Associate Director, Institute

Agency

Department

Position Summary

The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is searching for an Associate Director to provide senior-level operational leadership focused on translating institutional strategy into effective execution across all programs and initiatives. This position advances TWRI’s mission by operationalizing leadership priorities, strengthening coordination systems, driving organizational efficiency, and ensuring consistent progress toward Institute goals.

The Associate Director serves as a central point of TWRI operations, and is responsible for maintaining execution integrity across programs, thematic labs, partnerships, and internal processes. This role ensures that TWRI initiatives remain aligned with strategic priorities, are effectively coordinated, and deliver measurable outcomes in research, engagement, and funding performance.

Job Description

Operational Strategy, Execution, and Performance Management

-       Drive Institute-wide strategy into coordinated implementation plans across programs and initiatives

-       Translate strategic priorities into structured workflows, timelines, roles, and deliverables to ensure consistent execution across the Institute

-       Develop and maintain Institute-level systems that ensure follow-through on priorities, alignment across programs, and clear reporting of outcomes and impact

-       Oversee Institute-wide project management systems to ensure initiatives are properly coordinated, on schedule, and effectively integrated across units

-       Identify operational inefficiencies, gaps, and opportunities to improve coordination, execution effectiveness, and overall institutional performance

-       Develop standardized reporting and performance tracking frameworks to support leadership decision-making and external accountability

Program Coordination and Funding Development

-       Monitor and support the performance of programs in achieving research outcomes, engagement goals, and external funding growth

-       Support TWRI leadership in the development, coordination, and dissemination of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aligned with Institute priorities

-       Ensure funding processes are effectively managed from proposal development through selection, implementation, and reporting

-       Track program-level outcomes related to research productivity, funding performance, and strategic impact

Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

-       Sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including state, federal, academic, industry, and community partners

-       Maintain coordination with the Texas A&M Foundation and other external funding and development partners

-       Support continuity and consistency in stakeholder engagement across programs and leadership priorities

-       Assist in the coordination of international partnerships and global engagement activities aligned with Institute's strategy

Internal Operations and Organizational Systems

-       Oversee internal operational infrastructure such as TWRI’s website, communication teams, and workflow tools

-       Improve internal processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and coordination across teams

-       Support implementation of standardized systems for documentation, communication, and information flow

Institute Reporting, Metrics, and Communication

-        Support the TWRI leadership in leading institute-wide reporting including internal leadership updates, external stakeholder reports, and program performance summaries

-        Develop systems to track key outputs, outcomes, and performance metrics across Institute activities

-        Ensure reporting is consistent, timely, and aligned with funding and institutional requirements

-        Translate program activity into clear evidence of institutional impact and performance

Required Qualifications:

-       Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

-       Eight years of related experience in management.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

-       Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of management development programs and implementation, and strategic planning.

-       Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Effective analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Reporting Structure:

-       Reporting directly to the TWRI Director, the Associate Director is a member of the Institute's leadership team and is responsible for advancing the Institute's strategic priorities through effective operational management.

Other Requirements:

-       Work beyond normal office hours and/or on weekends. Travel required.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.