Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director

at Great Basin Water Network

🏢 About Great Basin Water Network

The Great Basin Water Network (GBWN) is a mission-driven nonprofit fighting to protect water resources in the arid Great Basin region. As a small but impactful organization, it offers the chance to lead high-stakes campaigns against projects like the Cedar City Pipeline while shaping Nevada water policy. Working here means being at the forefront of environmental advocacy in a unique, water-scarce landscape.

About This Role

As Executive Director, you will lead campaign strategy, fundraising, and external communications, directly influencing water protection across Nevada and Utah. This role is pivotal in opposing harmful water diversion projects and advocating for sustainable water laws, making a tangible impact on communities and ecosystems. You'll be the public face of GBWN, building coalitions and driving organizational growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a donor call or grant proposal deadline, followed by a strategy meeting with staff on the Cedar City Pipeline campaign. Afternoon could involve a media interview about Nevada water policy and ending with a community coalition call to align on next steps. You'll juggle advocacy, fundraising, and communications, often shifting between big-picture planning and urgent campaign needs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Great Basin Water Network Is Looking For

  • A seasoned advocate with 3+ years in environmental policy, government affairs, or nonprofit leadership, ideally with experience in water or natural resource issues.
  • A proven fundraiser who can write grants, cultivate donors, and diversify revenue streams to sustain and grow the organization.
  • A compelling communicator comfortable with media interviews, public speaking, and building relationships with diverse stakeholders from rural communities to state agencies.
  • A strategic leader who can manage finances, oversee campaigns, and work independently while being based in Reno or Las Vegas.

📝 Tips for Applying to Great Basin Water Network

1

Tailor your resume to highlight campaign leadership, fundraising success, and media experience—quantify results where possible (e.g., 'secured $X in grants' or 'led campaign that achieved Y').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention the Cedar City Pipeline and Nevada water law reform to show you understand GBWN's current priorities.

3

Demonstrate local knowledge: reference specific water issues in the Great Basin (e.g., groundwater depletion, tribal water rights) and how you'd approach them.

4

Show fundraising capability by including a brief example of a successful grant or donor strategy you've led.

5

Address location explicitly: state your willingness to relocate to Reno or Las Vegas, or confirm you already live there.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for protecting water resources in the arid West and alignment with GBWN's mission.", 'Specific experience leading advocacy campaigns, especially those involving state-level policy or infrastructure projects.', 'Fundraising achievements, including grant writing, donor stewardship, or event planning.', 'Your ability to serve as a spokesperson and build coalitions across diverse groups (e.g., conservationists, ranchers, tribes).']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review GBWN's website, recent press releases, and campaign materials on the Cedar City Pipeline and Nevada water law (SB 269).
  • → Read the latest news on water conflicts in the Great Basin, including the Snake Valley aquifer dispute and Southern Nevada Water Authority plans.
  • → Understand the political landscape: key state legislators, water agencies, and allied organizations (e.g., Center for Biological Diversity).
  • → Familiarize yourself with GBWN's funding sources (e.g., grants from foundations like the Hewlett Foundation) and annual budget.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize GBWN's campaigns given limited resources? (e.g., Cedar City Pipeline vs. Nevada water law reform)
2 Describe a time you successfully opposed a major water project or policy. What strategies did you use?
3 How would you expand GBWN's donor base and secure sustainable funding?
4 How do you engage with media to shape public opinion on a controversial water issue?
5 What is your approach to working with rural communities and tribal nations in the Great Basin?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention GBWN's specific campaigns or the Great Basin region.
  • Failing to demonstrate fundraising experience or a clear plan for revenue growth—this is critical for a small nonprofit.
  • Ignoring the location requirement: if you're not based in Nevada or willing to relocate, don't apply without addressing it.

📅 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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