Department/Organization
750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)
Rank
Professor of Practice
Position Summary
The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) stands as a cornerstone of the University of Alabama’s research enterprise. AWI’s mission is to develop and implement transformative, interdisciplinary solutions that ensure water security for communities, industries, and ecosystems in Alabama, the nation, and the world. Through partnerships with federal agencies, academic collaborators, and private-sector innovators, AWI promotes research and technology development in areas such as hydrologic forecasting, water quality, groundwater and surface water assessment, hydroinformatics, and risk communication. The institute supports the University’s broader commitment to resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development. The scope and impact of AWI are both broad and deep. In 2022, the institute led a national consortium to secure a $360M, five-year Cooperative Institute award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) unites more than two dozen academic and agency partners to advance the nation’s hydrologic modeling, forecasting, and decision-support capabilities. Also in 2022, the Global Water Security Center, operating under AWI’s umbrella, received significant Department of War support to expand its work at the intersection of national security, environmental intelligence, and data science. Building on this foundation, AWI also leads the Community Oriented Nature-based Science for Ecosystem Restoration and Versatile Engineering (CONSERVE), a strategic initiative that advances integrated research and education to improve the resilience of coupled human-natural systems. CONSERVE strengthens UA’s leadership in global sustainability by connecting water research to the critical interdependencies of agriculture, energy, and environmental stewardship.
Detailed Position Information
These landmark accomplishments underscore AWI’s growing influence as a trusted partner to government, industry, and research organizations worldwide. The Institute’s success is amplified by the unparalleled ecosystem for water research on UA’s campus. The National Water Center (NWC) develops and delivers state-of-the-science hydrologic analyses and forecasts from a facility located on the University’s campus. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently opened the new Hydrological Instrumentation Facility (HIF), a state-of-the-art laboratory and testing complex that anchors collaborations in measurement science, modeling, and field instrumentation. Together, these two federal centers, combined with UA’s world-class faculty and facilities, create a research environment unmatched in the nation for innovation in hydrology and water resources.
The University of Alabama (UA) invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the Alabama Water Institute (AWI). This is a singular opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of water research, innovation, and impact at one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most dynamic flagship universities.
This position serves as the chief architect of AWI’s vision, strategy, and operations. Works closely with the Vice President for Research and the leaders of UA’s other signature research institutes to advance the institute’s national and international reputation for excellence in water science and policy. Strengthens and expands relationships with NOAA, USGS, NASA, the Army Corps of Engineers, NSF, and other federal and state partners. Fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations that connect UA’s faculty expertise to emerging global water challenges. Develops sustainable funding models that ensure the long-term growth and stability of AWI. Champions a culture of innovation and impact that aligns with UA’s mission as the state’s flagship public research university.
As The University of Alabama continues to expand its research and innovation enterprise, the Alabama Water Institute represents a defining opportunity to shape the next generation of water science and technology. The Executive Director will join a campus community driven by excellence, innovation, and public service and ensures that The University of Alabama leads the way in building a resilient and water-secure future for all.
Job Duties:
LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC DIRECTION - Oversee and direct the day-to-day activities and operations of AWI. Develop, communicate, and execute a clear strategic vision that positions AWI as a world-class leader in water research, technology innovation, and applied solutions. Conduct regular multi-year strategic planning to ensure organizational growth, competitiveness, and alignment with institutional and global research priorities. Develop and maintain a sustainable multi-year financial strategy, in coordination with the AWI Director of Finance and Operations, to support responsible funding allocation, operational efficiency, and long-term organizational stability. Lead, build, and support high-performing shared services teams that meet the research administration, operations, communications, workforce development, and public engagement needs of AWI and its research entities. Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain talented staff and students. Coordinate with academic units to support faculty development in alignment with AWI’s research priorities. Establish clear performance expectations and evaluation practices for AWI teams and programs.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT - Establish and strengthen high-impact relationships with federal agencies (e.g., NOAA, USGS, DoW, NASA, USDA), state agencies, academic institutions, international organizations, and industry partners to advance AWI’s mission and broaden research impact. Develop mechanisms, agreements, and technical exchange pathways that accelerate collaborative research, knowledge transfer, and operational implementation. Represent AWI at national and international engagements, forums, and advisory conversations to expand AWI’s influence and elevate its institutional profile.
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT - Support, strengthen, and expand existing AWI research entities (e.g., CIROH, GWSC, CONSERVE) to ensure they meet their scientific, operational, and partnership objectives. Collaborate with academic units to attract, retain, and support faculty and researchers who advance AWI’s research impact. Stimulate the development of new research centers, programs, and facilities that align with AWI’s mission and leverage the University’s research strengths and assets. Identify, pursue, and secure resources to support AWI’s research, education, training, and engagement portfolios. Ensure AWI maintains state-of-the-art research infrastructure and shared-use capabilities needed for competitive science. Identify emerging research opportunities and coordinate proposal development for strategic and large-scale, multi-institutional projects.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION, OUTREACH, & IMPACT - Serve as the public face of AWI through speaking engagements, media interactions, legislative briefings, and stakeholder communications. Guide external communications strategies to effectively highlight AWI’s contributions, outcomes, and impact. Strengthen the connection between AWI research and communities by supporting education, workforce development, and public engagement initiatives. Help translate scientific knowledge into operational tools, decision-support systems, and actionable insights that benefit government, industry, and society. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree with at least twelve years of progressively responsible experience, or a master’s degree with at least ten years of directly relevant experience in research administration, scientific leadership, or program management.
Professor of Practice
A professor of practice appointment is typically reserved for persons who have accumulated significant experience and have established a record of distinction in their profession in the private or public sector, outside of academia. These will be people at the pinnacle of their careers who are moving into a new or continuing career path at the University. Professors of practice should be able to provide effective, practice-oriented teaching, research, or clinical expertise in areas that supplement and enhance the efforts provided by other members of the faculty. Professors of practice will be evaluated on the specific duties stipulated in their letters of appointment. Professors of practice appointments are only offered at the full professor rank and do not have a promotion path.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
All applicants need to upload a current CV/resume, a cover letter and a list of references.
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