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Government Relations Director
USD 86,800-106k / year
Posted on Aug 4, 2026
Government Relations Director
JOB TITLE: Government Relations Director
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Director I
SALARY BAND: B
REPORTS TO: Leda Huta
LOCATION: HDQ
Click here to apply
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 Director of Government Relations leads American Rivers’ government relations and advocacy work to advance durable, bipartisan solutions for Western water issues, particularly the protection of the nation’s rivers and floodplain restoration. The Director develops and executes legislative, administrative, and political strategies focused on the Southwest, California, Central, and Northern Rockies.
Working at the intersection of policy, politics, and conservation, the Director builds relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, state and local elected officials, and external partners to advance American Rivers’ priorities. The Director works closely with conservation, policy, movement-building, communications, and regional staff to translate American Rivers’ programmatic expertise and on-the-ground work into effective government relations strategies and policy outcomes. Additionally, the position is responsible for strategic planning within Government Relations, including facilitating annual retreats. The position reports to the Vice President for Government Relations.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and lead American Rivers’ government relations strategy on priorities related to floodplains, river protection, including Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with congressional offices representing Western states, including Members and staff serving on key authorizing and appropriations committees to secure bipartisan congressional champions for river protection
- Monitor and analyze federal and state policy developments affecting Western rivers and water management and translate those developments into strategic recommendations and advocacy opportunities
- Lead administrative efforts including comment writing and building relationships with federal agency staff, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service
- Lead coalition meetings and strategy both internally and with external partners,
- Work across departments to translate conservation priorities and field expertise into government relations strategies
- Help craft campaigns, connect state and regional policy opportunities to federal legislative strategies, develop coalitions and networks capable of building political support, and shape communications strategies for advocacy campaigns
- Defend existing river protections from legislative or administrative threats
- Build strategic relationships with conservation organizations, water interests, outdoor recreation groups, local elected officials, Tribes, and other constituencies
- Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the Vice President of Government Relations and organizational leadership on Western water politics and river protection policy
- Supervise volunteers and interns on short-term projects including research, GIS mapping, and communications material development,
- Lead key congressional outreach including advocacy weeks, briefings, roundtables, site visits, legislative proposals, briefing materials, testimony, comment strategies, and other advocacy tools
- Provide strategic planning and operational support for Government Relations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political advocacy, or a related field
- Familiarity with federal rulemaking procedures and requirements
- Significant experience working with Congress, federal agencies, state government, or complex policy advocacy campaigns
- Strong understanding of Western water policy and politics, including the political, economic, and institutional dynamics affecting water management in the Western United States
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with conservation, natural resources, public lands, water, or river policy strongly preferred
- Knowledge of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and federal river protection policy preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute bipartisan legislative and government relations strategies
- Established relationships with Western policymakers, congressional offices, federal agencies, or relevant stakeholder networks are highly desirable
- Experience building coalitions and working with diverse stakeholders, including conservation organizations, local communities, Tribes, agricultural interests, water users, outdoor recreation interests, and elected officials
- Excellent political judgment and demonstrated ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive policy issues
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling advocacy messages
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple policy campaigns and priorities in a fast-moving environment
- Commitment to American Rivers’ mission and to advancing healthy rivers, clean water, and resilient communities
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
This is a hybrid position located in our Washington, D.C. office. The Director is required to be able to commute regularly (2 days/week) to Capitol Hill.
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $86,800 – $106,000, 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.
Click here to apply
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.