Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition

TITLE: Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition
CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director I
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Conservation, Hydropower Reform Program
REPORTS TO: Director of Hydropower Reform
LOCATION: Remote within United States. Preference given to candidates in California, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes/Upper Mid-west, and Northeast

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers embraces and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Life Depends on Rivers 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. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that each individual brings 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.

The Hydropower Reform Coalition is a national consortium of more than 160 conservation and recreation organizations that protect and restore rivers harmed by hydropower dams. American Rivers is the Coalition’s fiscal sponsor. Founded in 1992, the Coalition works exclusively on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensed hydropower projects. The coalition has a proven track record of policy reform and cultural, environmental, and recreational restoration of rivers.

JOB SUMMARY
The Hydropower Reform Coalition (HRC) is housed administratively within American Rivers and American Rivers is a steering committee member and co-chair of the Hydropower Reform Coalition. The position is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the work of the Hydropower Reform Coalition and its members and advancing the Hydropower Reform Coalition’s policy goals and positions. As part of our work to restore rivers and their cultural, environmental, and recreational values, this position will serve as part of a small staff team to support the collective action of the coalition. Application deadline of 4/28, Applications will be considered immediately

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
● Build expertise in the federal hydropower licensing process and share that expertise with members of the Hydropower Reform Coalition, Indigenous tribes, and others that need support participating in hydropower licensings.
● Participate in and provide support to the Hydropower Reform Coalition’s caucuses including policy analysis, coordination of joint comments and letters, trainings, etc.
● Develop tools, trainings, and materials to equip Hydropower Reform Coalition members, Indigenous tribes, and others to participate in hydropower licensing.
● Promote information and strategy exchanges between Coalition members.
● Communicate policy positions and project successes and failures to the general public, media, and existing and potential funders, including writing articles for the website, posting to social media, giving interviews, etc.
● Collaborate with coalition chairs and Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to manage and coordinate grant writing, fundraising and report writing.
● Collaborate with coalition chairs and Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to manage the budgeting and equitable distribution of large grants and funds.
● Work with Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to plan and organize annual Coalition meetings.
● Work with federal, state, and Tribal natural resource agencies to promote effective implementation of existing laws and policies and restoration of rivers affected by hydropower development.
● Provide policy support to HRC Chairs and government relations team; coordinate HRC members’ response to federal laws and policies related to hydropower.
● Travel to Coalition meetings, meet with individual Coalition members, and attend relevant meetings and conferences, as necessary.
● Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by the Director of Hydropower Reform and the coalition’s national co-chairs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
● Minimum of three years of professional experience in natural resource policy or conservation. Education may substitute for experience.
● Strong commitment to weaving equity and inclusion into the work of the job.
● Experience working with Indigenous communities.
● Ability to work with (or willingness to learn) a variety of platforms including Google Suite, MS Office Suite, Slack, MailChimp, WordPress, etc.
● Familiarity with the Federal Power Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
● Demonstrated performance in grant writing and other fundraising activities.
● Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work constructively across organizations and partnerships.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
● Experience with media relations, public outreach, coalition building, or cross-cultural organizing are desirable.
● Good organizational and problem-solving abilities.
● Ability to work independently while managing complex projects.
● Willingness to travel as necessary and hold a valid US driver’s license.
● Willingness to learn a complex field and help others do the same.
● Passion for protecting and restoring rivers and their watersheds!

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.

COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $ $60,000-$65,000annually depending upon qualifications and experience. Full- time employee benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; a retirement plan, training budget, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, four weeks of paid vacation, paid sabbaticals every seven years, and a 3% retirement match. American Rivers offers TIAA-CREF Social Choice, including green impact, as
an investment option.

COMUNITY AND OPPURTUNITY
Our community’s core values motivate us to Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. American Rivers offers staff professional development and training opportunities, engages in equitable hiring and retention practices, has taken the Green 2.0 pay equity pledge and participates in the transparency report, provides “no meetings” weeks, and hosts People of Color, Accessibility, LGBTQAI+, Women's Leadership, Parents and Caregivers, and DEIJ affinity groups and
committees led by staff and board members. 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 202-243-7050 or humanresources@americanrivers.org. 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.

Application deadline of 4/28.