Director, Colonias Water Project

Director, Colonias Water Project

Location : El Paso, TX strongly preferred (able to spend 1-2 weeks in El Paso / month at a minimum; with frequent travel to Dallas required as well)

Employment Type : Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Compensation Range : $100,000 / year - $112,000 / year DOE

Level : Director I

Reports To : Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Manages : Project Assistants; Project Coordinators; Project Officers

Supported By : Project Assistant, People & Culture Manager, Finance Manager, Operations Manager; This position will work closely with the Director of Policies & Coalitions to ensure alignment between project-level implementation and broader advocacy efforts

Education / Experience Preferences : Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent professional experience preferred

Start Date : ASAP, open until filled

The DigDeep Right to Water Project is a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) organization committed to closing the water access gap for the 2 million + people in the U.S. who still don't have a tap or a toilet at home.

DigDeep believes access to clean water is a human right. We run several nationally recognized programs that empower communities to build their own water and sanitation systems.

Our water projects expanded in 2022 when we launched our Colonias Water Project. This project works to bring clean, running water to the residents living in communities along the Texas-Mexico border. The Texas colonias are largely unincorporated, low-income communities that fall just outside city limits and often lack basic infrastructure. Our work began in Cochran colonia near El Paso. DigDeep partnered with residents, housing nonprofits, and county officials to innovate a new model for public-private-partnership that brings these basic services to families for the first time. Now we're getting the water flowing in 5 more communities.

The Opportunity

The Director, Colonias Water Project will lead DigDeep's work to expand water access in Colonias and Colonia-like communities in Texas and the Southwest. This role requires an expert navigator of the Texas water and political landscape, with the credibility to engage state and regional agencies and the ability to build trust with Colonia residents. The Director will shape both tangible water projects and create systems-change, bridging technical solutions, political advocacy, and grassroots relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Implementation

• 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.

Finance & Fund Development

Partnerships

Talent Management

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. As the organization continues to evolve, duties or tasks may change without impacting the overall job description.

Competencies