Executive Director Alabama Water Institute - 529700

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $127,300 - Midpoint: $184,600 (Salaried E17)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Executive Director of the Alabama Water Institute provides a vision for collaborative water research through effective leadership that embraces the full range of disciplines represented by Alabama Water Institute (AWI). Develops and elevates AWI’s national and international profile. Coordinates closely with federal water agencies. Partners with University staff to identify, promote, and contribute resources to strengthen AWI and manage its portfolio. Stimulates the development of new research centers consistent with the AWI research focus. Fosters and supports high quality research and scholarly activities within AWI by ensuring a stimulating, collegial, and well-managed environment. Engages a range of internal and external stakeholders to identify research opportunities and partnerships.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) stands as a cornerstone of the University of Alabama’s research enterprise. AWI’s mission is to develop and implement transformative, interdisciplinary solutions that ensure water security for communities, industries, and ecosystems in Alabama, the nation, and the world. Through partnerships with federal agencies, academic collaborators, and private-sector innovators, AWI promotes research and technology development in areas such as hydrologic forecasting, water quality, groundwater and surface water assessment, hydroinformatics, and risk communication. The institute supports the University’s broader commitment to resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development.

The scope and impact of AWI are both broad and deep. In 2022, the institute led a national consortium to secure a $360M, five-year Cooperative Institute award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) unites more than two dozen academic and agency partners to advance the nation’s hydrologic modeling, forecasting, and decision-support capabilities. Also in 2022, the Global Water Security Center, operating under AWI’s umbrella, received significant Department of War support to expand its work at the intersection of national security, environmental intelligence, and data science. Building on this foundation, AWI also leads the Community Oriented Nature-based Science for Ecosystem Restoration and Versatile Engineering (CONSERVE), a strategic initiative that advances integrated research and education to improve the resilience of coupled human-natural systems. CONSERVE strengthens UA’s leadership in global sustainability by connecting water research to the critical interdependencies of agriculture, energy, and environmental stewardship. These landmark accomplishments underscore AWI’s growing influence as a trusted partner to government, industry, and research organizations worldwide. The Institute’s success is amplified by the unparalleled ecosystem for water research on UA’s campus. The National Water Center (NWC) develops and delivers state-of-the-science hydrologic analyses and forecasts from a facility located on the University’s campus. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently opened the new Hydrological Instrumentation Facility (HIF), a state-of-the-art laboratory and testing complex that anchors collaborations in measurement science, modeling, and field instrumentation. Together, these two federal centers, combined with UA’s world-class faculty and facilities, create a research environment unmatched in the nation for innovation in hydrology and water resources.

The University of Alabama (UA) invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the Alabama Water Institute (AWI). This is a singular opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of water research, innovation, and impact at one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most dynamic flagship universities.

This position serves as the chief architect of AWI’s vision, strategy, and operations. Works closely with the Vice President for Research and the leaders of UA’s other signature research institutes to advance the institute’s national and international reputation for excellence in water science and policy. Strengthens and expands relationships with NOAA, USGS, NASA, the Army Corps of Engineers, NSF, and other federal and state partners. Fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations that connect UA’s faculty expertise to emerging global water challenges. Develops sustainable funding models that ensure the long-term growth and stability of AWI. Champions a culture of innovation and impact that aligns with UA’s mission as the state’s flagship public research university.

As The University of Alabama continues to expand its research and innovation enterprise, the Alabama Water Institute represents a defining opportunity to shape the next generation of water science and technology. The Executive Director will join a campus community driven by excellence, innovation, and public service and ensures that The University of Alabama leads the way in building a resilient and water-secure future for all.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of cross-disciplinary research team(s) leadership experience in a research-intensive academic, industrial, or government setting; OR master's degree and six (6) years of cross-disciplinary research team(s) leadership experience in a research-intensive academic, industrial, or government setting.

Skills and Knowledge: Ability to cultivate and sustain partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, fostering innovation and translating research into societal and economic benefits.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience; OR master’s degree and ten (10) years of directly relevant experience in research administration, scientific leadership, or program management. Record of excellence in research leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative accomplishment that reflects the breadth and ambition of The University of Alabama’s research enterprise. Record of success and experience directing cross-disciplinary research teams and initiatives, with achievements recognized at the national level and, ideally, international level. Demonstrated success in government relations, including the development of competitive proposals, the establishment of interagency collaborations, and the acquisition of federal and/or state appropriations to advance research priorities. Experience working with major federal agencies engaged in water and environmental research, including—but not limited to—NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Significant experience leading research and operational programs within an academic, industrial, and/or government environment, with a demonstrated ability to connect science, policy, and practice. Deep understanding of various scientific, engineering, and policy disciplines represented within the Alabama Water Institute and the ability to integrate these perspectives into a cohesive vision A reputation as a trusted and effective colleague and leader, known for fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability within complex organizations. Documented success in managing and developing staff and research professionals, with a proven capacity to recruit, mentor, and retain top talent. Clear understanding of research funding landscapes and demonstrated success in developing, securing, and managing externally sponsored grants and contracts. Demonstrated record of success in research management, program development, and partnership building.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Advertised: 17 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Jul 2026 Central Daylight Time

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