Water Advocacy Manager

About the position

Do you want to help shape the future of groundwater in the Grand Canyon region? The Grand Canyon Trust is hiring its first water advocacy manager to envision and implement various aspects of the Grand Canyon Trust’s Water Advocacy Program.

We are looking for someone who can balance technical water knowledge with problem-solving skills, cultural humility, and community responsiveness. The water advocacy manager will research groundwater data, develop campaigns, partner with tribal officials and local communities, and collaborate with colleagues.

You will be a trusted advisor to our water advocacy director and lead the strategy to protect Grand Canyon seeps and springs from unregulated groundwater withdrawals in Arizona.

What does this position entail?

• Translate needs and concerns of Grand Canyon regional communities into groundwater policy at the state and local levels.
• Manage and implement groundwater strategy and develop our campaign to reform regional groundwater management.
• Assist the Water Advocacy Program with planning and other responsibilities.
• Support colleagues with materials, communications, and media requests.  

Do you have what it takes?

• Familiarity with and knowledge of the lands and peoples of the Colorado Plateau, including previous work and/or lived experience in Native communities.
• Knowledge or background in water resources, groundwater policy, and local governments.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with state, tribal, and local government officials, staff, and community members.
• Experience working with the Arizona state government, including the governor's office, legislature, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and/or Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
• Experience working with local governments, including mayors, county supervisors, city council members, and their respective staffs.
• Experience working in partnership with tribal governments and Native communities.
• Ability to manage contractors with expertise in hydrogeology to support science-based policy recommendations.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to receive feedback.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others. 
• A strong understanding of and respect for tribal sovereignty. 
• Interest or familiarity with water issues in the Southwest and on the Colorado Plateau.
• A commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and the ability to integrate your commitment into your work.

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, school or coursework, work experience, and other related qualifications, skills, and experience.

No candidate will meet every requirement. If you're excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

The nitty gritty

Flexibility and paid time off

• Flexible scheduling and option to work from home
• 12 paid holidays
• Two weeks paid vacation in year one (three weeks in year two, and four weeks in year four) 
• Two weeks paid sick leave
• 12-14 weeks of paid parental leave

Benefits

• 100 percent employer-paid employee medical and dental insurance (50 percent employer-paid for qualified dependent premiums)
• 4 percent automatic employer contribution to 401K retirement plan, plus up to 2 percent match
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance and life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid community service time, sabbatical leave, and more

Location

Northern or central Arizona (Flagstaff, Phoenix, or other agreed upon location)

Compensation

$53,263 - $70,655 annual salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Who would my supervisor be?

Jen Pelz, water advocacy director

COVID-19 precautions

COVID vaccination is required for this position. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact careers@grandcanyontrust.org

How do I apply?

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@grandcanyontrust.org. The application deadline is Monday, July 14, 2023 at 5 p.m. MT. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact careers@grandcanyontrust.org

The Grand Canyon Trust is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our organization. We work actively to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of identity including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, parental status, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We actively seek diversity in our candidate pools. Applicants of all identities are encouraged to apply.