Four Corners Water Center Director, Fort Lewis...
Four Corners Water Center...
Position Summary:
This position is classified as Full-time Exempt Staff.
Reporting to the Provost, the Director of the Four Corners Water supports the Water Center's mission to cultivate the next generation of water leaders through student-centered programming focused on creating solutions to pressing water challenges in the Four Corners region and to act as a liaison between the College and Four Corners communities around essential water conversations and initiatives.
The Water Center Director supports the Center's mission by:
· Coordinating programs and projects that serve and support Fort Lewis College students in pursuing water-related coursework and professional development opportunities during their degree programs;
· Connecting FLC students, faculty, and staff across campus around interdisciplinary water initiatives;
· Facilitating connections between local watershed organizations, water professionals, other community members, and Fort Lewis College;
· Securing external support and grant funding for programs.
Additionally, the Water Center supports the Fort Lewis College strategic plan's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary learning; equity-based education; and reconciliation. The Water Center Director works across academic disciplines with a wide range of engaged faculty from all schools and departments on campus to support and collaborate on student-centered initiatives. The Director similarly collaborates with campus partners in the Office of Academic Affairs, Diversity Affairs, the Office of Sponsored Research, and the FLC Foundation.
Job Description:
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or master's degree in a water-related field, such as Environmental Science, Sociology, Law, Policy, Geosciences, Biology/Ecology, Resources Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Journalism, etc.
Five or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
Significant experience working and building relationships with Indigenous communities and Tribes.
Demonstrated ability to identify, pursue, and obtain grant funding for programmatic activities.
Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills and experience.
Demonstrated experience working with college students and young professionals.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into programming.
A commitment to developing productive relationships across a college campus and with communities beyond the college at all levels.
Effective communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Five or more years of experience in water resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy in the Southwest and/or Four Corners Region.
8 or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
Demonstrated experience in fostering inclusive hiring practices and collaborative and respectful working environments.
Three or more years of experience in leadership roles.
Existing relationships with Indigenous communities in the Southwest and the ability to build upon existing relationships with these communities.
A strong scholarly research record.
A record of successful teaching and/or supervision of college students.
Experience with experiential learning and professional development programs for early career professionals and college students.
Major Responsibilities
Reporting to the Provost, the Director is responsible for:
Overseeing the mission and long-term vision for the Four Corners Water Center, including: management of the Center's existing programs and grants; collaborating with faculty to develop the Center's institutional plan for programming, collaboration, and growth; developing and working with the College Advisory Committee to define long-range goals for the Center; and working with faculty and staff to execute critical water-focused projects. Existing programs include:
Annual meetings, conferences, outreach, and training opportunities hosted at FLC.
The Tribal Water Media Fellowship educational program
The Dolores River Adaptive Management research program
The Food, Energy, Water internship program
The Colorado Water Fellows program
Supporting the advertisement, advising, and assessment of the Interdisciplinary Water Studies Certificate
Advising for the RMS River Studies and Leadership Certificates
Graduate school exploration events
Leading the Center in demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community and Indigenous partners.
Overseeing the Center's fiscal responsibilities to the College and external funders in collaboration with the Budget and Advancement Office, including developing and approving annual budgets; approving research and projects grants; authorizing significant expenditures in accordance with policies and guidelines; and ensuring operations and programming initiatives are undertaken with available resources.
Working closely with the Advancement Office on stewardship of the Center's major donors and to cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funding agencies.
Engaging in research related to their field of expertise and mentorship of students who are connected to Water Center activities.
Fostering program collaboration and support with student-serving Centers within Diversity Affairs and Student Engagement, such as the Environmental Center, Native American Center, Recreation Services, El Centro de Muchos Colores, Student Involvement Center, for example.
Connecting with the local/regional educational community,
Connecting with local and regional water professionals' organizations to pursue opportunities for workforce development, trainings, and collaborations that align with the Center and College's strategic plans, creating opportunities for student engagement with these programs.
Convening Water Center Advisory Committee and engaging with academic departments regarding water center programs and activities.
Maintaining a visible presence in the local, state, and regional professional community, attending conferences and events multiple times a year.
Creating and conducting public lectures and events related to Water Center programming.
Writing, producing, and disseminating timely communications regarding water center programs and events and related issues.
Promote the Water Center and provide updates on programs and opportunities through appropriate channels and in conjunction with FLC's Marking and Communications department
Hiring and supervision of Work Study students as needed.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential function.
Ability to work with moderate noise (i.e. office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
Ability to juggle a variety of administrative tasks simultaneously.
Ability to manage a team of professionals with differing opinions, levels of training, and experience.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
Light to moderate lifting is required.
For field-based research and education activities, the employee may have to traverse uneven surfaces in varying weather conditions carrying 20-30 pounds of equipment.
Travel
Local and regional travel to:
attend professional conferences and conventions
meet with donors
connect with relevant organizations
partner with tribal organizations and governments
conduct field-based learning and research activities
attend events and programs at other institutions.
FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Exempt
Full Time 1.0FTE
Temporary
Full Year
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $64,000 to $68,500 , plus a
comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
A complete application packet includes:
Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
Resume
Names and contact information for three current, professional references
Application materials received by 11:59 PM on July 6, 2026, will receive full consideration.
The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts
and pass a background check.
About Fort Lewis College:
On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado's premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC's academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango
Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:
Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
Sexual assault policy
Campus security policies
Campus/community resources
The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
Where to find registered sex offender information
Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
Reporting crimes
The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways:
By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at (970) 247-7331.
Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.
Discrimination Questions?
Office of Compliance and Community Standards
David Pirrone, Director of Compliance
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu
Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7049 mgillman@fortlewis.edu
Information about Fort Lewis College's alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.
* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.
ADAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
Position Summary:
This position is classified as Full-time Exempt Staff.
Reporting to the Provost, the Director of the Four Corners Water supports the Water Center's mission to cultivate the next generation of water leaders through student-centered programming focused on creating solutions to pressing water challenges in the Four Corners region and to act as a liaison between the College and Four Corners communities around essential water conversations and initiatives.
The Water Center Director supports the Center's mission by:
· Coordinating programs and projects that serve and support Fort Lewis College students in pursuing water-related coursework and professional development opportunities during their degree programs;
· Connecting FLC students, faculty, and staff across campus around interdisciplinary water initiatives;
· Facilitating connections between local watershed organizations, water professionals, other community members, and Fort Lewis College;
· Securing external support and grant funding for programs.
Additionally, the Water Center supports the Fort Lewis College strategic plan's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary learning; equity-based education; and reconciliation. The Water Center Director works across academic disciplines with a wide range of engaged faculty from all schools and departments on campus to support and collaborate on student-centered initiatives. The Director similarly collaborates with campus partners in the Office of Academic Affairs, Diversity Affairs, the Office of Sponsored Research, and the FLC Foundation.
Job Description:
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or master's degree in a water-related field, such as Environmental Science, Sociology, Law, Policy, Geosciences, Biology/Ecology, Resources Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Journalism, etc.
Five or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
Significant experience working and building relationships with Indigenous communities and Tribes.
Demonstrated ability to identify, pursue, and obtain grant funding for programmatic activities.
Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills and experience.
Demonstrated experience working with college students and young professionals.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into programming.
A commitment to developing productive relationships across a college campus and with communities beyond the college at all levels.
Effective communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Five or more years of experience in water resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy in the Southwest and/or Four Corners Region.
8 or more years of work experience in natural resources, science, engineering, law, journalism, education, or policy related to water.
Demonstrated experience in fostering inclusive hiring practices and collaborative and respectful working environments.
Three or more years of experience in leadership roles.
Existing relationships with Indigenous communities in the Southwest and the ability to build upon existing relationships with these communities.
A strong scholarly research record.
A record of successful teaching and/or supervision of college students.
Experience with experiential learning and professional development programs for early career professionals and college students.
Major Responsibilities
Reporting to the Provost, the Director is responsible for:
Overseeing the mission and long-term vision for the Four Corners Water Center, including: management of the Center's existing programs and grants; collaborating with faculty to develop the Center's institutional plan for programming, collaboration, and growth; developing and working with the College Advisory Committee to define long-range goals for the Center; and working with faculty and staff to execute critical water-focused projects. Existing programs include:
Annual meetings, conferences, outreach, and training opportunities hosted at FLC.
The Tribal Water Media Fellowship educational program
The Dolores River Adaptive Management research program
The Food, Energy, Water internship program
The Colorado Water Fellows program
Supporting the advertisement, advising, and assessment of the Interdisciplinary Water Studies Certificate
Advising for the RMS River Studies and Leadership Certificates
Graduate school exploration events
Leading the Center in demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community and Indigenous partners.
Overseeing the Center's fiscal responsibilities to the College and external funders in collaboration with the Budget and Advancement Office, including developing and approving annual budgets; approving research and projects grants; authorizing significant expenditures in accordance with policies and guidelines; and ensuring operations and programming initiatives are undertaken with available resources.
Working closely with the Advancement Office on stewardship of the Center's major donors and to cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funding agencies.
Engaging in research related to their field of expertise and mentorship of students who are connected to Water Center activities.
Fostering program collaboration and support with student-serving Centers within Diversity Affairs and Student Engagement, such as the Environmental Center, Native American Center, Recreation Services, El Centro de Muchos Colores, Student Involvement Center, for example.
Connecting with the local/regional educational community,
Connecting with local and regional water professionals' organizations to pursue opportunities for workforce development, trainings, and collaborations that align with the Center and College's strategic plans, creating opportunities for student engagement with these programs.
Convening Water Center Advisory Committee and engaging with academic departments regarding water center programs and activities.
Maintaining a visible presence in the local, state, and regional professional community, attending conferences and events multiple times a year.
Creating and conducting public lectures and events related to Water Center programming.
Writing, producing, and disseminating timely communications regarding water center programs and events and related issues.
Promote the Water Center and provide updates on programs and opportunities through appropriate channels and in conjunction with FLC's Marking and Communications department
Hiring and supervision of Work Study students as needed.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential function.
Ability to work with moderate noise (i.e. office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
Ability to juggle a variety of administrative tasks simultaneously.
Ability to manage a team of professionals with differing opinions, levels of training, and experience.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
Light to moderate lifting is required.
For field-based research and education activities, the employee may have to traverse uneven surfaces in varying weather conditions carrying 20-30 pounds of equipment.
Travel
Local and regional travel to:
attend professional conferences and conventions
meet with donors
connect with relevant organizations
partner with tribal organizations and governments
conduct field-based learning and research activities
attend events and programs at other institutions.
FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Exempt
Full Time 1.0FTE
Temporary
Full Year
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $64,000 to $68,500 , plus a
comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
A complete application packet includes:
Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
Resume
Names and contact information for three current, professional references
Application materials received by 11:59 PM on July 6, 2026, will receive full consideration.
The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts
and pass a background check.
About Fort Lewis College:
On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado's premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC's academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango
Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:
Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
Sexual assault policy
Campus security policies
Campus/community resources
The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
Where to find registered sex offender information
Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
Reporting crimes
The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways:
By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at (970) 247-7331.
Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.
Discrimination Questions?
Office of Compliance and Community Standards
David Pirrone, Director of Compliance
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu
Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7049 mgillman@fortlewis.edu
Information about Fort Lewis College's alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.
* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.
ADAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
Posted 2 weeks ago
