Executive Director, CMU Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
Apply NowCompany: Colorado Mesa University
Location: Grand Junction, CO 81504
Description:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Title (Function): ExecutiveDirector, CMU Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
Department: ExternalRelations
Reporting To: VPExternal Relations/Chief of Staff
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $95,000.00-115,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 04/14/2025
Close Date: 05/04/2025 11:59 PM MST
SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals
SECTION II - THE SEAT
At CMU, we lookat every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seatcontributes significantly to our mission of providingan affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutuallyenriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of ourcommunity. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we havethe "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership andaccountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of theindividuals holding the seats.
The leader in this seat will lead, direct and manage the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at CMU (the "WaterCenter") and carry out its associated fundraising efforts. This person works collaboratively with a Boardof Directors, a technical advisory committee, the CMU Leadership Team, keyacademic departments and a wide range of interested stakeholders across theregion to fulfil the mission of the Water Center specifically and of ColoradoMesa University generally.
OVERVIEW AND SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
CMUseeks a dynamic leader to lead in the reinvigoration of the Water Centerthrough systematic organizational development, strategic planning, andimpactful programming. In January 2025, the Colorado River District ("CRD") andCMU committed $600,000 through a three-year grant to support capacity building,staff, and strategic planning. This funding is an opportunity for aninnovative, dynamic, and resourceful Executive Director to reestablish theWater Center to serve as a driving force for producing, sharing, and informingconstituents of the Upper Colorado River Basin and Western Colorado waterresearch and interests.
Background: What began as the Mesa County WaterAssociation in the late 1980's became the CMU Water Center in 2011. Guided byan all-volunteer Technical Advisory Council, the organization within CMUfocuses on performing and coordinating interdisciplinary research, educationand dialogue to address water issues facing the Upper Colorado RiverBasin. In 2015 the CMU Water Center wasrenamed the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center to honor the legacy of "thewarrior in irrigation boots," Ruth Powell Hutchins, one of the originalfounders of the Mesa County Water Association. Through the recent grant to build a strong organizational foundation,CRD and CMU envision the Executive Director will lead the Water Center in achievingits vision of serving as nonpartisan hub for water policy, academic educationand applied research rooted in West Slope knowledge and expertise, fosteringleadership, dialogue, and innovation in water resource management.
The leader in this seatis responsible for the overall direction, coordination and execution of theWater Center. This includes, and is not limited to:
OrganizationSustainability and Strategy: Development of short-term and long-term strategic plans for the Water Center through the guidance of the Board of Directors and a strategic consultant.
Facilitating technical advisory committee engagement to enhance programming, research, and other programmatic operations.
Engage and seek guidance from the Water Center Board of Directors. The Board will provide policy, political, and fundraising guidance for the position.
Fundraising and sponsorship development to secure a sustainable budget for the Water Center.The fiscal oversight of the Center will be conducted by CMU and the CMU Foundation. The Board of Directors will assist the Executive Director in identifying and pursuing outside funding opportunities (grants, donations, etc.) that align with the mission of the Water Center.
Partnershipsand External Outreach:
Serve as main voice of the Water Center for all internal/external media, stakeholder, and partner engagement Foster and maintain partnerships across the Western Slope of Colorado to enhance the impact and mission of the Water Center.
Programming:
Managing the full portfolio of Water Center programming which includes:
Project facilitation, coordination, and distribution of applied research and data collection
Public policy research, convenings, and education activities
Student development & workforce advancement
Education and events on campus and in the community
Serve as trusted resource and foster engagement for Colorado Mesa University students and faculty for Water Center related activities.
As part of the expectations of this position, the person will initiate and develop relationships with community members, CMU faculty members and community organizations to promote the university and its programs. The position will also facilitate relationships with other higher education institutions and water centers.
Promote and support water-related applied research
SECTION III -OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success of ourmission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit" inour seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture, demonstrateour values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals whowant this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity tobe a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
Has proven success at building positive relationships with diverse stakeholders in the water policy arena.
Supervises work in a manner that is kind, direct, and provides feedback for growth.
Preferred experience in managing organizational development and fiscal sustainability.
Preferred experience working with a board.
Excellent written communication skills.
Demonstrated project management experience.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and sponsorship development experience.
Willingness to learn on the job and with humble confidence.
Must be able to collect and analyze data to use for presenting recommendations.
Ability to use technology necessary for this position - word, excel, and learn software packages.
Must have excellent interpersonal and group communication skills.
Must be mobile to get around campus.
Must be able to drive to necessary stakeholder meetings and events around the region and State.
ESSENTIALS TO BE SUCCESSFULTheposition requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of highereducation; an advanced degree or demonstrated experience is preferred. Position also requires demonstrated,substantial experience managing complex multi-varied organizations withexpertise in the field of Western water issues (e.g. water science,engineering, policy, law and/or management).
Experienceworking for a board of directors is preferred.
Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typicalfunctions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities andareas of accountability.
DIRECT INQUIRIESCONTACT: Derek Wagner, dawagner@coloradomesa.edu
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will beasked to complete an online application by creating a profile and thenproviding personal and demographic information. In addition, please be preparedto upload a:
Cover letter
Resume
Include thename, phone number, email address and relationship of at least threeprofessional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job youare applying for. Professional references should include at least one currentor former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current orformer employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-handknowledge and can recommend you for employment.
Copy oftranscripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a socialsecurity number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploadingthe document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
ABOUT COLORADOMESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensiveuniversity in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptionaleducational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado'slargest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and viaonline offerings.
Colorado MesaUniversity serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of westernColorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, andinternational importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart ofthe CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to highereducation that encourages students to think differently and empowers them tochallenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars andthinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gainthe skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter inlife. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strongliberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employmentneeds, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforcedemands.
The Grand Valleyis home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and youwill not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by theGrand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-classmountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that'sless than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-countryskiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore oneof Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado MesaUniversity is particularly interested in candidates who have experience workingwith students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitmentto improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented studentswithin higher education.
Colorado MesaUniversity is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and livingcommunity. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for allfinal applicants being considered for employment. Background investigationsinclude reference checks, a criminal history record check, and whenappropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be ableto verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an EqualOpportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff andstudent body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with adisability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be providedreasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete anemployment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMUHuman Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provideadditional information, including medical documentation, regarding functionallimitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Title (Function): ExecutiveDirector, CMU Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center
Department: ExternalRelations
Reporting To: VPExternal Relations/Chief of Staff
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $95,000.00-115,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 04/14/2025
Close Date: 05/04/2025 11:59 PM MST
SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals
SECTION II - THE SEAT
At CMU, we lookat every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seatcontributes significantly to our mission of providingan affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutuallyenriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of ourcommunity. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we havethe "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership andaccountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of theindividuals holding the seats.
The leader in this seat will lead, direct and manage the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at CMU (the "WaterCenter") and carry out its associated fundraising efforts. This person works collaboratively with a Boardof Directors, a technical advisory committee, the CMU Leadership Team, keyacademic departments and a wide range of interested stakeholders across theregion to fulfil the mission of the Water Center specifically and of ColoradoMesa University generally.
OVERVIEW AND SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
CMUseeks a dynamic leader to lead in the reinvigoration of the Water Centerthrough systematic organizational development, strategic planning, andimpactful programming. In January 2025, the Colorado River District ("CRD") andCMU committed $600,000 through a three-year grant to support capacity building,staff, and strategic planning. This funding is an opportunity for aninnovative, dynamic, and resourceful Executive Director to reestablish theWater Center to serve as a driving force for producing, sharing, and informingconstituents of the Upper Colorado River Basin and Western Colorado waterresearch and interests.
Background: What began as the Mesa County WaterAssociation in the late 1980's became the CMU Water Center in 2011. Guided byan all-volunteer Technical Advisory Council, the organization within CMUfocuses on performing and coordinating interdisciplinary research, educationand dialogue to address water issues facing the Upper Colorado RiverBasin. In 2015 the CMU Water Center wasrenamed the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center to honor the legacy of "thewarrior in irrigation boots," Ruth Powell Hutchins, one of the originalfounders of the Mesa County Water Association. Through the recent grant to build a strong organizational foundation,CRD and CMU envision the Executive Director will lead the Water Center in achievingits vision of serving as nonpartisan hub for water policy, academic educationand applied research rooted in West Slope knowledge and expertise, fosteringleadership, dialogue, and innovation in water resource management.
The leader in this seatis responsible for the overall direction, coordination and execution of theWater Center. This includes, and is not limited to:
OrganizationSustainability and Strategy: Development of short-term and long-term strategic plans for the Water Center through the guidance of the Board of Directors and a strategic consultant.
Facilitating technical advisory committee engagement to enhance programming, research, and other programmatic operations.
Engage and seek guidance from the Water Center Board of Directors. The Board will provide policy, political, and fundraising guidance for the position.
Fundraising and sponsorship development to secure a sustainable budget for the Water Center.The fiscal oversight of the Center will be conducted by CMU and the CMU Foundation. The Board of Directors will assist the Executive Director in identifying and pursuing outside funding opportunities (grants, donations, etc.) that align with the mission of the Water Center.
Partnershipsand External Outreach:
Serve as main voice of the Water Center for all internal/external media, stakeholder, and partner engagement Foster and maintain partnerships across the Western Slope of Colorado to enhance the impact and mission of the Water Center.
Programming:
Managing the full portfolio of Water Center programming which includes:
Project facilitation, coordination, and distribution of applied research and data collection
Public policy research, convenings, and education activities
Student development & workforce advancement
Education and events on campus and in the community
Serve as trusted resource and foster engagement for Colorado Mesa University students and faculty for Water Center related activities.
As part of the expectations of this position, the person will initiate and develop relationships with community members, CMU faculty members and community organizations to promote the university and its programs. The position will also facilitate relationships with other higher education institutions and water centers.
Promote and support water-related applied research
SECTION III -OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success of ourmission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit" inour seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture, demonstrateour values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals whowant this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity tobe a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
Has proven success at building positive relationships with diverse stakeholders in the water policy arena.
Supervises work in a manner that is kind, direct, and provides feedback for growth.
Preferred experience in managing organizational development and fiscal sustainability.
Preferred experience working with a board.
Excellent written communication skills.
Demonstrated project management experience.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and sponsorship development experience.
Willingness to learn on the job and with humble confidence.
Must be able to collect and analyze data to use for presenting recommendations.
Ability to use technology necessary for this position - word, excel, and learn software packages.
Must have excellent interpersonal and group communication skills.
Must be mobile to get around campus.
Must be able to drive to necessary stakeholder meetings and events around the region and State.
ESSENTIALS TO BE SUCCESSFULTheposition requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of highereducation; an advanced degree or demonstrated experience is preferred. Position also requires demonstrated,substantial experience managing complex multi-varied organizations withexpertise in the field of Western water issues (e.g. water science,engineering, policy, law and/or management).
Experienceworking for a board of directors is preferred.
Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typicalfunctions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities andareas of accountability.
DIRECT INQUIRIESCONTACT: Derek Wagner, dawagner@coloradomesa.edu
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will beasked to complete an online application by creating a profile and thenproviding personal and demographic information. In addition, please be preparedto upload a:
Cover letter
Resume
Include thename, phone number, email address and relationship of at least threeprofessional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job youare applying for. Professional references should include at least one currentor former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current orformer employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-handknowledge and can recommend you for employment.
Copy oftranscripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a socialsecurity number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploadingthe document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
ABOUT COLORADOMESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensiveuniversity in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptionaleducational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado'slargest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and viaonline offerings.
Colorado MesaUniversity serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of westernColorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, andinternational importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart ofthe CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to highereducation that encourages students to think differently and empowers them tochallenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars andthinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gainthe skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter inlife. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strongliberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employmentneeds, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforcedemands.
The Grand Valleyis home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and youwill not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by theGrand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-classmountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that'sless than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-countryskiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore oneof Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado MesaUniversity is particularly interested in candidates who have experience workingwith students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitmentto improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented studentswithin higher education.
Colorado MesaUniversity is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and livingcommunity. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for allfinal applicants being considered for employment. Background investigationsinclude reference checks, a criminal history record check, and whenappropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be ableto verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an EqualOpportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff andstudent body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with adisability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be providedreasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete anemployment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMUHuman Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provideadditional information, including medical documentation, regarding functionallimitations and the type of accommodation needed.