Contracts and Legal Administration Associate Director

American Rivers

American Rivers

Legal

Washington, DC, USA

Posted on Apr 15, 2026

JOB TITLE: Contracts and Legal Administration Associate Director

POSITION CLASSIFACTION: Associate Director I

SALARY BAND: Band B

REPORTS TO: Contracts and Legal Compliance Manager
LOCATION: Washington, DC (HDQ)

About American Rivers

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by 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 supports the contracts management activities at the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) organization and affiliates, by facilitating the reviews and approvals and ensuring that processed agreements meet standard compliance regulations and adhere to internal policies and operating procedures. In conjunction with this key compliance component, the Associate Director conducts regular contracts process orientations for new employees, maintains administrative database integrity across project management and contract processing systems, and develops and executes strategies for continuous quality improvement.

The Associate Director will also assist with ongoing organizational compliance matters, which may include oversight of staff participation with compliance trainings, helping with annual functions such as the corporate insurance renewal, and collaborating with other Departments on shared compliance projects and priorities.

This role plays a vital part in enforcing legal and compliance standards, managing contracts, and driving improvements in project and contract workflow systems across the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) organization and affiliates.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee contract processing: draft, review, track, and manage contract workflows in collaboration with internal teams and external parties, ensuring accuracy, compliance with organizational policies, and timely execution.
  • Support implementation and ongoing management of new project management and contract processing systems as they relate to the Legal Department, including supporting user training, system updates, workflow optimization, and troubleshooting.
  • Support maintenance of internal and external insurance certificates, and tracking and requesting insurance certificates per agreement requirements.
  • Support electronic distribution and accessibility of state Workers’ Compensation notices. Coordinate with insurance brokers in setting up Workers’ Compensation coverage in new state jurisdictions.
  • Support recruitment and onboarding of Legal Interns.
  • Support requests for production for audits, regulatory reviews, and government inquiries by gathering documentation and tracking required follow-ups for the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) organization and affiliates.
  • Handle all confidential legal, financial, and compliance information with discretion, respecting legal restrictions specific to the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) organization and affiliates.
  • Support regular legal educational trainings for incoming employees particularly on contracting procedures and requirements and contracting related project management expectations.
  • Support Legal Department with administrative support in relation to Department scheduling, template updates, and other tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, legal studies, public administration, or related fields, with prior nonprofit compliance or administrative experience.
  • Familiarity with governance, lobbying, and political activity compliance for a multifaceted nonprofit environment.

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

LOCATION

Hybrid expectations within our Washington, DC Headquarters office with a minimum one day per week in office and remainder working remotely.

COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $61,800 to $75,600 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.

See more open positions at American Rivers