Program Advisory Senior Manager

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AECOM’s Water Business Line is seeking a Program Advisory Senior Manager to join our Water group in the Oakland, California office. This senior-level position will lead the planning, management, and delivery of coastal, riverine, and urban projects for a diverse portfolio of public and private sector clients with a focus on long-term system resilience. Resilience projects in the Water Business Line focus on comprehensive approaches to improve performance and hazard mitigation across watershed and coastal systems. These approaches require knowledge of traditional and nature-based solutions and should consider climate, social, and ecological factors.

The ideal candidate will bring broad technical expertise across coastal engineering, water resources, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept through construction. This role requires strong client relationship management skills and a proven ability to collaborate across internal service lines to deliver integrated solutions. The Resilience Program Manager will work closely with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as private sector partners, navigating regulatory frameworks and funding opportunities. In addition to technical leadership, this position carries meaningful business development responsibilities, including growing existing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and contributing to the expansion of our water practice in California and beyond. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced consulting environment to deliver resilient, sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise a team of planners, scientists, and engineers on regional planning initiatives, particularly those addressing sea level rise, climate change, and resilient community development.
• Serve as Project Manager on coastal, watershed, and water infrastructure projects, including facility master plans, sustainability management plans, and climate vulnerability assessments.
• Provide technical oversight and quality control on engineering reports, assessments, studies, and planning documents.
• Lead and contribute to climate resilience strategies for major infrastructure projects, across public and private sectors.
• Identify and promote the application of sustainable and nature-based engineering solutions across water, transportation, and coastal infrastructure projects.
• Translate complex climate science into actionable recommendations for clients, community stakeholders, and government partners.
• Engage and manage relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to advance climate and resilience initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and pursuit of grant funding opportunities and alternative project financing strategies on behalf of clients.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and growing the coastal resilience practice.
• Support and lead hazard mitigation, emergency management, and disaster recovery planning efforts for municipal and infrastructure clients.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, public meetings, and agency forums to advance thought leadership and brand visibility.

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS in Coastal/Environmental Science or Engineering, plus 10 years of relevant experience (YORE) of demonstrated equivalency of experience and or education, including 2 years of leadership .
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and delivery in the coastal and watershed resiliency and green infrastructure space.

Preferred Qualifications

• 20+ years of relevant experience in coastal, water, or civil infrastructure planning and engineering.
• Advanced degree or licensure (MS, PhD, PE, or MEM) in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Coastal Sciences, Environmental Management, or related discipline.
• Proven ability to lead and grow multidisciplinary teams across engineering, science, and planning disciplines while working on complex projects for government agencies and community organizations.
• Experience managing large-scale coastal restoration projects, including barrier island restoration, lagoon restoration, marsh creation, and dredged sediment placement.
• Experience managing projects with federal and state agency clients, including familiarity with procurement, contracting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in climate vulnerability assessments for transportation, water, and port infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of climate risk assessment methodologies and their application to infrastructure vulnerability and adaptation planning.
• Deep familiarity with USACE Engineering With Nature (EWN) principles and natural infrastructure applications.
• Familiarity with sustainable infrastructure principles, including low-impact development, green infrastructure, and nature-based engineering approaches.
• Experience applying climate finance models and securing funding through federal programs such as CDBG-DR, HMGP, NRDA, and BP Oil Spill settlements.
• Experience securing and administering federal and state grant funding programs (e.g., FEMA, HUD, USACE, EPA) on behalf of municipal or infrastructure clients.
• Demonstrated success in business development, including client relationship management, proposal writing, and contract negotiation.
• Existing relationships with federal agencies including USACE, FEMA, EPA, NOAA, and USFWS.
• Established professional network within relevant federal, state, and local agency circles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical clients and stakeholders.
• Track record of contributing to technical publications, industry guidelines, or thought leadership content.

• No relocation is not provided for this role
• Sponsorship is not provided for this role

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.