Ocean Job Board
0
Organizations
0
Jobs
Associate Director, River Restoration and Dam Removal
American Rivers
USD 58,055-70,955 / year
Posted on Jul 2, 2025
JOB TITLE: Associate Director, River Restoration and Dam Removal
CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director 1
WAGE CATERGORY: Exempt
REPORTS TO: North East Regional Director
LOCATION: New England/Remote
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 Associate Director, River Restoration and Dam Removal will support and grow American Rivers’ work in the Northeast Region to restore rivers through dam removal and aquatic connectivity in the northern New England states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This position is responsible for working in close collaboration with the existing communities of practice to initiate and implement projects in service of meeting the region’s target of 4,000 dam removals by 2050. This position works with the Northeast Regional team as well as the Dam Removal Conservation Strategies team members working in all American Rivers regions.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- In close coordination with the Regional Director and NER team build to and maintain an on-going docket of between 12 and 15 dam removal projects in all stages of development from early concept through implementation.
- Build to and manage 2 dam removals in construction annually.
- Participate actively in all three states existing communities of practice to include supporting the administrative and logistical needs, where such support is requested.
- Provide support and direct assistance to partners working on dam removal projects as requested in line with available capacity.
- In close coordination with Regional Director, Institutional Advancement, and Major Donor program assist in raising funds.
- In close coordination with Regional Director and Marketing and Communications team members support the story telling and messaging of our work.
- Be an active teammate within American Rivers’ Dam Removal Program and Dam Removal Community of Practice, collaborating with colleagues on project/program ideas, working with team leaders to develop/implement effective dam removal strategies, and participating in team events.
- Perform related duties as required to expand dam removal practice in the Northeast and set American Rivers and the nation on a trajectory toward removing 30,000 dams by 2050.
- Ensure that all work activities advance American Rivers’ Core Values and provide a seat at the table for people who have been sidelined from decisions that impact their lives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in project management with responsibility for managing scheduling and dependencies, budgets, and commitments to external stakeholders or customers.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving the environment and supporting American Rivers’ commitment that “Life Depends on Rivers”
- A team player with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, as well as the ability to work well with a diverse range of people.
- Demonstrated experience in soliciting resources needed to launch, maintain, or complete a project
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to effectively communicate with partners and agency representatives in decision-making, consensus-building, and collaboration.
- Demonstrated strength in critical thinking, judgment, dependability, and initiative.
- Demonstrated commitment to working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- The ability and willingness to travel.
- Consistent exercise of professional discretion, self-motivation, and independent judgement.
LOCATION
The position is based in New England with preference for location in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine. The position operates from a home office with full access to American Rivers’ operating systems and technology. There are times that the work will need to be conducted in-person, with travel estimated 3-5 days every month. Most travel is daily. Other occasional regional and national travel to meetings and training may be required.
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $58,055 - $70,955, 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.