Director Meadows Research Institute West Texas Water

Job Title

Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water

Alpine

Borderlands Research Institute

G98298

04/15/2026

Until Filled Yes

09/01/2026

Commensurate with Experience.

• 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.

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance…