Water Policy Lead & Grant Portfolio Director

Thornburg Foundation; Santa Fe (NM); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Paid time off

Sick leave

Professional development funding

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Thornburg Foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico seeks a leader for the Water Initiative to drive policy reform, planning, research, and data to modernize water management. The role manages a multi-year grantmaking portfolio aligned with the foundation’s strategic plan and partnerships with Tribal and Hispanic communities will be central.

The position requires building coalitions, strong communication and project management, and navigating the NM political landscape.

Qualifications

• Candidates must demonstrate commitment to reforming and modernizing water management in New Mexico.
• Experience building coalitions and engaging diverse stakeholders, including tribal communities.
• Strong written and oral communication, plus organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, self-directed and highly collegial.
• 5+ years of executive, legislative, campaign, or related political/advocacy experience.

Responsibilities

• Refine and lead a comprehensive strategy to modernize water management and build climate-resilient water systems in NM.
• Develop new grant applications with prospective and current grantees; monitor and report on grant progress.
• Present quarterly updates to the Foundation’s Board of Directors on initiative progress and grant recommendations.
• Coordinate with partners and stakeholders to advance a robust research and policy agenda.
• Engage diverse stakeholders and build bipartisan coalitions across national/local business, government, tribal entities, and NGOs.

Skills

Policy reform experience

Bi-partisan coalition building

Strong communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Grant portfolio management

Project management

Knowledge of NM politics

Advocacy strategy

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s or JD preferred

Job description

The Thornburg Foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico seeks a leader for the Water Initiative to drive policy reform, planning, research, and data to modernize water management. The role manages a multi-year grantmaking portfolio aligned with the foundation’s strategic plan and partnerships with Tribal and Hispanic communities will be central.

The position requires building coalitions, strong communication and project management, and navigating the NM political landscape.