Executive Director, Division of Hydrologic Sciences

The Desert Research Institute (DRI), is seeking a qualified innovative 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 research activities through leadership that augments and enhances the Division’s multi-disciplinary scientific skills. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with DHS faculty located on both campuses. The Executive Director position can be based at either location with routine travel between the offices required.

About the Division of Hydrologic Sciences

DHS is one of three scientific research divisions within DRI. Since its inception in 1960, DHS faculty have built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality research, development, and education services in the interdisciplinary fields of hydrologic sciences and engineering. As a nonprofit, DRI’s DHS faculty have earned a reputation for providing high-impact scientific and engineering products to our customers and stakeholders, and the public. DHS faculty are engaged in environmental issues throughout the world.

The Executive Director of the Division of Hydrologic Sciences manages administrative functions of the division, which has an annual budget of approximately $1.6M and an administrative staff of 9 personnel.   DHS conducts more than $11 million of research annually and the executive director also has access to significant levels of discretionary funds to assist in the operation and growth of the Division.  DHS has approximately 140 faculty and support staff, graduate research assistants and hourly employees.  Approximately two-thirds of our personnel are located at the Northern Nevada Science Center (NNSC) in Reno, with the remainder at the Southern Nevada Science Center (SNSC) in Las Vegas. 

Position

The successful candidate will: 1) perform oversight of DHS personnel and resources; 2) provide career support for DHS scientists 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) foster teamwork within DRI/NSHE.

Executive Directors are expected to apply leadership, research program development and implementation, and management skills as described in a few more detailed items below:

• Be an effective internal and external spokesperson for DHS faculty capabilities and successes.
• Embody a high standard for scientific and engineering quality, thereby serving as an example for excellence in scientific/engineering products and outstanding customer service.
• Provide direction and support to individual faculty and assist in program planning and development. This will sometimes require interaction with funding agencies.
• 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.
• Work with DHS Business Managers to establish revenue projections, set budget priorities, allocate Division funds, and coordinate fiscal affairs with the Financial Services Office.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required and the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance is mandatory.
• A doctorate or a master’s degree from an accredited institution in water-related civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, aquatic geochemistry, or related field; with proven research accomplishments.
• 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.
• Evidence of success in a setting in which a significant portion of funding comes from competitively awarded grants and contracts. This includes evidence of success by the applicant in securing funding for salaries, research, or other operational expenses.
• Demonstrated experience of successful research project execution and delivery of results and products.

The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 as well as satisfactory credit, criminal and background checks.

Qualified individuals interested in this position must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. References will be contacted at a later date with the permission of the applicant.

For more detailed information about DRI, DRI faculty, and research projects and publications, please visit us at https://www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7332.

DRI is an AA/EEO employer who gives consideration in employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Individuals with disabilities or protected veteran status are encouraged to apply.