Job Title:           Executive Director, Trans-Pecos Water Trust

Location:           Presidio or BrewsterCounty, Texas

Background: Formed in 2005, The Trans-Pecos Water Trust is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of rehabilitating and protecting instream and environmental flows as well as riparian habitat along the Rio Grande and its tributaries, from Fort Quitman, Texas to Amistad reservoir. The Trust uses voluntary mechanisms—including donation, lease or purchase from willing sellers—to add instream use to existing water rights or convert those rights to instream use, as allowed by Texas law and for the benefit of fish, wildlife and river recreation. The Trust’s guiding principles include respect for private property rights, recognition of landowner stewardship, promotion of the natural and cultural heritage, and economic values associated with the Rio Grande and its tributaries in Far West Texas. During the first three years of its existence, the Trust focused on establishing a recognized presence in the region, raising funds, meeting with water rights holders in the subject stretch of the river, building relationships with other local and state agencies and organizations, conducting research and formulating strategies to obtain water rights and protect instream flows in the Rio Grande. The Trust has been successful establishing an on-the-ground presence, raising some additional funds and beginning the complex work of negotiating with water rights holders, and is now in a growth stage where additional outreach, building donor relationships and pushing forward with new goals and strategies will be very important to the long term functioning of the Trust. The ideal Executive Director will be well-positioned to lead a fledgling organization forward and through this new stage of growth.

Qualifications: The Trust is looking for an Executive Director that meets the following minimum and desired qualifications:

• Fund-raising experience and grant-writing ability;
• Understanding of and/or familiarity with the farming, ranching and business community in Far West Texas;
• Clear understanding of general principles of water management in Texas and in the Río Grande basin;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement work plans in an efficient and cost-effective manner;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment in complex situations and manage a budget.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, communications or related area and 3 to 5 years related experience or equivalent combination. Master’s degree may be preferred or required. Outstanding experience or expertise in the described areas may be considered by the board of directors in lieu of formal education.

• Expertise in river restoration, riparian habitat protection and restoration and/or land stewardship
• Advanced communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of the Trust to and solicit program support from diverse groups including land owners, conservation partners, academic leaders, government officials, donors, board members and the general public
• Practical ability in Spanish
• Experience with real property transactions
• Demonstrated ability to raise funds from foundations and/or individuals and engage in long-term strategic planning.

Salary range $50,000-60,000, paid leave is included but the position does not currently offer health care or additional benefits.

Existing office is located at the Centennial School Building of Sul Ross State University in Alpine Texas. There is flexibility as to the office’s future location within the Trans Pecos with new hire.