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Job description
Job Title
Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water
Location
Alpine
Department
Borderlands Research Institute
Job No.
G98298
Posting Date
04/15/2026
End Date
Until Filled Yes
Appointment Date
09/01/2026
Salary
Commensurate with Experience.
Required Qualifications
Ten plus years of progressive professional experience, with at least five years in water- or natural resource-related administration, research, or advocacy.
Substantial senior leadership experience within the water sector reflecting demonstrated knowledge of key functions of senior management, including: designing and implementing research projects; financial management; development; stakeholder relations; faculty/staff relations and accountability; marketing and communications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software, and email.
Preferred Qualifications
A doctorate in Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resource Science, Water Resource Management, or closely related fields (tenure‑track faculty position).
Other relevant degrees encouraged.
Primary Responsibilities
Located in the water scarce Chihuahuan Desert, Sul Ross State University has a unique opportunity to address West Texas’ regional water resource challenges through research, service, and education. Groundwater, in particular, is critical for landowners, communities, and wildlife in this arid and rural region, where more resources are needed to ensure that groundwater is well studied and managed. Further, eroded watersheds and aging water infrastructure in many West Texas communities exacerbate their water security challenges, and technical support navigating solutions for alternatives and funding is lacking in the region. The Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water has an opportunity to lead the development of collaborative solutions to these water challenges, supporting landowners, communities, and water managers through research, technical assistance, and on‑ground projects and, importantly, educating the next generation of water experts to ensure a secure water future for West Texas.
Strategic Vision
Research: develop a robust extramurally funded water research program to meet the needs of local municipalities, water conservation districts, faculty researchers, and legislators.
Education: develop degree programs and curricula that help meet workforce demands related to water resource professionals for Texas and the US.
Service: assist the region with making informed decisions regarding water conservation and planning through outreach and support.
Faculty/Staff Leadership
Provide effective leadership to ensure MRIWTW faculty, staff, and students are equipped and motivated to perform their responsibilities.
Manage faculty/staff in adherence with sound human resources practices and SRSU policies.
Be highly self‑motivated and a team leader and player.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities of a team in accordance with MRIWTW’s and the university’s policies and applicable laws.
Recruit and train team members to build, motivate, and retain a high‑performing team.
Partner with the SRSU Development Office and Associate Provost of Research and Development to design and execute coordinated fundraising strategies.
Communicate well with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
Marketing & Communications
Guide the organization’s marketing and communications, providing effective and regular communications to internal and external stakeholders.
Act as the principal spokesperson for MRIWTW, proactively reinforcing the mission internally and externally.
Build and maintain transparent communication with colleagues, students, and faculty across university departments.
Explore partnership initiatives consistent with MRIWTW’s mission, vision, and values.
Work with the SRSU Business Office to direct and supervise MRIWTW finances, establishing, overseeing, and managing operational and program budgets and expenditures.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job‑related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions, including recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination, and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes discriminatory practice, files a charge, or participates in an investigation.
Required Documents
Letter of Intent
Transcripts
Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
Resume
Letter of Recommendation (3)
Transcript 2
Transcript 3
Transcript 4
Letter of Recommendation (1)
Letter of Recommendation (2)
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.