The Executive Director serves as the principal spokesperson for the SCWRC, both internally and externally. This tenured-faculty position provides leadership and support to maintain and advance strong integrated research and Extension programs appropriate for the SCWRC, addressing the multifaceted needs of South Carolinians. The Executive Director will lead the SCWRC, manage Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) focused water resources initiatives (facilitating water research, outreach and engagement, and Extension education and training programs), and serve as the lead for coordinating PSA projects with local, state and federal water resource agencies to identify issues in sustainable water management where Clemson research and Extension can provide solutions.
The Executive Director will provide a compelling vision for innovative, interdisciplinary research and Extension initiatives; foster a collegial working environment at the SCWRC; facilitate the development of collaborative relationships with Clemson University faculty, whether located on main campus or at Research and Education Centers across the state; and strengthen working relationships with local communities, external funding agencies, commodity groups, research collaborators at partner institutions, and other key constituency groups.
The Executive Director will be expected to develop new and enhance innovative, applied programs such as:
- Statewide water-data integration and decision-support networks that link technology, monitoring data, modeling, and visualization tools for diverse stakeholders, including agencies, communities, and industries.
- Climate resilience, drought, and flood-mitigation initiatives integrating green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and community planning.
- Collaborative projects on emerging contaminants, PFAS, and harmful algal blooms in partnership with regulatory and public-health agencies, communities, and non-profits.
- Water research, policy and governance forums (such as the SC Water Resources Conference and the Journal of South Carolina Water Resources) that bring stakeholders together to support statewide strategic water planning.
Responsibilities Include:
- Provide leadership and oversight of research and Extension activities of SCWRC personnel
- Develop and implement a comprehensive SCWRC strategic plan, aligning with college and University priorities
- Acquire external and internal funding to support research and Extension projects
- Mentor faculty/staff and provide vision and guidance for research initiatives
- Establish a foundation for active and sustainable fundraising
- Improve and expand the SCWRC infrastructure and project guidance
- Manage the SCWRC’s daily operation, budget, facilities, and resources
- Provide supervision of support staff
- Foster a culture of collegiality, inclusion, and collaborative engagement among students, staff, and faculty
- Attend the annual NIWR Director’s Meeting in Washington, DC, and meet with South Carolina congressional delegation regarding NIWR WRRA reauthorization and appropriation requests
Clemson University seeks a strategic, visionary leader to lead the SCWRC. The successful candidate will have extensive (10+ years) experience in a premier academic setting, and/or demonstrated leadership in running a similar government or non-governmental Center and shall serve as a strong advocate for faculty, staff, and students. The candidate will also have demonstrated accomplishments, impacts, and a programmatic vision relevant to the research and Extension programs at the SCWRC.
The successful candidate will have earned a Ph.D. in a water-related discipline and achieved a record of scholarly activity warranting appointment at a tenured rank in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University.
Influential leadership skills, including supervisory and budgetary experience
- Ability to build support for initiatives through engagement with stakeholders (e.g., SCDES, SCDNR, SCDA, SC Farm Bureau, USDA-NRCS, SCOR, USGS , USACE, SC Sea Grant, county and regional governments, water and wastewater utilities, conservation districts, non-profits, industry, etc.)
- Excellent scholarship and grantsmanship track record
- Strong communication skills and capacity to inspire others
- Commitment to the land-grant mission and to building a cohesive working environment
- Understanding of fundamental and applied research opportunities across the range of water disciplines represented within the SCWRC
- Demonstrated commitment to research and/or Extension as illustrated by achievements in grants, scholarship and academic reputation in the field
- Exemplary mentoring skills that encourage faculty to achieve their highest potential
- Ability to create and maintain appropriate alliances with diverse stakeholders
Please apply at the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/190012.
For full consideration, please apply by 31 August 2026 . This position will be posted until it is filled.
Applications should include 1) a detailed curriculum vitae, 2) a letter of interest that addresses the requirements described above and the applicant’s motivation to apply, 3) a statement of vision (2-page max) for the Executive Director role at the SCWRC, including leadership style and values, and 4) names, titles, and contact information for at least three references.
All application materials are required to be submitted electronically via Interfolio at:https://apply.interfolio.com/190012.
Inquiries and nominations can be submitted confidentially to Greg Yarrow ([email protected]).
