Director, Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, Sul Ross State University

Position Overview

Application Deadline: Open until filled (appointment date September 1, 2026)

Education Required: Doctorate in Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resource Science, Water Resource Management, or closely related field preferred (tenure-track with doctorate)

Experience Required: 10+ years progressive professional experience with at least 5 years in water- or natural-resource administration, research, or advocacy

Description

Sul Ross State University is hiring an inaugural Director of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water in Alpine, Texas, with an appointment date of September 1, 2026 and salary commensurate with experience.

Located in the water-scarce Chihuahuan Desert, Sul Ross State University is positioned to address West Texas regional water-resource challenges through research, service, and education. Groundwater is critical for landowners, communities, and wildlife in this arid, rural region, where eroded watersheds and aging water infrastructure compound water security concerns. The Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water (MRIWTW) is a new initiative housed temporarily at the Borderlands Research Institute for the next three years before becoming an independent institute at SRSU.

The Director leads the Institute’s day-to-day activities and long-term initiatives across three primary components: Research, Education, and Service. The role serves a 19-county service region, working with landowners, communities, and water managers and helping develop a Water Resource program within the Department of Natural Sciences. With a doctorate, this is a tenure-track faculty appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, serving 19 counties through research, technical assistance, and on-the-ground projects.
• Develop a robust, extramurally funded water research program meeting the needs of local municipalities, water conservation districts, faculty researchers, and legislators.
• Help develop degree programs and curricula in water resources within the Department of Natural Sciences.
• Build the Institute as a key regional partner for informed water-conservation and planning decisions.
• Provide leadership to MRIWTW faculty, staff, and students consistent with SRSU mission.
• Manage faculty and staff in adherence with HR practices and SRSU policies.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and retain a high-performing team.
• Partner with the SRSU Development Office and Associate Provost of Research and Development to design coordinated fundraising strategies across individual, foundation, corporate, and government sources.
• Communicate effectively with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Serve as the principal spokesperson for MRIWTW, reinforcing the mission internally and externally.
• Guide marketing and communications across internal and external stakeholders.
• Build transparent, ongoing communication with colleagues, students, and faculty across University departments.
• Direct and supervise MRIWTW finances with the SRSU Business Office, including operating budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting integrity.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive professional experience.
• At least 5 years in water- or natural-resource-related administration, research, or advocacy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software, and email.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resource Science, Water Resource Management, or closely related field (tenure-track with doctorate).
• Substantial senior leadership experience within the water sector, including designing and implementing research projects, financial management, development, stakeholder relations, faculty and staff relations and accountability, and marketing and communications.

Additional Notes

• Located in Alpine, Texas at the Borderlands Research Institute.
• MRIWTW will become an independent institute at SRSU after a three-year incubation period.
• An inaugural strategic plan is available upon request.
• Sul Ross State University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

How to Apply

Apply through the Sul Ross State University job portal at Posting G98298.

Required application materials:

• Letter of Intent.
• Transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae.

Note: applications must include complete job-history entries with job title, dates of employment, employer name, supervisor’s name and phone, and a description of duties; resumes and CVs do not replace this information.