Winyah Bay Coordinator

~ Named one of the best groups to support by “Outside” magazine, American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. ~

Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® and National River Cleanup® campaigns. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 350,000 members, supporters and volunteers. American Rivers maintains a positive work environment with a culture of learning, support and balance. For more information please visit our website.

American Rivers embraces and celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do. Rivers Connect Us is more than just our tagline. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. Each individual brings life experiences, knowledge, innovation and talent to our work, providing perspectives, experiences and competencies that are critical to our effectiveness.

Position Overview

The Winyah Bay Coordinator (the Coordinator) leads efforts in the Winyah Bay watershed of South and North Carolina to implement our source water protection initiative and expand riverside land protection along the Waccamaw River Blue Trail. The Waccamaw River Blue Trail extends the length of the river from its headwaters in North Carolina to the Winyah Bay, South Carolina spanning some 140 miles. The Coordinator leads outreach and conservation planning with local partners, helps secure funding for land protection, and collaborates with the local communities to promote public benefits of the Waccamaw, all of which further the goal of connecting people to nature, bolstering existing land and water conservation efforts, and protecting local quality of life.

In addition, the Coordinator leads a source water protection initiative building on our Blue Trail successes to find innovative ways to work with elected officials, water utilities, conservation organizations and agencies to create a funding source for the long-term protection of local drinking water supply through the conservation of riverside lands. The Coordinator works closely with American Rivers’ staff in the Rivers of Southern Appalachia and the Carolinas Basin, and Riverside Land Protection Program to implement project deliverables and ensure that program and policy work is consistent with organizational goals. This position works from a home office located in Horry or Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Work with American Rivers’ Riverside Land Protection program and Basin staff to develop and implement a source water protection initiative that protects riverside lands and drinking water supply in the Winyah Basin which includes the Waccamaw, Pee Dee and Black rivers
• Secure new funding to further land and water conservation goals including working strategically with water users and other stakeholders to leverage non-traditional funding mechanisms
• Coordinate conservation planning with stakeholders along the Waccamaw corridor in South Carolina
• Engage local communities to connect them to the local rivers and educate them about the importance of clean drinking water, river protection and land conservation
• Lead the development and use of communications materials for the Waccamaw River Blue Trail that highlight the importance of clean drinking water, ecotourism, economic benefits, and quality of life values
• Represent American Rivers at conferences, technical work groups, press events, and other public functions
• Assist in drafting letters of intent, grant proposals and grant reports
• Leverage state and federal resources for local land protection efforts

Qualifications

• Strong passion for protecting coastal rivers
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience successfully executing similar projects in the areas of natural resource management, water policy, or community organizing or a minimum of three years of relevant experience
• Strategic thinker; highly organized and able to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated proficiency using GIS for creating maps and conducting analysis related to water use and land conservation
• Familiarity with the political and social landscape of the coastal region of South Carolina is a plus
• Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• An effective advocate with strong oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including local municipalities, conservation groups, landowners, water utilities and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team with core local partners to advance project goals
• Experience writing grant proposals, reports, and other fundraising activities
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited direct supervision
• Ability and willingness to work from a home-based office in Horry or Georgetown County, South Carolina
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends, and travel as needed
• Ability and willingness to use canoes/kayaks and transport gear as needed for Blue Trail events

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary is commensurate with experience.
• Full-time employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous leave time.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit a copy of your cover letter and resume. 
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• No phone calls please.