DigDeep

Director, Colonias Water Project

DigDeep

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: El Paso • Texas • United States

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Salary

💰 $100,000 - $112,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
community developmentwater utilitieswastewater utilitiespolicy advocacyinfrastructure project managementbudget managementdata analysisreport writingSpanish fluency
Soft Skills
relationship buildingcollaborationorganizational skillsproblem solvingcommunicationleadershipadaptabilitycultural competencytrust building
Certifications
Bachelor's degreeadvanced degree in water/wastewater utilities or related field