves problems with curiosity and creativity, and leads with empathy and collaboration, this is your chance to make a tangible difference. Relocation to WNC is a must—building genuine relationships and a nuanced understanding of the local context is essential. This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to lead transformative change with a team that’s deeply committed to making a difference where it matters most.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the three area Program Managers in the design and implementation of regional programs, including water quality testing, filter distribution, WASH education and training, damaged spring and well rehabilitation, establishing temporary and transitional housing, and other program opportunities that align with WTW’s mission, vision, and values.
• Oversee financial management of the WNC Response budget, ensuring accurate financial planning, reporting, and compliance with funding requirements - in partnership with internal department heads where appropriate.
• Develop project timelines, metrics, and reports to meet funding requirements and align with WTW’s monitoring and evaluation standards, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Manage and mentor a team of managers, staff, and volunteers across three geographic zones, fostering high performance and professional growth while building a cohesive team structure.
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including municipal agencies, government entities, WNC Support Committees, community stakeholders, and WTW’s core teams (e.g., Fund Development, Marketing & Communications, and Logistics).
• Represent WNC initiatives to external audiences, ensuring alignment and strategic collaboration with WTW global teams and Country Directors.
• Develop and implement best practice models for global disaster response, emphasizing the phases of relief, recovery, and rehabilitation.
• Ensure effective engagement with volunteers, including recruitment, training, and integration into program delivery to maximize impact.
• Engage in frequent day travel (approximately 40%) and occasional overnight travel (<10%) to build relationships, assess program effectiveness, and support team operations.
• Build relationships within WNC to strengthen local partnerships and integrate a deep understanding of the regional context into program delivery.
• Lead efforts to identify and implement innovative solutions to operational challenges, particularly in dynamic and ambiguous contexts.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; a master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• At least 8 years of leadership experience within a nonprofit organization, preferably in complex and dynamic environments.
• At least 5 years of proven success in delivering programs within a $3-5M annual budget.
• Experience with ambiguous, "messy middle" operational challenges and growth transitions is a significant advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience directly managing a team of 4-5 direct reports.
• At least 3 years of experience managing volunteers in a nonprofit structure.
• At least 2 years of experience in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector, with a solid understanding of technical, technological, and engineering components.
• At least 5 years of experience in the humanitarian development space, with exposure to growing organizations and autonomous work environments.
• Disaster response experience is strongly preferred, including familiarity with different phases of disaster response (e.g., preparedness, response, recovery).
• A minimum of 1 year in U.S.-based disaster response is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with key stakeholders, including municipal agencies, government entities, volunteers, and other key contributors to labor and program delivery.
• Local connections or relationships are highly valuable.
• Proven ability to manage the financial aspects of projects and programs, including budget oversight, financial planning, and internal reporting.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to adapt and excel in ambiguous, non-routine situations, finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Comfortable with frequent day trips (approximately 40% travel) and occasional overnight travel (<10%).
• Proficiency in Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Personal attributes:
• A positive attitude, strategic mindset, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and organizational growth.
• Flexibility and a passion for making an impact in evolving and dynamic environments.

Contingencies

As part of the hiring process, a background check, including criminal history and employment verification, will be conducted for all candidates who receive a conditional job offer. “If selected as a finalist, Wine To Water will request your authorization to run a background check as a part of our hiring and selection process. Please confirm you'd be willing to consent to this standard process.”

EEOC Statement

Wine To Water is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class.

Essential Functions of the Job. In the course of performing this work, an employee must be able to:

• Engage in logical reasoning, interpreting and responding.
• Adjust conversation style to accommodate diverse audiences.
• Lift up to 25 lbs. periodically.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance, reach, push, and pull.
• Drive a vehicle and/or ride in a car, fly via airplane domestically and internationally.
• Use computers, keyboards, phones, and other office equipment effectively to perform job duties.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders in person, on the phone, via video conference software, and via chat and email.
• Read and understand written documents, emails, reports, and instructions relevant to job responsibilities.
• Sit for prolonged periods looking at computer screens reading and interpreting data and creating/modifying financial information and other data.
• Organize tasks, manage time efficiently, and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Move within the office environment and adjust to different workstations, along with the ability to maintain proper ergonomic posture while performing tasks.
• Attend meetings, events, or conferences, which might involve some travel and extended periods of standing or sitting.

Maintain proper ergonomic posture while working to prevent strain or discomfort, including adjusting seating, using proper keyboard and mouse ergonomics, and arranging workspaces for comfort.