Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water

Sul Ross State University•Del Rio, TX

About The Position

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 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 the ground projects and, importantly, educating the next generation of water experts to ensure a secure water future for West Texas. Summary: Responsible for the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water (MRIWTW} 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. MRIWTW 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 Water Institute with the assistance of the SRSU administration and a Steering Committee, recently concluded an inaugural strategic plan to develop its strategic vision, mission, and plan for the Water Institute (the strategic plan is available upon request). This position provides strong leadership overseeing both the day-to-day activities and long-term initiatives. As the primary ambassador for the MRIWTW , the Director is charged with establishing the MRIWTW 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 MRIWTW 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.

Responsibilities

The MRIWTW has 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: MRIWTW aspires to be a key partner for the region that assists with making informed decisions regarding water conservation and planning. Through service and outreach, MRIWTW will help conserve the water resources of West Texas.
Provide effective leadership to ensure MRIWTW faculty, staff, and students are equipped and motivated to successfully perform their responsibilities, consistent with MRIWTW and SRSU mission.
Manage faculty/staff in adherence with sound human resources practices and guidelines and in accordance with SRSU policies.
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 MRIWTW’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.
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 MRIWTW .
Be able to communicate well with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
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 MRIWTW 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 MRIWTW’s mission, vision and values.
Work with the SRSU Business Office to direct and supervise MRIWTW 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