Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water

Primary Responsibilities
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. Strategic Vision: 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. Faculty/Staff Leadership: 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. SupervisoryResponsibilities: 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 MRIWTWs and the Universitys policies and applicable federal state and municipal laws. Recruit and train team members to build motivate and retain a high-performing team. Fundraising: 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. Marketing & Communications: Help guide the organizations 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 MRIWTWs mission vision and values. Financial Management: 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

Other Information
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 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. Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence domestic violence sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy you can contact the Office of Student Life located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling or emailing