I. PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Sonoran Institute’s mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them. We envision resilient and sustainable communities living in harmony with the natural world, where flowing rivers and healthy landscapes enable all people and nature to thrive. Our work transcends borders, bringing together diverse communities to promote civil dialogue about complex conservation issues that know no boundaries. All aspects of our work are guided by inclusivity and collaboration to create positive environmental change in the western United States and northwestern Mexico.

The Colorado River basin will continue to experience more severe water shortages due to climate change and increased growth, which will require that communities use less water and approach water holistically if they wish to continue to prosper while the natural world also continues to thrive. Sonoran Institute’s “Growing Water Smart” (GWS) program trains and assists communities in ensuring that land-use planning, which largely determines future water demand related to urban growth and development, is sensitive to future water conditions and makes the most strategic and equitable use of that water. The program promotes state and local policies that more widely integrate water and land use planning across the basin. The program currently operates in Colorado, Arizona, California, and along the US-MX border. 

II. GENERAL ROLE OF POSITION

The Director is responsible for directing and overseeing the design and implementation of the Growing Water Smart program, focused on an integrated approach to municipal water and land use planning, in states throughout the Colorado River Basin, including the US-Mexico border region. The Director will manage the program’s keystone training and assistance workshops and related projects by overseeing consultants, liaising with program partners, managing the program budget, cultivating program donors.

The Director will report to the Senior Director of Programs (SDP) and will have supervisory responsibilities for three staff persons. Should program activities expand, there may be opportunities to supervise additional staff. The Director will serve as a member of the Sonoran Institute’s Leadership Team comprised of senior managers from Sonoran Institute US and MX. 

III.  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Development and Implementation - 60% of time

• Develop and update as needed a comprehensive multi-year work plan for Growing Water Smart, soliciting input from the Executive Team, Leadership Team, and Board of Directors
• Serve as Sonoran Institute’s representative in formal and informal collaborations around water and land use planning in Colorado, Arizona, California, and in Mexico.
• Oversee development and adaptation of workshop agenda and curriculum, delivery of technical assistance, and other program activities as developed in the future.
• Maintain regular contacts with program partners in the public and private sectors, update them on activities in a timely fashion. 
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the project.

Program Management - 40% of time

• Oversee consultants responsible for workshop design and facilitation, technical assistance, development and application of project metrics, and communication of program lessons learned and best practices. 
• Develop and update annual program budget and review financial reports, complete purchase orders, employee reimbursements, and other payment requests in a timely manner, and review and approve all program vendor contracts and grant agreements 
• Hire and supervise program staff; oversee development of individual work plans, conduct annual performance evaluations, and provide mentoring, guidance, and professional development for program staff.
• Serve as primary relationship manager with the Babbitt Center/Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado River District, Northern Water, and other funders/partners.
• Draft grant proposals and reports and ensure all grantor requirements are met, cultivate grantors and donors. Attend board meetings held three times a year, present program activities to the board and participate in board discussions about program and policy priorities.
• Attend staff meetings and present on program activities to staff.
• Serve on organization-wide Leadership Team.
• Present program plans and updates to the Board of Directors, Policy and Planning Committee, or other venues.

I. POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

Decision-Making/Consequence of Error: The Director will be expected to demonstrate independent judgment in implementing defined tasks and program plans while using professional best management practices. Decisions impacting programs will be the responsibility of the Director. Decisions impacting the activities or reputation of the Sonoran Institute will be finalized in consultation with the Senior Director of Programs

Nature of Supervision Received: The Director will receive direction and feedback from the Senior Director of Programs, and other senior staff, depending on the activities being undertaken, on a biweekly basis. Program reviews will be done by the Senior Director of Programs on an annual basis in consultation with other senior staff, and formal employment reviews will be conducted at least annually

Representation and Public Contact: The Director will typically interact in both public and private settings with partners, community decision makers, and their constituents.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in natural or water resource management, communicating public policy or climate science, land use, urban/regional planning or related field.
• Seven or more years of increasingly responsible experience in relevant fields is desired, including project management.
• Previous leadership and/or management experience is preferable. 

Required Skills

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and information to a broad range of audiences.
• Strong analytical and program management skills.
• Experience in group facilitation and public engagement.
• Experience in successfully fundraising from foundations, government agencies, or individual donors.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Current valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel by car or plane in the United States.
• Ability to work independently.
• Results driven, proactive & able to work autonomously. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Attention to detail a must.
• Problem solving attitude. 
• Flexible, change embracing in rapidly evolving work and market environment. 
• Ability to relate to and work with a wide variety of stakeholders. 

Desired Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Spanish language; ability to read, write and translate documents from Spanish to English/English to Spanish.
• Experience with training or public process design and stakeholder engagement and outreach.
• Experience with research and analysis relevant to planning, development, resource management and policy.
• Sound grasp of linkages between urban and regional planning, economic development, and natural resource conservation, best policies and practices.
• Understanding of natural resource planning and conservation issues, and best practices. 
• Experience with website/digital/graphic design/video or other new media tools.
• Proficiency in using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop.

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT OF THIS POSITION

Remote work: will consist of the employee’s own remote environment. Office work: The employee typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. The incumbent may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle, or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up-to 20 pounds.

Employees may be required to perform other reasonable duties as assigned within the scope of the position, to ensure workload coverage. Employees are required to follow any other reasonable job-related instructions and to perform any other reasonable job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description does NOT constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the organizational needs and requirements of the job change.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

As an organization that values equity and social justice, Sonoran Institute strives to be a place where all feel welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. We work to champion social justice initiatives and advocate for our community, and to continue to grow as an organization and individual. It is our diverse community that makes us who we are, and we stand against all discrimination, racism, and hatred.

Sonoran Institute is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits employment (be it as a volunteer or paid staff) discrimination based on race, color, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, or disability.

Geographic Location: Fully remote position physically located in or near Denver, CO or in Arizona with the ability to travel for meetings and workshops. 

Salary: $66,872 - $96,117 annually (based on location, education and experience)

Benefits Offered:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Long Term Disability - Employer Paid
• 401K participation with employer match
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year

 Sonoran Institute will begin reviewing applications on August 30, 2024. This posting will remain open until position is filled.