Director, West Texas Water Research Center
Sul Ross State University

Job Title:

Director, West Texas Water Research Center

Alpine

Borderlands Research Institute

Position: G98298

09/01/2024

Yes

01/01/2025

Commensurate with Experience

Required:Ten plus years of progressive professional experience, with at least five years in water-related administration, research, or advocacy is required.Substantial senior leadership experience within the water sector reflecting demonstrated knowledge of key functions of senior management preferred, including: designing and implementing research projects; financial management; development; stakeholder relations; faculty/staff relations and accountability; marketing and communications; and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software, and email.

Preferred:A doctorate in Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resource Science, Water Resource Management, or closely related fields is preferred; however, we encourage potential applicants with other degrees in these fields to apply. This is a tenure-track faculty position.

Primary Responsibilities and DutiesSummary:Responsible for the West Texas Water Research Center (WTWRC) achieving its goal of serving the communities of West Texas (19-county service region) by providing the best science available for stakeholders to make informed decisions on water conservation and planning, and helping meet the workforce demands of Texas by graduating students that are capable of managing water resources. WTWRC is a new initiative at Sul Ross State University (SRSU) that is temporarily housed and incubated by the Borderlands Research Institute for the next 3 years, after which it will become an independent institute at Sul Ross State University. The Director, with the assistance of the SRSU administration and a Steering Committee, will help guide WTWRC through an inaugural strategic planning process. Specifically, the Director and Steering Committee will work together to conduct a landscape analysis of partners, clientele, and other stakeholders; assess workforce needs; help develop a strategic vision, mission, and plan for the Center; hire new faculty and staff with financial support from SRSU (pledged) and external grants (pending); and help build the curriculum.
This position provides strong leadership overseeing both the day-to-day activities and long-term initiatives. As the primary ambassador for the WTWRC, the Director is charged with establishing the WTWRC as an important asset for the University internally and for surrounding regional communities, as well as, for securing financial resources that will sustain its operations and advance its special projects.
The Director also ensures that the work of the WTWRC supports the overarching University mission and strategic plan; that it is a strong partner to other University departments, centers, and institutes; and that its practices are consistent with SRSU and the Texas State University System policies. The director will help coordinate the development of curriculum to create a Water Resource program within the Department of Natural Sciences.
Strategic Vision:In conjunction with University leadership, faculty and stakeholders, the Director is charged with developing a strategic plan for the WTWRC which will have 3 primary components, including Research, Education, and Service:

· Research: The Director will help develop a robust extramurally funded water research program to meet the needs of local municipalities, water conservation districts, faculty researchers, and legislators.· Education: With support from faculty and administration, the Director will play a role in helping develop degree programs and curricula that help meet the workforce demands related to water resource professionals for Texas and the US.
· Service: WTWRC aspires to be a key partner for the region that assists with making informed decisions regarding water conservation and planning. Through service and outreach, WTWRC will help conserve the water resources of West Texas.
Financial Management:· Work with the SRSU Business Office to direct and supervise WTWRC finances by establishing, overseeing and managing operational and program budgets and expenditures ensuring the integrity and completeness of financial information systems, processes, internal controls, and reporting.· Make certain that timely and accurate financial reporting and program outcomes are readily provided to University leadership and key staff members regularly, as requested.· Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations.
Fundraising:· Partner with the SRSU Development Office and Associate Provost of Research and Development to design and execute coordinated fundraising strategies that encompass general operating and program support from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies to meet the mission of WTWRC.· Be able to communicate well with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
Marketing & Communications:· Help guide the organization's marketing and communications providing effective and regular communications to internal and external stakeholders.· The Director is the principal spokesperson for WTWRC and must proactively reinforce and articulate the mission internally and externally with all constituents.· Build and maintain effective ongoing, transparent communication with colleagues, students and faculty across University departments.· Explore partnership initiatives that are consistent with WTWRC's mission, vision and values.
Faculty/Staff Leadership:· Provide effective leadership to ensure WTWRC faculty, staff, and students are equipped and motivated to successfully perform their responsibilities, consistent with WTWRC and SRSU mission.· Manage faculty/staff in adherence with sound human resources practices and guidelines and in accordance with SRSU policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities:· Must be highly self-motivated and able to work independently while also serving as an effective team leader and team player.· Must be able to carry out supervisory responsibilities of a team in accordance with the WTWRC's and the University's policies and applicable federal, state and municipal laws.· Recruit and train team members to build, motivate, and retain a high-performing team.

Opportunity: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 West Texas Water Research Center 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 the ground projects and, importantly, educating the next generation of water experts to ensure a secure water future for West Texas.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu

Sul Ross State University Alpine Campus is in the Scenic Davis Mountains of West Texas, is a member of the Texas State University System, is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees, and has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students of campus in Alpine, Texas. At an elevation of 4,480 feet, and on the periphery of the Chihuahuan Desert, Alpine enjoys mild winters and cool summers. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are all within one to three hours driving distance from Alpine.The SRSU campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde comprise Rio Grande College. RGC offers upper-level courses leading to bachelor's degrees as well as master's degree programs and works closely with its partner institution, Southwest Texas Junior College, to provide a seamless transition to RGC for their students. All RGC students hold an Associate degree from an accredited institution or they have completed 42 semester credit hours of transferable work.More information is available regarding Sul Ross State University and position openings See http://www.sulross.edu our website.