Director (05/08/26)

Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water
Position: Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water (MRIWTW). Location: Alpine, Department: Borderlands Research Institute. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Appointment date: 09/01/2026. Posting date: 04/15/2026. End date: Until filled.

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, with 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 e‑mail.

Preferred Qualifications

A doctorate in Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resource Science, Water Resource Management, or closely related fields (tenure‑track faculty position).

Encouragement of candidates with other advanced degrees in related fields.

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.

Responsibilities include:

Lead the development and operation of MRIWTW as a research, education, and service hub.

Establish MRIWTW as a key asset for the university and regional communities.

Secure financial resources that sustain operations and advance special projects.

Ensure work supports the university mission and strategic plan.

Coordinate development of curriculum for a Water Resource program within the Department of Natural Sciences.

Develop and implement a robust extramurally funded water research program.

Assist in developing degree programs and curricula to meet workforce demands.

Serve as partner for the region to assist in water conservation and planning decisions.

Provide effective leadership to faculty, staff, and students.

Manage faculty/staff in adherence with sound HR practices.

Recruit and train team members to build a high‑performing team.

Partner with the SRSU Development Office to design and execute coordinated fundraising strategies.

Communicate with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and stakeholders.

Guide marketing and communications, providing effective and regular communications.

Supervise MRIWTW finances, overseeing budgets and expenditures.

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and program outcomes.

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

E.E.O. Statement
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.

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