Southeast Conservation Director, Floodplain Restoration

JOB TITLE: Southeast Conservation Director, Floodplain

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Director I

SALARY BAND: A

REPORTS TO: SE Regional Director

LOCATION: Remote- Charlotte, NC, preferred or North Carolina

About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary
The Southeast Conservation Director will work as a part of a collaborative team to meet American Rivers' conservation goals in Southeastern United States. The position will lead American Rivers' floodplain restoration and protection work in the Southeast region. This work is driven by the use of nature-based, equitable solutions to manage flooding to protect people and allow ecosystems to thrive. The position will work to develop and enact integrated floodplain management (IFM) strategies and programs informed by the program and policy audits completed by the organization within the last twelve months. The position will also lead staff efforts across the region in the creation of resilience programs in response to extreme weather events. The SE Conservation Director will also be responsible for building regional political and constituent support for our conservation efforts, communicating with partners and media about American Rivers' conservation efforts, and leveraging and securing funding to support the region's work, especially around floodplain management.

Principal Responsibilities

• Leads American Rivers' floodplain management work across the Southeast Region;

• Develops and expands a floodplain restoration and protection program and funding in the Southeast;

• Actively works with American Rivers' National Floodplain Community of Practice (CoP), engaging in CoP meetings, collaborating with colleagues on project ideas and approaches, working with CoP leaders to develop, refine, and implement effective strategies, communicating priority concepts and activities to the Southeast Region team, and participating in CoP retreats and other related activities;

• Provide strategic guidance and support to regional staff on floodplain restoration issues, campaigns, and projects.

• Leads organizational fundraising in region focused on building and sustaining a floodplain restoration program and supports other fundraising efforts in partnership with other regional staff and Advancement staff.

• Contributes to the development and implementation of American Rivers' Federal Floodplain Policy agenda, including working with federal agencies, Congress, and partner coalitions.

• Provides technical assistance for projects and program-building assistance to key partners for completing high priority projects;

• Identifies, tracks, and collaboratively pursues funding sources for projects;

• Executes contracts, requests expenditures, and invoices;

• Assists in the selection and management of consultants, and coordination of partners engaged in restoration projects.

• Builds upon and establishes new equitable partnerships with civic and community leaders, non-profit organizations, government agencies, consulting sector, and other partners.

• Contributes as a member of the Southeast Region and is responsible for contributing to the region's overall success.
• Demonstrates initiative and creativity, and continually strives to improve program operations.
• Represents American Rivers at technical meetings, conferences, press events and other public events in the region and nationally as needed.
• Composes, edits, and prepares high-quality, time-sensitive correspondence, reports, proposals, blogs, newsletter articles and other informational materials.
• Manages time and expenses independently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven to ten years of experience in a relevant field or an advanced degree or professional certification in a relevant field.
• Demonstrates ability to successfully lead teams to implement strategic programs;
• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and an ability to work with others with varying perspectives and values;
• Experience working with science or policies related to river restoration, watershed protection, climate adaptation or other relevant areas;
• Consistent exercise of professional discretion and independent judgment;
• Superior written and oral communications skills;
• Strength in critical thinking, judgement and dependability;
• Excellent personal organization and time management skills;
• Ability to travel as needed;
• Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability and willingness to conduct field work in rivers and other outdoor locations, including paddling, wading, driving, hiking, extended standing, transporting gear, and lifting and carrying 40 lbs;
• Interest in promoting science-based decision-making.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

Compensation
Charlotte, NC Preferred or North Carolina

Qualifications
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $77,100 - $86,800, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee's well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

• At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
• Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
• We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
• At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at or Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.