Director of Water Policy

The Opportunity:

The Director of Water Policy works with the CEO to set annual strategy for
TWF’s water policy work, including proactive engagement with the Texas Legislature, state and
federal agencies, partner nonprofits and trade associations, TWF publications, resources, and
policy communications. In this role, a Director of Water Policy has the opportunity to improve the quality of water policy discussion in Texas, build trust across a diverse network of policymakers, work to ensure Texas prioritizes water security, and support an increase in the number of legislators committed to water in Texas.

Ideal Candidate:
An experienced water policy professional and coalition builder committed to TWF’s vision, and who can work as part of a team to bring together individuals, business leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, and state agencies to align interests and work toward shared policy goals. A skilled communicator who can maintain a nonadvocacy voice and distill complex scientific and policy issues as understandable messages to a wide variety of audiences.

Job Title:

Director of Water Policy

Location:

Austin, Texas

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Status: [Exempt]

ABOUT TEXAS WATER FOUNDATION

Texas Water Foundation (TWF) is a statewide, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to lead Texas into a secure water future. Established in 1998, its original objective was to raise public awareness among all Texans regarding the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Today, Texas Water Foundation’s work is focused on water policy, workforce and leadership initiatives, and a statewide water campaign.

Read the strategic plan here.

ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR OF WATER POLICY

The Opportunity:

The Director of Water Policy works with the CEO to set annual strategy for
TWF’s water policy work, including proactive engagement with the Texas Legislature, state and
federal agencies, partner nonprofits and trade associations, TWF publications, resources, and
policy communications. In this role, a Director of Water Policy has the opportunity to improve the quality of water policy discussion in Texas, build trust across a diverse network of policymakers, work to ensure Texas prioritizes water security, and support an increase in the number of legislators committed to water in Texas.

Ideal Candidate:
An experienced water policy professional and coalition builder committed to TWF’s vision, and who can work as part of a team to bring together individuals, business leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, and state agencies to align interests and work toward shared policy goals. A skilled communicator who can maintain a nonadvocacy voice and distill complex scientific and policy issues as understandable messages to a wide variety of audiences.

Primary Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day functions of the Texas Water Caucus, representing TWF at the Texas Legislature, through public speaking engagements, and as a media contact.
Manage Policy Program budget, Senior Policy Analyst, and relevant contractors.
Together with the Senior Policy Analyst, stay up to date on water policy trends, research, and narratives and develop a tracking system for that work. This includes attending events, tracking legislation, agency rule-making, media, and coalition efforts.
Work with TWF’s Director of Communications to support the development of public-facing educational materials and resources and TWF’s policy-driven communication strategies.
Work with the Director of Communications, Texas Runs on Water Campaign Director, and partner organizations to implement an integrated water security communication strategy.
Work with the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development to support grant applications, reporting, and key fundraising activities.

Qualifications
5-7 years’ experience working with the Texas Legislature
Academic degree in water or public policy preferred
Proven ability to provide neutral commentary and public speaking skills
A coalition builder who can work as part of a team to bring together individuals, business leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, and state agencies to align interests and work toward shared policy goals
Ability to organize…