Associate Director, Washington Water Policy

Job Summary: 

The Associate Director of Washington Water Policy will be responsible for developing and implementing projects within the American Rivers' Water for Life and River Heritage campaigns in Washington State, with an emphasis on western Washington. Responsibilities and duties focus on advocating better water management policies and practices and the protection of high quality river habitat through the Puget Sound Partnership, the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council, the state legislature, and other appropriate forums.

Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that the work of this position is communicated to and coordinated with other members of the Water for Life and River Heritage campaign teams to ensure that annual goals and objectives are being met and regional field work is being integrated with national work.

2. Working with conservation group partners, develop and implement multi-faceted strategies to build political support for and obtain water policy reform and instream flow protection.

3. Conduct outreach to community leaders and local elected officials along exceptional rivers in western Washington that American Rivers has identified as priority candidates for Outstanding Resource Waters designation under the Clean Water Act for the purpose of building local support for such designations.

4. Build and maintain relationships with strategic partners, stakeholders, and policymakers, including other conservation organizations, water utilities, agricultural interests, and tribes to achieve conservation objectives.

5. Participate in work groups established within the Puget Sound Partnership and the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council to address freshwater quantity/quality issues.

6. Represent American Rivers in the Puget Sound Partnership Environmental Caucus to ensure that river protection/restoration issues are addressed and to build broad environmental community support for water policy reform, instream flow protection, and Outstanding Resource Waters designations.

7. Lobby state and local elected officials.

8. In coordination with NW Communications and Outreach Director, use communication tools (e.g., earned media, website, e-activism) to achieve conservation objectives.

9. Assist Development Department staff and Senior and Deputy NW Regional Directors in drafting letters of intent, grant proposals and grant reports. 

10. Represent American Rivers at conferences, press events and other public events.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to natural resource policy; advanced degree preferred.
2. Two to five years of experience in natural resource advocacy (experience with river/water policy and water conservation issues preferred).
3. Proven lobbying skills including strong negotiating, public speaking, writing and interpersonal skills.
4. Demonstrated project management ability.
5. Strong critical thinking and analytic skills.
6. Strong teamwork ethic.
7. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
8. Ability to meet deadlines and handle several projects simultaneously.
9. Ability and willingness to travel.
10. Sense of humor.
11. Passion for rivers.

Salary & Benefits:  Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave benefits.

To Apply:

Please email or mail a writing sample, resume, professional references, and a cover letter. No phone calls please.

Human Resources
American Rivers
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005

American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.