Executive Director

For more than 30 years, Save The River has been the leading grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the Upper St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region. Save The River's policy programs protect the River by advocating for navigation practices on the St. Lawrence Seaway that are protective of River health, fighting for environmentally protective water levels regulation plans, and advocating for regional Great Lakes restoration programs.

Save The River also organizes on-the-water monitoring programs that track River health and educates area students about River issues through the Save The River In The Schools program. Save The River is also a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, serving as the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director is primarily responsible to the Board of Directors for the administration, program implementation and finances of Save The River. In addition to these areas of primary focus, the Executive Director is the principal spokesperson and fundraiser for Save The River. Save The River is seeking an individual with both a strong commitment to its mission of environmental protection and highly relevant experience for a river protection organization.

Reports to: President of the Board of Directors

Responsibilities:

Program:

• Intervene/comment on major Save The River policy directions: Manage program strategies, policy development and advocacy for river protection. Generate and collaborate on policy and media concerning St. Lawrence River issues. Manage and participate in major Save The River forums/events.
• Program/Issue support: Develop and maintain key relationships with decision-makers and civic leaders in support of major Save The River programs. Work closely in collaboration with other advocacy groups to achieve policy goals at the state, regional, federal, and international levels.
• Community Outreach: Speak and/or write on major Save The River programs and issues for various interest groups throughout the Thousand Islands community.

Fundraising:

• Development work: Design annual development plan and work closely with the board to help raise and grow a $300,000 annual budget through membership and cultivation of existing and new family foundations and major donors. Use speaking and writing opportunities to enroll funders in the general vision of Save The River.

Administration:

• Staff Oversight: Maintain smoothly running, congenial office of 4 staff, plus interns and volunteers.
• Financial oversight: In consultation with the Financial Manager and Treasurer, prepare yearly organizational and program budgets; review monthly revenue-expense and balance sheets; and maintain oversight of cash flow and required reports.
• Board Administration and Support: Support operations and administration of Board of Directors by advising and informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff, and supporting Board and committee tasks and functions.

Qualifications:

Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental education, or relevant social sciences required. Master's degree preferred.
• At least 8 - 10 years' experience in environmental conservation, advocacy, or related government work.
• Strong track record as highly motivated, highly productive professional.
• Capacity to manage a number of projects at once and deal effectively with the stress of multi-tasking.
• Strong commitment to working in a team effort with board, staff, volunteers, allies, and members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable teaching volunteers and speaking before small and large groups.
• Must have facility with Microsoft Professional Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access).
• Familiarity with habitat and water resources related federal environmental law and policy strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Mostly office environment with some outdoor river related activities during the summer.
• Must be available during the summer for extensive weekend/evening work. Ability and willingness to travel year-round for lobbying, meetings, and fundraising.

Compensation: Competitive and Commensurate with Experience

To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter and references electronically.

For more information go to Save The River or find us on our social media feeds, Facebook or Twitter.