Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director

at Great Basin Water Network

🏢 About Great Basin Water Network

The Great Basin Water Network is a mission-driven nonprofit fighting to protect water resources in one of the most arid and ecologically significant regions in the US. Working here means joining a tight-knit team that combines grassroots advocacy, legal strategy, and community engagement to challenge powerful interests and defend sustainable water use.

About This Role

As Executive Director, you will lead the organization's campaigns, including opposition to the Cedar City Pipeline, and drive advocacy for balanced water laws. This role is impactful because you will shape regional water policy, oversee a growing nonprofit’s finances and fundraising, and serve as the public face of the organization in media and with tribal communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start the day with a virtual check-in with staff on campaign progress, then draft a grant proposal for a foundation. Midday, join a call with tribal partners about a water hearing, followed by a media interview. Afternoon is spent reviewing the budget with the board treasurer and planning a donor event in a rural community.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Great Basin Water Network Is Looking For

  • A proven advocate with at least 3 years of experience in water or natural resources policy, comfortable with legal and legislative strategies.
  • A skilled fundraiser who has written grants or run donor campaigns, ideally with a track record of securing six-figure support.
  • A collaborative leader who can build relationships with tribal nations, rural communities, and a board of directors while fostering an inclusive team culture.
  • A resilient communicator who can speak passionately about water issues in media interviews and public forums, and is willing to travel to remote areas.

📝 Tips for Applying to Great Basin Water Network

1

Tailor your resume to highlight campaign leadership, not just management—list specific water or environmental wins.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name the Cedar City Pipeline and propose a strategic approach you would take.

3

Demonstrate fundraising success by including dollar amounts and grant sources in your application materials.

4

Show cultural competency by mentioning any experience working with tribal communities or in rural settings.

5

Prepare a brief (1-page) vision statement for the organization’s next 3 years and attach it as a supplement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for protecting the Great Basin’s water and understanding of the region’s unique challenges.', 'Concrete examples of leading advocacy campaigns and achieving policy or legal outcomes.', 'Your experience in fundraising, especially grant writing, and how you plan to diversify revenue.', 'Your commitment to equity and collaboration with tribal nations and rural stakeholders.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about the Cedar City Pipeline project and the Network’s legal challenges against it.
  • → Review the Network’s recent annual reports and financial statements (available on their website).
  • → Study the Great Basin water laws and pending legislation in Nevada and Utah.
  • → Look up key partner organizations (e.g., tribal water rights groups, regional conservation nonprofits).
Visit Great Basin Water Network's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize campaigns if funding is limited?
2 Describe your experience with grant reporting and financial oversight for a nonprofit.
3 How would you engage tribal communities in water advocacy?
4 What is your strategy for opposing the Cedar City Pipeline?
5 How do you build a positive and inclusive remote team culture?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention specific campaigns or the Great Basin region shows lack of interest.
  • Avoid downplaying fundraising experience; this role requires active revenue generation, not just management.
  • Don’t ignore the remote and rural travel requirement—if you’re unwilling to travel, this role isn’t for you.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Great Basin Water Network!

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