JOB DESCRIPTION
The Thornburg Foundation is seeking applications from qualified candidates to lead the Water Initiative, which focuses on advancement of policy reforms, planning efforts, research and data, and other work to modernize and transform water management in New Mexico. The Initiative is driven by collaborative approaches and informed by community needs. Partnerships with Tribal and Hispanic communities will be particularly important for this work.
The position will be chiefly responsible for managing a multi-year grantmaking portfolio consistent with the organization’s strategic plan.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Commitment to, experience in, and enthusiasm for advancing policy to reform and modernize water management approaches in New Mexico; required.
- Experience working in a bi-partisan way, building coalitions, and engaging diverse stakeholders and tribal communities; required.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills; required.
- Must operate with an entrepreneurial mindset, be self-directed, and highly collegial; required.
- 5+ years of executive, legislative, campaign, or related political or advocacy experience from within government, the non-profit sector, philanthropy, or other related industry; required.
- Undergraduate degree in conservation ecology, environmental science, public policy, social sciences, business, or related field; required. Master’s or Juris Doctor degree; preferred.
- Strong project management skills to assure grants are developed, submitted, monitored and reviewed on a timely basis; required.
- Understanding of the New Mexico political landscape; strongly preferred.
- Experience building issue-advocacy strategies to advance long-term policy objectives; preferred.
- Willingness to learn and ability to be flexible with changing priorities and responsibilities; preferred
Essential Duties:
- Refine and lead a comprehensive strategy designed to advance modernize water management and build climate resilient water systems in New Mexico.
- Work closely with prospective and current grantees to develop new grant applications, support grant implementation, and ensure grant reporting.
- Make quarterly presentations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors on the progress of the initiative and grant recommendations.
- Coordinate and collaborate with partners and stakeholders to advance a strong research and policy agenda.
- Work in a bi-partisan way to build coalitions and engage diverse stakeholders in any strategy, such as national and local business organizations, community and elected officials, tribal entities, legal experts, nonprofit organizations, foundations and community-based organizations.
- Consult with national, regional and state funders and funding collaboratives to coordinate, strengthen, and leverage the Initiative.
- Report to the President regularly to support their communications with the Thornburg Foundation executive committee.
- Ensure Water Initiative alignment and coordination with the Foundation’s other strategic initiatives, especially the Land & Agriculture and Pursuing Public Funding Initiatives.
- Work with the highest integrity and in full compliance with applicable rules, regulations and standards.
Requirements:
- Occasional travel in-state as well as national travel.
- Applicant must pass a background check.
Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary; health care benefits; paid time off; sick leave; professional development funding, and 401(k) plan with generous employer contribution.
Location: This position is based at the Thornburg Foundation office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The position allows for hybrid work. Staff schedule requires 3 days per week in the office. The Foundation does not offer remote work options.
To Apply: No phone calls. Please submit a cover letter that specifically addresses how your expertise and background match the job description requirements, your resume, and contact information for three references (two must be former or current employers) by November 11, 2025. Email applications to leslie@thornburgfoundation.org and include “Water Policy Officer” in the subject line. We plan for first-round interviews for this position to be conducted between November 24 and December 5, 2025. The target start date for the position is February 24, 2026.
