Selection process developed by matteria

Location and Work Mode

La Paz, Baja California Sur, México - Office environment

Who we are

The Institute of Applied Dryland Water Studies (IADWS) is a transformative initiative under the iAlumbra Collective, an Impact Platform comprising 15 business and philanthropic entities. Together, they strive to create a world where community, nature, and the economy coexist as an integrated system of well-being.

iAlumbra adopts a place-based approach to systems change, with its primary focus in Baja California Sur (BCS), México, while expanding its influence across the Americas, including the United States, Panamá, and Canada. The Collective is committed to scaling successful practices and sharing lessons learned globally.

The IADWS will serve as a hub for education, applied research, and demonstration projects to tackle critical challenges in water sustainability, watershed restoration, and regenerative land use. Its ultimate aim is to promote locally applicable and globally scalable solutions to ensure a water-secure future for dryland communities, economies, and ecosystems.

Guided by scientific knowledge and informed by those closest to the challenges, the organization seeks to demonstrate what is possible, empower communities and leaders, foster cross-sectoral connections, and influence policies, practices, and investments.

The Institute will be headquartered in La Paz, Baja California Sur, becoming a beacon of innovation and resilience in the region and beyond.

Our impact

The Institute of Applied Dryland Water Studies (IADWS) is dedicated to addressing critical global challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, climate change, and land degradation, with a particular focus on dryland regions. Through innovation, education, and collaboration, the Institute seeks to promote and scale regenerative practices that enhance watershed health, improve food security, and create sustainable solutions for dryland ecosystems and communities.

The Institute aims to foster a culture of stewardship and regeneration by:

Demonstrating the effectiveness of applied research and practical solutions in real-world contexts, using the La Paz watershed as a living laboratory.
Supporting the development of climate-adaptive food production systems that prioritize long-term sustainability and resource conservation.
Inspiring and equipping leaders, students, ranchers, farmers, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools to implement regenerative land and water management practices.

Purpose of the Position

The Inaugural Executive Director of the Institute of Applied Dryland Water Studies (IADWS) will lead the development and implementation of its vision, turning it into a hub for innovation, education, and action on water sustainability and regenerative land use. Reporting to iAlumbra’s leadership, the Executive Director will oversee the Institute’s strategic roadmap, operations, and partnerships, ensuring impactful results and establishing IADWS as a global leader in dryland water studies. This role is key to advancing iAlumbra’s mission of creating sustainable, resilient systems that benefit communities and ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the strategic roadmap for the Institute, including its design, construction, and operational buildout.
• Organizational Management: Oversee all aspects of the Institute’s development, operations, and resource management, ensuring alignment with its vision and mission.
• Team Leadership: Lead a small team initially, with plans to expand, while fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.

• Multi-Sector Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local communities, academic institutions, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and public sector agencies.
• Partnership Development: Facilitate and promote partnerships in applied research, education, demonstration and green financing projects with relevant public, private, non profit and academic organizations.
• Steering Committee Leadership: Serve as the Chair of the IADWS Steering Committee, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and overseeing financial, administrative, and operational activities. 
• Organizational Collaboration and Integration: Collaborate with other units of the iAlumbra Collective to integrate efforts and resources for maximum impact.
• Communication and Reporting: Provide regular updates to senior leadership and stakeholders including news media. 
• Community Engagement: Actively engage, listen to and incorporate feedback from local actors, ensuring the Institute’s work is responsive to community needs.
• Program Oversight: Ensure the successful execution of research, education, and demonstration projects that align with the Institute’s mission. 
• Green Financing: Lead identification of project financing as well as raising and managing annual fundraising requirements.

Scope of Decisions and Expectations

• Lead major decision-making for the Institute’s strategic and operational direction.
  • Ensure timely and impactful delivery of initiatives that address dryland water challenges.
  • Act as the primary spokesperson and representative of the Institute at the local, regional, and international levels.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, water resource management, agriculture, or a related field (required).
  • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline, such as sustainable development, watershed management, or regenerative practices (preferred).

Experience

• 10+ years of proven executive leadership experience, ideally in early-stage or growing organizations focused on cross-sectoral innovation.
  • Demonstrated success in designing and leading strategies and projects addressing dryland ecosystems, watershed restoration, managed aquifer recharge, or regenerative agriculture.
  • Experience in building and maintaining long-term partnerships across sectors, including government, academia, and local communities.
  • Previous experience working in or engaging with the water sector, particularly in dryland regions, is highly desirable.
  • Track record of managing diverse teams, complex projects, and multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Fluent in both English and Spanish (required).
  • Strong knowledge of regenerative practices, water sustainability, and dryland ecosystems.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, including financial and resource planning.
  • Ability to adapt quickly, problem-solve, and lead through complex, dynamic situations.
  • High integrity, discretion, and ability to work effectively with senior leadership and local actors.

Competencies

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and align teams and stakeholders around a shared vision.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at actively listening and integrating feedback to build meaningful partnerships.
  • Collaboration: Strong team-building and cross-sectoral collaboration capabilities.
  • Strategic Thinking: Proficient at developing long-term strategies and aligning them with actionable plans.
  • Adaptability: Agile in responding to evolving priorities and challenges.
  • Entrepreneurship: Skilled at identifying opportunities and designing business models that add value.
  • Integrity: Honest, direct, and able to earn the trust and respect of others.
  • Cultural Awareness: Strong understanding of and ability to engage with local government, communities, and stakeholders in Baja California Sur and similar contexts.

Our team profile

Our team is motivated by addressing critical economic, social, and environmental challenges that align with the mission of the Institute of Applied Dryland Water Studies. Key areas of focus include:

• Water Scarcity and Resilience: Tackling the urgent issue of water shortages by promoting sustainable water management, watershed restoration, and managed aquifer recharge in dryland regions.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Developing and scaling regenerative practices to build climate-resilient communities and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Advancing climate-adaptive agricultural practices that balance food production with resource conservation and ecosystem health.
• Environmental Restoration: Restoring dryland ecosystems through innovative land management and community-driven solutions that enhance soil health, prevent erosion, and improve biodiversity.
• Community Empowerment: Equipping communities, ranchers, farmers, and local stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt sustainable practices and improve their livelihoods.
Our work is driven by the overarching goal of creating a sustainable and inclusive future, where communities, economies, and ecosystems thrive in harmony, contributing to global resilience and well-being.

Key interests for working with us

Joining the Institute of Applied Dryland Water Studies (IADWS) offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. As part of our team, you will have the chance to:

• Lead a Groundbreaking Initiative
• Create Meaningful Impact
• Collaborate Across Sectors
• Professional Growth and Development
• Connection to Purpose

We also offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, along with the opportunity to work in La Paz, Baja California Sur, a location deeply connected to the mission of the Institute and a hub for environmental innovation and regeneration.

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

• The position is based in La Paz, Baja California Sur, México, and requires relocation if not already residing in the area.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory.
• The Executive Director will initially lead a small team of three, with plans for team expansion in subsequent years.
• Experience in the water sector and strong networks in the Americas are highly desirable.
• The role requires a long-term commitment to the Institute’s mission and vision.
• Applicants should have proven expertise in building partnerships across sectors, including government, academia, and local communities.
• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to adapt to the local context and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
• The Institute is in its early stages, and the Executive Director will play a critical role in building its structure, strategy, and operations.
• A competitive compensation package will be offered, based on experience and qualifications.