Description

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. 

Job Description:

Minimum Qualifications

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.
 

Preferred Qualifications

Five or more years of experience in water resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy in the Southwest and/or Four Corners Region.
8 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.

Requirements

Major Responsibilities

 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; and 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 program
The Food, Energy, Water internship program
The Colorado Water Fellows program
Supporting the advertisement, advising, and assessment of the Interdisciplinary Water Studies Certificate
Advising for the RMS River Studies and Leadership Certificates
Graduate school exploration events
Leading the Center in demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community and Indigenous partners.
Overseeing the Center’s fiscal responsibilities to the College and external funders in collaboration with the Budget and Advancement Office, including developing and approving annual budgets; approving research and projects grants; authorizing significant expenditures in accordance with policies and guidelines; and ensuring operations and programming initiatives are undertaken with available resources.
Working closely with the Advancement Office on stewardship of the Center’s major donors and to cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funding agencies.
Engaging in research related to their field of expertise and mentorship of students who are connected to Water Center activities.
Fostering program collaboration and support with student-serving Centers within Diversity Affairs and Student Engagement, such as the Environmental Center, Native American Center, Recreation Services, El Centro de Muchos Colores, Student Involvement Center, for example.
Connecting with the local/regional educational community,
Connecting with local and regional water professionals’ organizations to pursue opportunities for workforce development, trainings, and collaborations that align with the Center and College’s strategic plans, creating opportunities for student engagement with these programs.
Convening Water Center Advisory Committee and engaging with academic departments regarding water center programs and activities.
Maintaining a visible presence in the local, state, and regional professional community, attending conferences and events multiple times a year.
Creating and conducting public lectures and events related to Water Center programming.
Writing, producing, and disseminating timely communications regarding water center programs and events and related issues.
Promote the Water Center and provide updates on programs and opportunities through appropriate channels and in conjunction with FLC’s Marking and Communications department
Hiring and supervision of Work Study students as needed.
Performing other duties as assigned.