Four Corners Water Center Director

Position Summary

This position is classified as Full-time Exempt Staff. Reporting to the Provost, the Director of the Four Corners Water Center supports the Water Center’s mission to cultivate the next generation of water leaders through student‑centered programming focused on creating solutions to pressing water challenges in the Four Corners region and acts as a liaison between the College and Four Corners communities around essential water conversations and initiatives.

The Water Center Director supports the Center’s mission by:

• Coordinating programs and projects that serve and support Fort Lewis College students in pursuing water‑related coursework and professional development opportunities during their degree programs;
• Connecting FLC students, faculty, and staff across campus around interdisciplinary water initiatives;
• Facilitating connections between local watershed organizations, water professionals, other community members, and Fort Lewis College;
• Securing external support and grant funding for programs.

Additionally, the Water Center supports the Fort Lewis College strategic plan’s emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary learning; equity‑based education; and reconciliation. The Water Center Director works across academic disciplines with a wide range of engaged faculty from all schools and departments on campus to support and collaborate on student‑centered initiatives. The Director similarly collaborates with campus partners in the Office of Academic Affairs, Diversity Affairs, the Office of Sponsored Research, and the FLC Foundation.

• PhD or master’s degree in a water‑related field, such as Environmental Science, Sociology, Law, Policy, Geosciences, Biology/Ecology, Resources Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Journalism, etc.
• Five or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
• Significant experience working and building relationships with Indigenous communities and Tribes.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, pursue, and obtain grant funding for programmatic activities.
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with college students and young professionals.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into programming.
• A commitment to developing productive relationships across a college campus and with communities beyond the college at all levels.
• Effective communication skills.

• Five or more years of experience in water resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy in the Southwest and/or Four Corners Region.
• Eight or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering inclusive hiring practices and collaborative and respectful working environments.
• Three or more years of experience in leadership roles.
• Existing relationships with Indigenous communities in the Southwest and the ability to build upon existing relationships with these communities.
• A strong scholarly research record.
• A record of successful teaching and/or supervision of college students.
• Experience with experiential learning and professional development programs for early career professionals and college students.

Reporting to the Provost, the Director is responsible for:

• Overseeing the mission and long‑term vision for the Four Corners Water Center, including management of the Center’s existing programs and grants;
• Collaborating with faculty to develop the Center’s institutional plan for programming, collaboration, and growth;
• Developing and working with the College Advisory Committee to define long‑range goals for the Center;
• Working with faculty and staff to execute critical water‑focused projects.
• Existing programs include:
• Annual meetings, conferences, outreach, and training opportunities hosted at FLC;
• The Tribal Water Media Fellowship educational program;
• The Dolores River Adaptive Management research…