Posting Detail Information
Working Title46-25 Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Colorado Water Center (0.625 FTE)
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202501653AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week25
Proposed Annual Salary RangeThe starting salary will be in the range of $46,800 - $53,100 (based on 0.625 FTE) and will be commensurate with education and experience.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on11/17/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU's engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, CSU Extended Campus (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension ( VPEE ) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus, and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total of budgets is approximately $85 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE's leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, CSU Extended Campus garners enrollments of over 10,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.
The Colorado Water Center (CoWC) is one of 54 Water Resources Research Institutes created by the Water Resources Act of 1964, collectively forming the National Institutes for Water Resources. As a division under Colorado State University's ( CSU ) O?ce of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ), the Center aims to connect all water expertise in Colorado's higher education system with research and education needs of the state's water managers and users. The CoWC leads interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach activities to address complex and evolving water-related challenges in Colorado and beyond. The Center fosters collaboration among stakeholders, synthesizes objective water knowledge to inform decision-making, and inspires the next generation of water leaders. The Center is headquartered at CSU's Fort Collins, CO campus, with specialists working throughout the state and partners across the country and world. Visit the CoWC website to learn more about our workwatercenter.colostate.edu.
Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/other-benefit-programs/academic-privileges/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.
Position Summary
The Stakeholder Engagement Specialist supports the Colorado Water Center's mission to advance water research, education, and outreach by building and sustaining strong relationships with partners. This position is responsible for coordinating engagement strategies with stakeholders across Colorado, including water managers, agricultural producers, community organizations, researchers, policy makers, and the public. They work with the CoWC staff, water experts across the CSU System, the CSU Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ), and external partners across the state to support stakeholder driven research and educational programming.
This part-time position (0.625 FTE ) is grant funded and anticipated to last one year with possible extension, pending performance and continued funding. If additional funding is not secured, this position will end or may be reduced in time/effort.
The primary office location is in Fort Collins, CO. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, the individual is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. Work schedule will vary but some nights and weekends will be required. This position will include occasional travel within Colorado. The position is supervised by the CoWC Associate Director with guidance from the CoWC Director.
Required Job Qualifications
Complete bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental studies, public policy, communications, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, outreach, program coordination, or related work.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with audiences, both in writing and verbally.
Experience building and maintaining collaborative relationships across sectors (e.g., government, academia, nonprofit, business, agriculture, community organizations).
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Demonstrated understanding of Colorado and Western U.S. water systems, complex issues, and key stakeholder.
Willing and able to travel throughout Colorado, U.S., and internationally.
Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Colorado Water Center will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Completed master's degree in a related field.
Training or certification in facilitation, conflict resolution, or collaborative process design.
Experience working in a multi/inter disciplinary environment on water or related natural resource research, education, or outreach/communication initiatives.
Experience writing grant proposals that have led to successful acquisition of externally sponsored awards.
Experience organizing workshops, conferences, or public meetings.
Bilingual in English and Spanish. Multilingual is also preferred.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryStakeholder Engagement and Group Development
Duty/Responsibility
Stakeholder Group Formation & Strategic Planning: Conduct stakeholder identification and analysis, co-develop stakeholder group mission, vision, goals and activities (roadmap); co-develop stakeholder group funding mechanisms; develop stakeholder group structure and participant expectations; establish evaluation and adaptive management processes.
Stakeholder Outreach, Meeting Facilitation, and Engagement: Develop stakeholder meeting designs to achieve stakeholder goals; facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops; effectively communicate with stakeholders; document meeting processes, outcomes, and actions.
Stakeholder Dialogue and Collaborative Decision Making: Foster constructive dialogue among stakeholders with diverse interests; build trust and resolve conflicts; support group decision-making to advance ideas, strategies, and solutions for water-related issues.
Stakeholder Group Data Access and Communications Plan: Convene sub-groups to identify data access and visualization needs; co-develop outreach and communication strategies tailored to different audiences.
Percentage Of Time70%
Job Duty CategoryProject Management
Duty/Responsibility
Track project progress, write project reports, and coordinate internally on grant deliverables and outcomes.
Work with the CoWC Associate Director to develop and implement stakeholder engagement, including but not limited to external partnership development and participation in water-related meetings and events.
Contribute to external grant proposals (writing and editing) to ensure capacity and resources exist to achieve program goals related to engaged water research and education.
Coordinate across CoWC programs and OEE to advance stakeholder engaged initiatives.
Work collaboratively with local, regional, and state decision-makers, public and private organizations and agencies, and the broader water community.
Percentage Of Time30%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, allmaterials must be RECEIVED no laterthan 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, November 17, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:
Resume
Cover letter addressing how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position
All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office atHR_TA@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Karen Schlatter atKaren.Schlatter@colostate.edu.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel
Search ContactKaren Schlatter at Karen.Schlatter@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any @type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The @type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested4
Maximum Requested4
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
