Director of Water Policy

Job Title

Director of Water Policy

Austin, Texas

Chief Executive Officer

Exempt

Texas Water Foundation (TWF) is a statewide, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to lead Texas into a secure water future. Founded in 1998, TWF’s original goal was to raise public awareness among all Texans regarding the vital role water plays in daily life. Today, TWF focuses on water policy, workforce and leadership initiatives, and a statewide water campaign. Read the strategic plan here.

The Director of Water Policy works with the CEO to set annual strategy for TWF’s water policy work, including proactive engagement with the Texas Legislature, state and federal agencies, partner nonprofits, trade associations, publications, resources, and policy communications. The role improves the quality of water policy discussion in Texas, builds trust across a diverse network of policymakers, ensures Texas prioritizes water security, and supports increasing the number of legislators committed to water in Texas.

An experienced water policy professional and coalition builder committed to TWF’s vision. The candidate will work as part of a team to bring together individuals, business leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, and state agencies to align interests and pursue shared policy goals. The candidate is a skilled communicator who can maintain a nonadvocacy voice and distill complex scientific and policy issues into understandable messages for diverse audiences.

• Manage day‑to‑day functions of the Texas Water Caucus and represent TWF at the Texas Legislature, through public speaking engagements, and as a media contact.
• Oversee the Policy Program budget, Senior Policy Analyst, and relevant contractors.
• Collaborate with the Senior Policy Analyst to stay current on water policy trends, research, and narratives, and to develop a tracking system for that work (incl. events, legislation, agency rule‑making, media, and coalition efforts).
• Partner with TWF’s Director of Communications to support the development of public‑facing educational materials and resources and TWF’s policy‑driven communication strategies.
• Work with the Director of Communications, Texas Runs on Water Campaign Director, and partner organizations to implement an integrated water security communication strategy.
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development to support grant applications, reporting, and key fundraising activities.

• 5–7 years of experience working with the Texas Legislature.
• Academic degree in water or public policy preferred.
• Proven ability to provide neutral commentary and public‑speaking skills.
• A coalition builder who can work as part of a team to connect individuals, business leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, and state agencies and align interests toward shared policy goals.
• Ability to organize and manage diverse teams, multiple events, and impactful gatherings.
• A skilled communicator who can distill complex scientific and policy issues into understandable messages for a wide variety of audiences.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Texas Water Foundation.
• Strong commitment to a collaborative, team‑oriented organizational culture.
• Commitment to professional execution of programs and integrity.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to provide behind‑the‑scenes support to key decision makers.
• Familiarity with Google Suite and basic web content management systems (e.g., Squarespace) a plus.

The starting salary for this position is $150,000 annually. Texas Water Foundation is proud to offer opportunities for growth as well as a generous benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contribution, and paid time off (including maternity/paternity leave). TWF operates in a hybrid office environment.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and three professional references to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not contact the Texas Water Foundation offices or staff directly.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status or any other legally protected status.