Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
- Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
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If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.
Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the non-profit environmental research institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), is seeking a qualified individual to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS). The primary function of the DHS Executive Director is to support, facilitate, and expand Division faculty research through networking and leadership that augments and enhances the Division’s faculty generated revenues and multidisciplinary research. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with DHS faculty located on both campuses. The position can be based at either campus, and will require routine travel to the other campus.
The successful candidate will: 1) perform oversight of DHS personnel; 2) provide career support for DHS personnel and recruit new talent; 3) work with faculty to maintain and grow the existing portfolio of DHS research projects; 4) assist faculty to identify new opportunities by leveraging existing capabilities and engaging with potential sponsors of future research, and 5) provide leadership and oversight of DHS resources.
Management and Division Responsibilities
- Effectively manage DHS personnel, including maintaining healthy and collaborative inter-personnel interactions, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending faculty for promotions and awards.
- Work with the Division Administration to establish revenue projections, set budget priorities, and coordinate fiscal affairs with the Financial Services Office.
- Prioritize allocation of Divisional funds in a way that optimizes efforts by faculty members to grow DHS’ sponsored research portfolio. This includes the strategic hiring of additional faculty.
- Mentor directly, or provide mentorship opportunities, for faculty and staff.
Research Program Development and Implementation Responsibilities
- Network with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients, as well as build teams and collaborations within and outside of DRI to raise funds to support laboratories, facilities, and current and new research areas.
- Provide guidance and support to individual faculty to assist in program planning and development.
- Explore new areas of research that play to the strengths of the Division and Institute, as well as expanding current strengths.
- Identify and provide professional growth opportunities for faculty to build skills in proposal development, grant writing, and other forms of funding acquisition.
- Ensure optimum planning and use of existing equipment, funds, and facilities. Prioritize on-going DHS facility needs and advocate for additional resources as necessary.
Leadership Skills
- Provide leadership and direction to integrate Divisional strengths and facilitate interactions within DRI and with other institutions.
- Be an excellent internal and external advocate for the capabilities and accomplishments of DHS faculty.
- Be an effective communicator with a broad range of audiences.
- Uphold a high standard for sponsor engagement, high-impact scientific achievement, and innovative solutions.
- Lead efforts in workforce planning, recruitment, and retention of faculty and staff.
- Contribute to the overall success of the Institute by actively engaging as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution within one of the DHS research topic areas or a related field (see “About the Division of Hydrologic Sciences” below or visit http://www.dri.edu/dhs).
- Demonstrable excellence with two or more of the core competencies (Leadership, Management, and Program Development) and significant experience with the third.
- Previous experience supervising/managing budgets and personnel for organizations similar in size to DHS.
- Broad understanding of water-related environmental and research issues.
- Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and/or advanced credentials (e.g. Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist).
- Demonstrated understanding of a research environment where faculty salaries are generated through external grants and contracts.
- Demonstrated experience identifying current and future research opportunities and developing and implementing strategies that capitalize on those opportunities.
- Experience with external fundraising from proposal to deliverables.
- Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams.
- Experience authoring and/or reviewing proposals, reports, and publications.
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
- The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs (as defined in 10 CFR 707.4) as well as satisfactory credit, criminal, and background investigations.
Compensation
The minimum annual starting salary is $250,000 and will be competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and alignment with similar public academic research institutions. DRI provides excellent benefits that include:
- Health insurance options that include dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
- 19.25% tax-deferred mandatory retirement contribution with matching by DRI.
- Two (2) days of annual leave accrued each full month.
- Thirty (30) days of sick leave provided upon start date and two (2) days of sick leave accrued per full month after the first year of service.
- 12 paid holidays.
- Tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee and eligible dependents.
- No state income tax and no social security deduction.
- Relocation assistance.
About the Desert Research Institute
DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff, have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.
DRI faculty are supported through competitive grants and contracts with external funding agencies, creating an Institute-wide entrepreneurial and collaborative approach to scientific research. DRI has been successful in using this model to be highly flexible, innovative, and responsive to sponsor needs.
Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
About the Division of Hydrologic Sciences
The mission of the DHS within DRI is to improve society’s fundamental knowledge and understanding of hydrologic systems and to encourage more effective and efficient management of water resources. DHS has approximately 185 faculty and support staff, graduate research assistants, and hourly employees. More than two-thirds of DRI personnel are located at the Northern Nevada Science Center (NNSC) in Reno, with the remainder at the Southern Nevada Science Center (SNSC) in Las Vegas. DHS conducts more than $14.3 million of research annually, with an administrative operating budget of $2.2 million. The DHS Executive Director has considerable flexibility in the allocation of funds for various Division functions and initiatives.
The scientific areas currently encompassed by the Division include both basic and applied science and reflect issues and concerns common to regions around the world including developing nations. Consequently, the scope and relevance of this research extends well beyond the borders of Nevada and the nation. In addition to their research, some DHS faculty hold faculty status in water resource-related academic programs at UNR and UNLV, where they teach undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as advise M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students. The Institute is able to draw upon the variety of expertise available within NSHE and to involve faculty and students in collaborative research efforts. Visit http://www.dri.edu and http://www.dri.edu/dhs for more detailed information about our research activities.
ExemptYes
Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section of the position’s online application at dri.edu/careers:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications meet the hiring criteria and prepare you to succeed as the Executive Division Director.
- Current curriculum vita.
- Contact information for four professional references, whom may be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission at that time. References must specifically include at least one peer and one subordinate.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made. More detailed information about DRI may be found at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email jobs@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type “Browse Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0148773” in the search box.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.
Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).
All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.
