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Director of Conservation, Virginia
American Rivers
Posted on Apr 1, 2025
TITLE: Director of Conservation, Virginia
CLASSIFICATION: Director I
WAGE CATERGORY: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Conservation
REPORTS TO: Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
LOCATION: Virginia (Remote, with travel required)
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 Director of Conservation, Virginia, reports to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director and supports the goals and objectives of American Rivers’ Mid-Atlantic Regional Program. The Director will focus on advancing federal Wild and Scenic River designations for the James and Rappahannock Rivers, developing key partnerships and coalitions, and leading conservation initiatives that align with American Rivers’ strategic priorities in Virginia. This role is responsible for working closely with state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and other key stakeholders to identify and develop projects that improve water quality, enhance river health, and strengthen community resiliency. The Director will also engage in fundraising, grant writing, and policy advocacy to expand conservation efforts and build the organization’s presence in Virginia.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Federal River Protection and Policy Advocacy
o Lead efforts to secure federal Wild and Scenic River designations for the James and Rappahannock Rivers.
o Advocate for policies that promote river conservation, clean water protections, and sustainable water management at the state and federal levels.
o Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, including state and federal legislators, to advance conservation goals.
Project and Program Development
o Work with regional staff to identify and develop conservation projects, including dam removal, clean water initiatives, floodplain restoration, and stormwater management efforts.
o Collaborate with local and state agencies, NGOs, and community groups to design and implement strategic river restoration and protection initiatives.
o Develop and manage Virginia-specific programming that aligns with American Rivers’ broader conservation objectives.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
o Establish and strengthen partnerships with conservation organizations, state agencies, coalitions, and other key stakeholders.
o Represent American Rivers at conferences, public meetings, and events to promote river conservation efforts.
o Foster collaboration with regional and national partners to advance sustainable water management and ecosystem restoration.
Fundraising and Grant Management
o Identify funding opportunities and develop grant proposals to support conservation projects and initiatives.
o Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporate donors, and individual supporters to secure financial resources for American Rivers’ work in Virginia.
o Work with the advancement staff and Regional Director to develop and implement a fundraising strategy for Virginia-based program
MINIMUM QUALIFACTIONS:
•Degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of six years of experience in conservation, policy advocacy, or natural resource management.
• Strong understanding of river conservation, water policy, and ecosystem restoration, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies, legislative bodies, and conservation organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent American Rivers effectively.
• Proven ability to develop and manage programs, secure funding, and build strategic partnerships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Virginia and occasionally to other regions.
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
Virginia (Remote, with travel required)
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $72,620-$81,671 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 202-243-7040 or recruitment@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.