Director, Colonias Water Project

Role Overview

• Collaborate with CPO to develop a comprehensive project plan for DigDeep’s work in the Texas Colonias informed by strategy and data; set multi-year targets and timelines.
• Monitor and engage in relevant policy and regulatory processes at the state and local level; identify and pursue opportunities for systemic change that advance water access in colonias.
• Serve as a key liaison with utilities (e.g., EPWater, LVWD, regional water supply corporations), county commissioners, TA providers, local government and other nonprofits to align efforts.
• Identify communities in the region needing WASH assistance; develop strategies for serving these communities based on their unique needs.
• Ensure projects not only connect homes but strengthen long-term governance and financing mechanisms for sustainable service delivery.
• Plan and implement DigDeep's annual work plans for the Colonias Water Project, set new targets and timelines and identify and maintain partnerships.
• Design, develop timelines, and implement individual projects within the larger Colonias portfolio, including new water projects from start to finish; monitor work plans and ensure objectives are met in a safe, timely and complete manner.
• Oversee program staff and monitor work plans to ensure objectives and work plans are met in a timely and complete manner and within budget; maintain productivity records including construction reports, inventory, and other datasets.
• Ensure program compliance with relevant laws as well as all workplace and employee policies.
• Routinely visit all partners and project sites.
• Develop the annual Colonias Water Project program budget and monitor on an ongoing basis.
• Monitor expenditures throughout the year to ensure compliance with budget.
• Collaborate with the Development team to maximize all revenue and storytelling opportunities, especially those related to major donor cultivation and annual campaigns.
• Assist clients with DigDeep’s bill pay program, including collecting appropriate information and coordinating with local utilities.
• Act as a liaison for our clients and staff by leveraging relationships and expertise; represent DigDeep at conferences, events, and other public relations opportunities.
• Own local partner relationships; guide partners as they collaborate on project implementation; deliver funding, supplies and technical assistance, monitor their progress and proactively manage conflict.
• In collaboration with the Vice President, Policy & External Relations, initiate and facilitate partnerships with CBOs, regulatory agencies and elected officials to help meet strategic goals; consult closely and regularly with relevant agencies (e.g., EPA, USDA).
• Plan and implement outreach activities to develop visibility of the organization within the local community; represent the organization at local meetings.
• Provide clear, concise reports on plans, processes, and outcomes to executive staff; represent DigDeep at relevant conferences and events.
• Plan and guide donors, press and media visits to the field; oversee volunteer work as needed.
• Perform supervisory duties for CWP staff; interview applicants for employment; resolve discipline problems and take appropriate action as necessary; develop increasing levels of expertise in staff by encouraging further education and providing learning opportunities.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of professional experience in community development, water/wastewater utilities, or related fields in Texas or the Southwest
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience preferred; advanced experience in water/wastewater utilities, state/local government, or policy advocacy in Texas strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of Texas water utility, regulatory, and political structures (e.g., TWDB, TCEQ, counties, water districts, and relevant legislative processes) strongly preferred
• Track record of successful advocacy or policy influence related to water infrastructure, rural development, or social justice
• Proven ability to work directly with Colonia residents and other historically underserved communities, building trust and co-developing solutions
• Strong relationships (or demonstrated ability to build them) with Texas agencies, utilities, funders, and elected officials
• Skilled at convening cross-sector coalitions and turning partnerships into tangible results
• Experience managing multi-year, multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects
• Strong professional and technical competency, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new platforms, systems, and processes as needed
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under pressure and within tight timelines
• Highly organized and skilled at managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Experience/Willingness to work across various cultural contexts and communicating across cultural differences
• Fluency/strong proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive wage to commensurate with level of position
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 23 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Annual Professional Development Stipend
• Annual Wellbeing Reimbursement
• BrightPlan membership (Financial Wellness Benefit)
• Health Benefits
• Employee Offering: Medical, dental, vision insurance, 100% employer paid
• Spouse/Children/Family Offering: Employer covers up to $500 of the monthly cost for medical insurance for spouse/children/family; Employer covers 100% of the cost for dental and vision insurance for spouse/children/family
• One Medical membership
• Life insurance, 100% employer paid
• Work laptop
• Monthly cell phone use allowance
• Monthly internet use allowance
• 15 paid holidays (including one week closure for Labor Day)
• Domestic travel
• 401k retirement plan, with employer match