Summary

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) seeks an emotionally intelligent individual who is concerned with environmental justice to lead a crew of five high-school students on river restoration work, facilitate project-based environmental education and assist with career education, and co-organize outreach events during the 2024 summer. The Crew Leader will be responsible for three programmatic goals: (1) Implementation of the Still River Watershed Management Plan; (2) Environmental education and professional development for the young Crew Members; and (3) Public outreach about management of the Still River watershed.

Position description

The Crew Leader will be responsible for teaching watershed science and supervising a crew of five highschool students as they work on and learn from river restoration projects in the Danbury, CT area. As a capstone to this summer program, the Crew Leader will help each Crew Member design and execute a presentation to the community about their educational and/or restorative accomplishment(s) during the season. Specific watershed restoration projects may include, but are not limited to:

• raingarden plantings/maintenance,
• invasive plant management,
• riparian buffer plantings,
• water quality sampling and stream health data collection,
• trail maintenance.

The Crew Leader will also assist the HVA program team with the installation and maintenance of 3-4 raingardens as well as with outreach on stormwater pollution mitigation that highlights raingardens.

About the Still River Watershed Connections (“Connections”) program

Connections is a program for workforce development through restoration of the Still River watershed in the Danbury, CT area. The program emerged from an ongoing watershed planning effort to restore water quality in the Still River and its tributaries. It provides urban high-school students with opportunities to personally connect with (1) their home Still River as a tributary to the Housatonic River; (2) professional aspirations and networks; and (3) conservation practitioners by working on projects that improve water quality and habitat in the watershed. In the process, participants gain exposure to emerging job skills and environmental careers that will ultimately mobilize them as water protectors in their communities.

Duties

• Ensure the personal safety of Crew Members both psychologically and physically
• Model and reinforce positive work etiquette and approve Crew Members’ timesheets
• Nurture team cohesion as well as model and promote teamwork
• Resolve any conflicts equitably and proactively
• Plan and execute daily activities through various tasks such as transportation of fieldwork supplies and guidance for Crew Members to complete restoration goals
• Design and deliver environmental education lesson plans both in-field and remotely if needed
• Communicate field work and crew progress with program partners
• Track program effectiveness through data collection and management
• Provide guidance to students as they interact with the public through their daily tasks and their seasonal capstone presentations
• Represent Connections program in contacts with participant guardians and public in the field
• Create and submit public outreach materials to HVA supervisor and Communications team

Required experience/qualifications

• Experience leading groups of teenagers: outdoor leadership programs, trail maintenance crew, restorative juvenile justice, science education, camp experience etc.
• Scientific background in environmental studies, biology, aquatic science, hydrology, ecology, natural resource management or similar field
• Experience working outdoors on environmental restoration, trail maintenance, community gardening, urban farming or related field experience
• Enthusiasm and motivation for teaching and learning as well as for ethnic and/or racial equity
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, communication and organizational skills
• Applicant must have access to a reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license

Desired qualifications

• Experience facilitating environmental education activities on a daily and/or weekly basis
• Familiarity with using Facebook and Instagram as well as developing outreach materials
• Spanish and/or Portuguese fluency is a plus
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR training (HVA can help qualified applicants obtain this training)

Position structure

This is a full-time 8-week position (40 hours/week) from mid-June to mid-August. Position start and end dates can be flexible for the right candidate! Approximately 70% of the work will involve leading and prepping for the Connections program. The remaining 30% will include outreach, project-based education, and community events focused on green infrastructure, native landscaping or stormwater runoff. The Crew Leader will be directly supervised by HVA’s Connecticut Watershed Manager. This job is based in urban Danbury, CT with the bulk of fieldwork supplies located at the HVA office in rural Cornwall Bridge, CT.

Compensation

• $20/hour for 8 weeks
• Work-related travel using personal vehicles will be compensated based on mileage
• Housing is not provided, but if necessary HVA will assist a successful applicant with finding lodging in the Danbury area or near the HVA CT office

To apply

Send a cover letter describing interest and qualifications, resume, and contact information for two job references—if accessible, in a single PDF file with your full name and “Connections Crew Leader” in the title—to Michael S. Jastremski (HVA Watershed Conservation Director) at mjastremski@hvatoday.org and Rodrigo G. Pinto (HVA Connecticut Watershed Manager) at rpinto@hvatoday.org. Position open until filled.

Who we are

HVA leads conservation action in communities across the tristate Housatonic watershed in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. We restore and protect the Housatonic River and its tributaries, protect strategically important lands, and take action to help ecosystems and communities adapt to climate change across the watershed and beyond. We do this directly or in collaborations with partner agencies and organizations, community and business leaders, and concerned citizens working for a clean and healthy natural environment. Our overarching goal is to achieve a climate-ready Housatonic Watershed by 2040. In addition to our advocacy, issue response and education programs, two major campaigns toward our 2040 goal are underway: Clean, Cold and Connected, aimed at restoring and protecting local streams and the waters they flow to, including Long Island Sound; and Follow the Forest, aimed at protecting a continuous forest corridor through the Housatonic watershed to connect the Appalachian Highlands of eastern New York with the forests of western Massachusetts and Vermont through to Canada. HVA is committed to being fully representative of the watershed’s people and diverse communities in all our work and across our organization. We strive to make our conservation actions equitable and inclusive by enabling participation by all and increasing our understanding of and responsiveness to environmental inequity. Our team is committed to continuously improving equitable representation across our organization and in our work towards a healthy watershed. Learn more about HVA at hvatoday.org. HVA is an equal opportunity employer. If you have the drive, interest and skills to succeed in this position, tell us about how you can help, and we will consider your application. HVA provides equal employment opportunities to all eligible persons and administers personnel policies and practices in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. We do not discriminate or abide discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, legal history, genetic information, mental disability or physical disability. Our commitment to equal opportunity is a guiding principle in all of our employment practices and policies.

The Organization

The mission of Wild Salmon Center (WSC) is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim. WSC uses the best conservation science to develop and implement practical strategies to protect these extraordinary places and their biodiversity, as well as the communities and livelihoods that depend upon them. WSC is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with programs in Mongolia, British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California.

The Position

The Senior Manager for Wild Fish Conservation (Oregon) is a new position that will advance the conservation and recovery of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest by advocating for science-driven and precautionary fish management policies and programs. The position will focus on coastal populations of wild fish in Oregon, while coordinating with WSC staff in Washington. This position will serve as the organization’s strategic lead and point of contact for all wild fish management matters in Oregon, coordinating closely with the Oregon Policy Team and other WSC programs. This position will lead both long-term initiatives and respond to near-term threats, which will require the development of strong coalitions and sustained partnerships. Key partners will include Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife staff, Fish & Wildlife Commission members, Tribes, and NGOs. The position will work with partners in coastal communities as well as in Salem, where the position will join other WSC staff and contract lobbyists to advocate for funding and policy priorities. The position will also work to secure the appointment of wild fish advocates to key boards, commissions, and committees. In addition to state-level work, this position will participate on WSC’s Wild Fish Management Team, which includes staff from our science team, federal affairs team, and North America field staff. In this capacity, the position will provide input into needed reforms in range-wide policies like the Pacific Salmon Treaty and Magnuson-Stevens Act. Additionally, the position will work to ensure that program priorities in Oregon align with federal objectives, while also advancing broader organizational initiatives. This may include working with WSC’s federal affairs staff and contract lobbyists working in Washington DC.

Key Responsibilities

1. Wild Fish Program Leadership and Strategy Development in Oregon

• Participate in developing and updating WSC’s “Wild Fish Strategy” to ensure priorities in Oregon align with and advance range-wide strategies (e.g., Pacific Salmon Treaty) in coordination with WSC’s Fish Management Team.
• Coordinate all aspects of WSC’s advocacy on wild fish policy in Oregon.
• Work with WSC’s Science Team to incorporate the best available science into wild fish management and policy.
• Work with WSC’s Federal Affairs Director to identify federal funding streams and policy avenues to advance program priorities.

2. State Policy

• Work with WSC’s Oregon Policy Team and contract lobbyists to track and engage in proposed legislation and agency rulemakings or policies affecting the management of wild fish in Oregon.
• Track and advocate for state and federal funding that supports wild fish conservation priorities.
• Represent WSC in legislative hearings, meetings, conferences, wild fish management panels, task forces, workgroups, and other public and private forums.
• Coordinate closely with the Oregon Policy Team to ensure integration of wild fish, water, forest, and other policy priorities.
• Cultivate wild fish conservation champions for Board and Commissions and work to secure appointments.
• Monitor and ensure effective implementation of Oregon’s two Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plans.
• Assist with the development of invasive fish species management plans impacting wild fish (e.g., eradication/management of non-native warm-water species).

3. Partnership Building and Campaign Development

• Develop policy agendas and campaign strategies to advance WSC’s “Wild Fish Strategy” and annual work plans.
• Develop, lead, and manage coalitions to collaboratively identify, develop, and advance wild fish management and policy priorities.
• Engage Tribal communities. Develop and nurture durable Tribal relationships as outlined in organization's “Indigenous Engagement Framework.”
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with team members and partners, including state and federal agencies, Tribes, local governments, and grassroots leaders.

4. Development and Communications

• Coordinate with WSC’s Communications Program and Federal Affairs Team to develop external campaigns and media that educate and motivate target audiences on key wild fish issues and WSC priorities.
• Work with WSC’s Development Program to secure funding for wild fish policy initiatives.
• Cultivate and steward major donors and prospects, including individuals and private family foundations.
• Assist with grant proposals and report writing in coordination with WSC’s Development Program.
• Provide technical expertise on wild fish policy issues to a broad range of audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resource management, public policy, or related field is required. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree.
• Minimum of five years of progressively complex professional experience working on natural resource policy and management issues, with preference given to experience working on wild fish management and policy in Oregon.
• Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural dynamics in Oregon, including current issues and challenges related to wild fish management.
• Experience working with and communicating effectively with a wide range of people with diverse experiences and viewpoints.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships and ability to work constructively across organizations and partnerships. Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically to achieve program goals in a dynamic team environment.
• Experience representing an organization before a legislative body, testifying on legislation, and meeting with legislators to discuss proposals and programs.
• Ability to accurately communicate and distill complex information to diverse audiences, including legislators, the media, stakeholders, donors, and the public in writing, presentations, and conversations.
• Experience managing complex processes and projects while balancing multiple priorities and consistently meeting deadlines with high-quality work.
• Proven ability to show initiative and work independently while supporting and communicating effectively with WSC colleagues.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; effective, diplomatic, and friendly communication style.
• Deep-seated passion for and commitment to the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and the wild fish they sustain. Time spent on Oregon’s rivers is essential (fishing time counts).
• Ability to attend meetings and workshops outside of regular work hours, including occasional weekends and evenings and occasional overnight travel.

Compensation

The pay range for this full-time position begins at $90,000 / year, commensurate with experience. Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, designed to help our employees stay healthy and plan for their financial future, includes:

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (includes employee/spouse, employee/dependent(s), as well as a partial premium for full family coverage)
• Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan that matches at 125% for the first 6% of salary contributed
• Four weeks of vacation (to start), two weeks of sick and 10+ paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (health & dependent care)
• Support for continuing education
• Cell phone allowance & monthly stipend
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
• Outstanding work culture, including regular opportunities to visit and connect with salmon rivers

To Apply

Submit cover letter and CV to careers@wildsalmoncenter.org and include “Senior Manager for Wild Fish Conservation (Oregon)” in the subject line. Please note in your cover letter where you learned of of the position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We will gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please reach out to our People & Culture Manager at eellis@wildsalmoncenter.org in advance to request assistance.

Position Description

After 20+ years of dedicated leadership, the current Executive Director, Roger Larochelle, is retiring in August 2024. Thanks to Roger’s leadership, SLCS is a strong, resilient organization equipped to carry on the protection of the Squam Lakes watershed with ample community support. SLCS is at an exciting moment in its history. What makes the Squam community so attractive also makes it threatened. The region has experienced surges in building permits, boat registrations, hikers, school enrollments, and house prices. In addition, climate change is threatening water quality, animal habitat, and the general way of life in New England. The next Executive Director will be able to build on the strong tradition of SLCS and have the opportunity to play an important role in ensuring that the conservation initiatives continue for future generations.

Candidate profile

SLCS seeks a leader who demonstrates a strong passion for the goals of the organization and has demonstrated success in key areas of fundraising, staff management, collaboration, and community and stakeholder engagement. The next Executive Director (ED) should be able to articulate the mission of SLCS to a variety of constituents and maintain effective and efficient external communications with the community. The board is seeking candidates who have the ability to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships across the organization’s constituencies: staff, board of directors, town officials, residents, and other conservation organizations. They should have the ability to connect with the diverse interests of each stakeholder group and educate them about the mission of SLCS. The candidates should also have skills and experience in cultivating and engaging a high-performing team of volunteers. And the candidates should love being outdoors! Ideal candidates will have demonstrated success with all aspects of fundraising and donor cultivation. As the face of SLCS, they will need to develop a strong partnership with the board and to foster a diverse donor community. They will have experience cultivating relationships with landowners and leading negotiations for successful completion of land-related transactions. They should also have an opportunistic mindset regarding seeking and securing conservation parcels. The next ED will be expected to support a productive, mission-driven staff while fostering an organizational culture that is collaborative and committed to staff development and board engagement. They will be responsible for the oversight of the organization’s key functions and activities. These include land conservation transactions, land stewardship, hiring, retention, and development of staff, financial management, communications, strategic planning, and donor relations. Most importantly, candidates must have a commitment to land conservation and the desire to understand the history, landscape, and people of the Squam watershed. The following specific areas of experience and skills are sought:

• Land Conservation: Knowledge of land trust practices and experience in the process of identifying, negotiating, and securing conservation opportunities.
• Leadership: Experience working with a board and ability to foster collaborative organizational culture; recruitment, management, mentoring, and retention of staff; participation or leadership of strategic plan development.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Experience developing strategic relationships with key partners in the community-at-large at a variety of levels.
• Financial Management: Ability to ensure compliance with fund restrictions and finance policies, prepare and monitor annual budgets; familiarity with annual financial audits and IRS 990 filings.
• Fundraising and Donor Relations: Experience leading fund development with donors; ability to speak publicly in public settings; familiarity with grant proposals.
• Board Relations: Experience with organizational governance through board service or reporting to a board.
• Legal Compliance: Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Standards and Practices

The board is open to a variety of backgrounds and skill sets as it understands that the ability to lead and manage a land trust and a strong commitment to land conservation can come from a variety of work experiences.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $120,000-140,000 in addition to a benefits package which includes a health care stipend, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off.

How to Apply

Please submit a current resume and letter of introduction, by May 20, 2024, to Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For more information about Squam Lakes Conservation Society, visit www.squamslandtrust.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The SLCS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or on the basis of any other protected class. The Organization’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational, and recreational programs. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mission

The Squam Lakes Conservation Society’s (SLCS) mission is to preserve the unique quality and character of the Squam watershed by conserving land for present and future generations. Founded in 1960, SLCS achieves the long-term protection of land by seeking, holding, and monitoring conservation easements and by accepting land ownership. Today, SLCS, working closely with its many conservation partners, has been pivotal in protecting almost 10,000 acres, or about 30% of the land around the Squam Lakes watershed.

Purpose

SLCS protects land that contributes to the natural beauty, peaceful character, and unique values of the Squam Lakes watershed and nearby areas. Conservation of these lands preserves open space, protects natural habitat for flora and fauna and water quality, and preserves natural areas for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment by the public.

About Squam Lakes Conservation Society

The Squam Lakes Conservation Society (SLCS) is a land conservation organization dedicated to the protection of the natural environment in the Squam Lakes region of central New Hampshire for the benefit of all present and future residents and visitors. The Squam Lakes region includes two lakes, Big and Little Squam, which straddle the boundaries of Grafton, Carroll, and Belknap Counties. The region features stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and pristine recreation areas. One of the first local land trusts in the nation, SLCS was established by community members in 1960 who were seeking a non-governmental approach to conserving land. With almost 10,000 acres of conserved land across over 160 properties, SLCS has succeeded in protecting about 30% of the Squam watershed. SLCS has four full-time and two part-time staff, 19 directors, over 100 volunteer property monitors, and strong support from the community. Earlier this year, SLCS was re-accredited by the Land Trust Alliance for another five-year term. The SLCS board, which meets every other month, has seven committees: Executive, Lands, Stewardship, Finance, Development, Governance, and Communications. All board members serve on at least one committee, and many committees have members who are not on the board. SLCS works with several partners in the area on various initiatives, such as the Squam Lakes Association, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Lakes Region Conservation Trust, Loon Preservation Committee, Camp Hale, Camp Deerwood, and others. Over the last 10 years, SLCS has undertaken some major initiatives in fulfilling its mission. In 2015, SLCS launched the Squam Uplands Initiative, which prioritized conservation of land above 900 feet in elevation and resulted in the conservation of several large, forested parcels linking conserved lands of the Squam Range with the neighboring White Mountain National Forest. In 2019, the SLCS board approved a Strategic Framework, which set priorities for the next five years and served as a catalyst for the development of annual plans for staff operations and many of the board’s committees. Many of the priorities outlined in the Strategic Framework have been achieved, among them providing greater public access on its fee-owned properties. The board will develop its next strategic plan with the new Executive Director. In 2022, SLCS initiated a community-wide capital campaign, Forever Squam, to fund its ambitious goal of increasing the percentage of protected land in the watershed from 30% to 40%. This campaign was enormously successful, raising more than $7 million, significantly exceeding its goal. The funds enable SLCS to pursue bargain purchases of conservation easements and land when necessary, to offer meaningful financial and logistical support to private landowners by covering the cost of surveys, appraisals, and related expenses, and to allocate funds for each conserved property to fund its stewardship in perpetuity. SLCS now has the tools to protect significantly more land, wetlands, forests, islands, wildlife habitat, and places for outdoor adventures in the Squam watershed.

Position Description

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Associate Director (AD) is responsible for oversight and supervision of programs and associated staff for REW. Key responsibilities will be planning, management, and fiscal accountability of those programs that support the organization's 2022 – 2024 Strategic Plan. The AD will need to have excellent leadership skills, solid nonprofit and personnel management skills, fundraising experience, and a demonstrated ability to successfully manage vibrant and collaborative organizational programs. The AD must work well in a team setting of experienced and passionate employees, board members, volunteers, and practitioner partners. The AD will be an important component of the organization to help translate the organizational mission and vision into action and successful outcomes. This position will be required to travel periodically throughout western Colorado and eastern Utah and occasionally throughout the southwest U.S. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Primary Responsibilities

Personnel Supervision, Systems Management

• Work with staff to provide guidance, administrative, and technical support on REW programs.
• Work with the Executive Director and other staff to provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to other staff in the organization.
• Direct supervision of all program staff, including annual work plans and performance reviews.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training/orientation of program staff.
• Oversee the proper establishment and execution of contracts and other financial tools for restoration work.
• Oversee the proper utilization and maintenance of REW’s business systems such as databases, timekeeping and donor management software, and cooperative agreement reporting systems.

Program Oversight, Planning, and Support

• In coordination with staff, plan, coordinate, and support the implementation of REW programs and events.
• Establish policies, procedures, and safety guidelines for all programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness in conjunction with REW staff.
• Work with the Executive Director to design new programs or projects as appropriate.
• Oversees necessary logistical activities to implement and execute REW programs.
• Communicate federal, state, and local policies and relevant information to program staff that might impact or enhance work.
• In coordination with staff, develop and administer grants, track in-kind services, and project expenses, and meet grant reporting requirements.

Internal and External Relations

• Work with REW partners to understand their needs and provide technical support to improve their capabilities.
• Contribute to the production of newsletter articles, website, and other promotional materials in conjunction with Outreach Coordinator.
• Provide presentations at agency events, conferences, workshops, and public and committee hearings.
• Maintain open communication lines among REW staff and partners.

Organizational, Fundraising, Administration

• Assist with organizational management and administration.
• Support the Executive Director in interactions with the REW Board of Directors, funders, members, and other constituents.
• Participate in fundraising efforts for the organization; specifically, grant writing and editing skills.
• Oversee broad, yearly program-specific fundraising strategies.
• Provide leadership to programs staff to support fundraising endeavors for REW.
• Cultivate and foster relations with riparian restoration industry partners.
• Develop and maintain yearly program budgets.
• Maintain REW programs’ fiscal accountability and transparency.
• Apprise Executive Director and Board of Directors of program and project status.
• Assume duties as directed during Executive Director’s absence.

Competencies & Personal Characteristics

• A self-motivated and energetic leader.
• Leadership style must be mission-driven, outcomes-focused, detail-oriented, positive, and collaborative in nature.
• Must be comfortable interacting and maintaining a visible role with a wide variety of partners, elected civic leaders, the business community, and natural resource managers.
• Must have management experience, ideally from the nonprofit or governmental sector, and understand the technical aspects of managing a nonprofit organization.
• Able to think creatively and strategically and demonstrate an ability to define problems and construct solutions.
• Proven ability to manage positive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and viewpoints with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats.

Education

An undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college is required – an advanced degree is preferred. REW is open to a range of educational backgrounds, including public policy, environmental sciences, nonprofit management, business, and natural resource management. Training and/or experience in nonprofit or business management is desirable. For more information, contact Rusty Lloyd via email at rlloyd@riversedgewest.org or by phone at (970) 256-7400.

Salary/Benefits

$70,000 - $83,000 commensurate with experience and education. Group health insurance plan, 403(b)7 retirement plan, holiday and paid time off (vacation and sick), FAMLI Medical Leave program (maternity/paternity leave), employee assistance program, flexible work schedule, and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references in one document via email to rlloyd@riversedgewest.org, with the title “Last Name_AD_Application_2024”. Word and PDF files only. Applications will be reviewed starting April 25, 2024. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About RiversEdge West

RiversEdge West (REW), formerly Tamarisk Coalition, has been working since 2002 to protect the quality and ecological integrity of riparian lands (riverside habitat) as an important means to promote the economic, social, and cultural well-being of communities in the Western U.S. REW is seeking a leader with proven nonprofit, program, and personnel management skills to join a high-functioning team to help us make positive impacts on rivers in the West.

Position Description

The Executive Director (ED) provides transparent, collaborative leadership in the planning and administration of programs and operations of the Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC) in accordance with the LWC mission and goals. In addition to projects, services, events, personnel, and finances, the ED is the primary representative of the LWC’s interests. The ED leads the implementation of the strategic plan and supports the Board of Directors (Board) in fulfilling its governance functions. This is a full-time, exempt position, hired by and reporting to the Board. Acting with integrity, humility, and respect, the Executive Director maintains a high level of professional conduct. They know their limits, learn from mistakes, ask for help, and set clear boundaries. The Executive Director has the capacity to self-regulate, listen actively, and mediate positive outcomes to conflict. Accountability: The Executive Director operates under the general direction of the Board, to whom the ED is directly accountable, and communicates promptly as circumstances dictate. The ED works most closely with the Board President, but regularly engages with the other Board and committee members through regular reporting and meeting participation. The ED maintains practices that protect the LWC’s good standing with funders, partners, contractors, and the watershed community.

Responsibilities

Primary areas of responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

• Board Engagement: Work closely with the Board to advise and inform and facilitate communication between the Board and staff; plan, prepare and help facilitate meetings of the Board. Interpret relevant state and federal laws and policies for the Board and committees to inform decision-making. Participate in Board development, recruitment, orientation, and training.

• Strategic Planning: Facilitate strategic planning process and regularly evaluate the LWC’s goals and objectives, programs, services, roles, and responsibilities. Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of LWC projects and use data to adapt strategies.

• Organizational Administration: Manage LWC’s day-to-day operations and legal obligations, foster fiscal and organizational sustainability. Respond to media, agencies, partners, and other inquiries on LWC’s behalf. Stay abreast of best practices for nonprofit management and seek to improve outcomes and increase capacity. Develop organizational systems, plan for growth, and protect culture throughout necessary changes.

• Personnel Management: Direct and supervise staff, including recruitment, development, and retention. Sustain motivation through continuous performance management, supportive resources, and equitable performance rewards. Engage qualified contractors and consultants. Promote and support volunteer activities and ensure proper staff oversight. Monitors and maintains federal, state, and local HR compliance. Act as a steward of LWC’s culture, representing the mission and values at all times and fostering an expectation of fairness and trust.

• Resource Development: Secure funding for continued general operations, projects, outreach, education, and other Board initiatives through grants, partnerships, contracts, and donations. Direct and participate in fundraising activities and engage committee and Board support and participation. Provides staff resources and coaching to develop grants, calculate projected costs at the time of implementation, consider operational resource needs, and craft a narrative case.

• Budgeting and Finances: Manage all LWC budgeting and financial operations, in cooperation with the Board and Finance Committee. Provider oversight and accountability for the control of resources and report regularly on LWC’s financial status. Coordinate and review work delegated to financial consultants. Administer grants effectively and fulfill all reporting requirements.

• Partnerships, Community Relations, and Events: Foster and maintain positive connections in and among the community, LWC’s constituencies, other watershed organizations, agencies, service groups, and committees. Communicate and coordinate with funding agencies and other organizations central to LWC’s mission and programs. Actively seeks to sustain and develop partnerships and coalitions with local community groups, universities, other regional organizations, and other watershed councils.

• Landowner and Community Outreach: Guide staff in pursuing landowner agreements and cooperation for project implementation, communicating effectively with impacted parties, and maintenance of landowner databases. Direct development and distribution of the quarterly newsletter, LWC Meanderings, and the regular Behind the Scenes bulletins for Friends of the LWC.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Coordinates with Board, committees, partners, and staff, to advance the LWC’s EDI initiatives. Organizes training, provides resources, and champions organizational changes to support inclusive operations, culture, and programs at LWC.
• Other Duties as Assigned: These may include attending conferences and workshops; planning, facilitating or presenting at meetings; participating in other activities as required by the Board.

Physical Condition Requirement: Duties include both indoor and outdoor tasks. Office work includes sitting, typing, standing, and moving supplies and gear. Some physical exertion is required for this position, including the ability to move 40+ pounds and use/operate LWC tools and equipment. Outdoor work often occurs in remote locations, in variable weather conditions, often on uneven ground and in stream channels. Work is conducted on private and public lands; driving personal vehicles on gravel roads is common. The LWC is friendly to adaptations and reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Additional Position Details: Paid time off (PTO) and benefits are decided by the Board with reference to the LWC Personnel Policy. The position is funded through grants and donations. The ED is responsible for developing and maintaining funding for the position.

What we can offer

• An expected salary of $75,000 - $85,000 and a generous benefits package (medical, dental, vision insurance; 11 floating paid holidays annually, PTO and up to 3% retirement match);
• A committed, talented team that believes in the value and purpose of our organization and works hard to move our mission forward;
• An engaged, talented, and motivated Board of Directors who supports the work of LWC;
• Considerable opportunity to put your creativity and ideas to good use. We are a vital and valued organization poised for growth; we need your ideas and your help to create the right structure and foundation for success; and
• An organizational culture that values the individuality of each team member, plays to the strengths of each individual, and is devoted to creative and inclusive programs and opportunities to enhance the area and beauty of the Luckiamute Watershed.

Apply here: https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/nonprofitprofessionalsnow/job/8uiwpcnkt7zmpq7f45hnmcrdge/LWCexecdir