Executive Director, Division of Hydrologic Sciences
Desert Research Institute | Posted Aug 25, 2025
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- Experience Level:
- 5-10 Years
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The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the non-profit environmental research institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), is seeking a qualified individual to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS). The primary function of the DHS Executive Director is to support, facilitate, and expand Division faculty research through networking and leadership that augments and enhances the Division’s faculty generated revenues and multidisciplinary research. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with DHS faculty located on both campuses. The position can be based at either campus, and will require routine travel to the other campus.
The successful candidate will: 1) perform oversight of DHS personnel; 2) provide career support for DHS personnel and recruit new talent; 3) work with faculty to maintain and grow the existing portfolio of DHS research projects; 4) assist faculty to identify new opportunities by leveraging existing capabilities and engaging with potential sponsors of future research, and 5) provide leadership and oversight of DHS resources.
Management and Division Responsibilities
• Effectively manage DHS personnel, including maintaining healthy and collaborative inter-personnel interactions, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending faculty for promotions and awards.
• Work with the Division Administration to establish revenue projections, set budget priorities, and coordinate fiscal affairs with the Financial Services Office.
• Prioritize allocation of Divisional funds in a way that optimizes efforts by faculty members to grow DHS’ sponsored research portfolio. This includes the strategic hiring of additional faculty.
• Mentor directly, or provide mentorship opportunities, for faculty and staff.
Research Program Development and Implementation Responsibilities
• Network with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients, as well as build teams and collaborations within and outside of DRI to raise funds to support laboratories, facilities, and current and new research areas.
• Provide guidance and support to individual faculty to assist in program planning and development.
• Explore new areas of research that play to the strengths of the Division and Institute, as well as expanding current strengths.
• Identify and provide professional growth opportunities for faculty to build skills in proposal development, grant writing, and other forms of funding acquisition.
• Ensure optimum planning and use of existing equipment, funds, and facilities. Prioritize on-going DHS facility needs and advocate for additional resources as necessary.
Leadership Skills
• Provide leadership and direction to integrate Divisional strengths and facilitate interactions within DRI and with other institutions.
• Be an excellent internal and external advocate for the capabilities and accomplishments of DHS faculty.
• Be an effective communicator with a broad range of audiences.
• Uphold a high standard for sponsor engagement, high-impact scientific achievement, and innovative solutions.
• Lead efforts in workforce planning, recruitment, and retention of faculty and staff.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Institute by actively engaging as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team.
Required Qualifications
• Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution within one of the DHS research topic areas or a related field (see “About the Division of Hydrologic Sciences” below or visit http://www.dri.edu/dhs).
• Demonstrable excellence with two or more of the core competencies (Leadership, Management, and Program Development) and significant experience with the third.
• Previous experience supervising/managing budgets and personnel for organizations similar in size to DHS.
• Broad understanding of water-related environmental and research issues.
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and/or advanced credentials (e.g. Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist).
• Demonstrated understanding of a research environment where faculty salaries are generated through external grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience identifying current and future research opportunities and developing and implementing strategies that capitalize on those opportunities.
• Experience with external fundraising from proposal to deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams.
• Experience authoring and/or reviewing proposals, reports, and publications.