Executive Director Alabama Water Institute - 529700

Job no: 529700
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Categories: Director/Executive, Research/Scientific

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.

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