Careers & Professional Opportunities
Welcome to the River Network Careers page! Here you will find opportunities with groups working to improve rivers and waters, including staff and contract jobs, internships, and volunteer assignments.
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Director of Development
Background
The Snake River Fund is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote stewardship of and public access to the Snake River watershed in Wyoming with an emphasis on education, partnerships, and public outreach. The Snake River Fund was born in 1998 and has since matured to be the leading voice for access advocacy and watershed stewardship in Northwest Wyoming. We have robust programs that connect folks with the water who wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity and fight for the health of our rivers so that they may be enjoyed for generations to come.Position Overview
The Snake River Fund’s Director of Development will help convert the Fund’s vision to reality through strategic fundraising initiatives and development efforts. The workload is diverse. It includes developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan, stewarding existing donors, processing donations, identifying new income streams, and working closely with staff and the Board of Directors to support the mission of the Snake River Fund. The ideal candidate will have experience in a non-profit fundraising position, a familiarity with and passion for the river recreation community of Northwest Wyoming, and the ability to build strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders.Duties and Responsibilities
The Snake River Fund prides itself on having a huge impact in our community despite having a relatively small staff. As such, for the Fund to be successful in fulfilling its mission the staff must work together and in support of each other and the Board. This results in duties to be defined and assigned. General duties, expectations, and responsibilities include:- Fundraising Strategy: Work with staff and Board to develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet the organization’s financial and strategic goals, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships.
- Grant Writing and Management: Identify and apply for grants from foundations, government agencies, corporations, and other organizations. Manage grant reporting and ensure compliance with all requirements.
- Donor Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, prospective donors, and funding partners. Acknowledge incoming donations. Implement strategies to grow and retain the donor base.
- Board Engagement: Work with the Board of Directors to identify and engage their networks for potential fundraising opportunities. Provide fundraising training and support to Board Members when appropriate.
- Fundraising Event Planning: Work closely with staff to plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising-specific events. Ensure events align with the organizational mission and fundraising goals.
- Public Speaking and Representation: Be willing to represent the Snake River Fund at public events, speaking engagements, and with the media to raise awareness about our work and fundraising needs
- Campaign Management: Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and events. Collaborate with the team to design and implement effective outreach strategies.
- Communications: Work closely with staff to develop compelling public outreach materials including an annual report, campaign literature, social media content etc. All of which should effectively communicate the Fund’s mission and impact.
- Data Management: Utilize donor management systems to track and analyze fundraising performance, donor activity, and campaign outcomes.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in non-profit development and fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and stakeholders. Excellent writing and presentation abilities.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and donor management systems. Experience with online fundraising platforms, social media, and digital marketing strategies to enhance donor outreach and engagement. Familiarity with river stewardship and access issues and opportunities in the Upper Snake River Watershed. Familiarity with the river community and its stakeholders or a strong willingness to learn. Experience as a river guide is a plus.
- Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, the Sciences, or a related field. Advanced degree or certification in fundraising is a plus.
- Personal Qualities: Ability to self-direct and govern, ability to work collaboratively with a small and passionate staff, ability think creatively, willingness to perform duties as assigned. A strong personal commitment to the values and mission of the Snake River Fund, with enthusiasm for promoting river access and stewardship.
Learning, Safety, & Satisfaction
The Director of Development position requires an attitude for self-improvement and the ability to satisfy the goals of the Board, Executive Director, and constituency. The Director will be encouraged to improve their knowledge and skills through targeted professional development. The Snake River Fund is and equal opportunity employer dedicated to providing a safe workplace free from discrimination for all employees.Terms of Employment
The Director of Development position is a full-time and year-round position. The position is salaried. Opportunities for employee to perform duties in-person and remotely are negotiable. Employment is at will and may be terminated at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be construed to amend, erode, or otherwise alter the fundamental at-will status of the Director of Development position.Compensation & Benefits
- $70,000 – $80,000 per year DOE. Bi-weekly paid. Up to but not exceeding 2,080 hours/year.
- Performance Bonuses available at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
- Health Insurance Package
- Matching Retirement Contributions
- 8 standard holidays off, negotiable paid leave pending Executive Director approval.
How to Apply
Submit a letter of interest and a resume including three professional references to careers@snakeriverfund.org with the subject line: 2024 DevelopmentDirectorApplication_[YourName] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We plan on keeping this job posting up until we find the right candidate for the position. Anticipated start date is February 2025 The successful candidate may be asked to complete a pre-employment background check.Job Features
Job Title: Snake River Fund – Director of Development Location: 125 South King St. Jackson, WY 83001 Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round Salary: $70,000-$80,000 DOE and with Performance Bonuses Ava...
Director of Clean Water Protection
Position Description
The position of Clean Water Protection Director will be responsible for leading and managing the public policy work of the organization. This position will be one of the chief strategists in the conservation and environmental policy arena for Tennessee. This position requires someone who likes to solve problems, implement solutions, work with decision-makers, build coalitions, build and work with a network, is familiar with lobbying, and creates and manages issue campaigns effectively. The successful candidate will have proven experience in conservation/environmental public policy leadership, advocacy, working with community leaders, issue campaign work, and coalition building. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, flexibility, ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and appreciation for how to bring various perspectives together to solve complex problems that effect communities from agricultural to urban with respect to the environment and public health. The position requires a commitment to understanding and addressing systemic problems that cause environmental inequity and to working with a broad network that incorporates other effective efforts to affect social change to ensure environmental justice for all Tennesseans. This position reports to the CEO. HC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our hiring process. We are actively seeking a diverse pool of candidates for this position. Responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:- Work with staff, board, and network of experts to direct, shape and lead the organization’s policy work for the Clean Water Protection Program, which encompasses our Rural Land Protection and Land Use Program
- Conduct and oversee analysis relevant to all conservation policy
- Manage issue campaigns and advocacy efforts with staff team
- Be an influential spokesperson and build relationships with decision makers in local government, state legislature, state agencies, and other partners and entities
- Provide leadership in shaping conservation policy in Tennessee
- Lead in building an effective state-wide coalition for conservation and environmental public policy
- Inspire funders and build financial support for the core policy program work of the organization, including proposal writing
- Be committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and be dedicated to creating environmental equity and ensuring environmental justice
Ideal Qualifications
- Master’s degree or law degree and 5 or more years of experience in clean water policy
- Executive level experience with natural resource protection, conservation, or environmental action group or organization
- Exceptional analytical and writing skills
- Demonstrated success in working with multiple partners, government agencies, local governments, community organizations and with diverse groups
- Demonstrated success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and localities, and volunteers
- While not required, having networks and/or expertise in Tennessee is preferred
- Expertise and familiarity with lobbying, campaign management, and advocacy
- As one of the key external voices for the organization, the candidate needs to possess excellent oral and written communication skills in various formats and be a confident public speaker
- Must have genuine love for the outdoors and commitment to protecting our streams, rivers, and wetland resources
- Comfortable interacting professionally with all levels of donors, supporters, and volunteers
- Ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure
- Team player and strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Able and willing to work outside of the constraints of a standard work week, as required, including weekends
- Familiar with Microsoft Office (esp. Word, PowerPoint, & Excel), donor software, social media platforms, advocacy/networking tools, and related software
- Work style characterized by self-motivation, initiative, and integrity
- Commitment to the mission of Harpeth Conservancy and the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
- Must be able to work legally in the United States
- Ability to work out in the field in rivers, farmland, be able to travel, and work at events
Salary, Benefits, and Work Environment
The salary base is $85,000 with a range above based on experience. The position is based at our office in Brentwood, TN. A flexible work schedule is expected to accommodate evenings and weekends, travel and traffic. Harpeth Conservancy benefits include generous paid-time-off, Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN cafeteria health insurance plan with a pre-tax Health Savings Account and a Simple-IRA retirement plan. Please submit cover letter, resume and three references to: EMAIL: gracestranch@harpethriver.org addressed to Grace Stranch, CEOAbout the Harpeth Conservancy
Harpeth Conservancy is a science-based conservation organization dedicated to clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. Founded in 1999, our mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support broad community stewardship and action. Harpeth Conservancy works with landowners, businesses, community, local, state, and federal decision-makers and members to foster solutions that reduce pollution and maintain healthy areas. The rivers in Tennessee, including the Harpeth, are part of the unique freshwater river systems of the Southeast which contain some of the greatest variety of aquatic life in the world. A State Scenic River, the 125-mile long Harpeth River flows through both rural and rapidly developing urban and suburban areas of the greater Nashville region, one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The Harpeth is one of the few entirely free-flowing rivers in the state as a result of our efforts and one of the most ecologically, culturally, historically, and recreationally significant rivers in Tennessee. However, water and land use practices critically impaired the river, cited as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers in 2015. Over the past 20 years, the organization has broadened both the scope and geographic reach of its work as it applied lessons learned on the Harpeth to rivers and streams across the state. Supported by a broad network of volunteers, donors, and professional staff, Harpeth Conservancy has expertise in a range of disciplines including water quality science, environmental and conservation law and policy, sustainable land use planning, agricultural best management practices, volunteer and community engagement, and others. The organization engages in land development decisions, promotes smart growth and agricultural management practices, designs stream restoration plans, assesses sewer and drinking water challenges, conducts river studies, ensures pollution threats are removed, promotes recreation and public education, and serves as a catalyst for effective statewide conservation policies. Harpeth Conservancy uses its expertise, applied science, and relationships with landowners, businesses, residents and policy decision-makers to develop solutions inclusive of the people who live and work here. By seeking water quality solutions developed with diverse stakeholders, Harpeth Conservancy builds broad stewardship and shared responsibility for streams and rivers that are vital for the state’s economic well-being and quality of life. Harpeth Conservancy vision is clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee, championed by the people who live here. For examples of some of the major successes, see this section of our web site: www.harpethconservancy.org/about/20-years-of- success/ as well as this video: https://youtu.be/FZhAVBp7kB4. As Harpeth Conservancy enters its 25th year, you can read about some of our current campaigns here: https://harpethconservancy.org/our- work/clean-water-protection/.Job Features
The position of Clean Water Protection Director will be responsible for leading and managing the public policy work of the organization. This position will be one of the chief strategists in the conse...
Development Director
Position Description
Harpeth Conservancy seeks an outgoing, detail-oriented, highly organized and savvy individual to work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, program staff, and volunteers, to manage and implement the organization’s fundraising programs. The Director of Development plays a crucial role in securing the necessary resources to support our mission to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee. This position requires strong management skills, a strategic mind, ability to work well independently as well as a part of a team, and comfort relating to a variety of people in multiple settings. The Development Director will have a leadership role in the organization’s strategic growth plan to expand the number of vibrant, talented, and experienced leaders with expertise in conservation and environmental public policy on behalf of ensuring clean water and healthy rivers for every Tennessean. The organization has been increasing its funding support annually as part of a multi-year capacity building plan that includes the launch of a long-term investment/endowment fund. HC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our hiring process. We are actively seeking a diverse pool of candidates for this position. Responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:- Lead the strategy and plans for annual fundraising designed to increase support for the organization that include events, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, the Rally for Rivers annual fund, foundations at local to national level, and membership Manage a team of Development employees and volunteers to implement these plans.
- Lead and coordinate annual well-established and award-winning signature fundraising event, River Swing, that raises over $650,000. Responsibilities include managing event committee, cultivating and increasing sponsorships, and overseeing logistics with Event Coordinator.
- Cultivate and steward individual donor, foundation, and corporate relationships for both general support, program support, planned giving, and for endowment fund.
- Work with directors and program managers to identify new funding opportunities, coordinate fundraising efforts, and develop the organization’s fundraising portfolio.
- Work closely with various organization’s committees such as the Board of Directors, Investment Committee, Advisory Council, River Swing Committee as examples.
- Oversee use of Donor Perfect database with Philanthropy and Membership Manager and initiate strategies for improving its use across the organization.
- Public speaking and networking to promote the organization’s
- Keep current on trends in
- Perform other duties as assigned related to Harpeth Conservancy’s
Ideal Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree or higher with five or more years of experience in the nonprofit sector managing a combination of donor development, fundraising events, publicity, and outreach
- A demonstrated history of ability to lead large, long term fundraising efforts such as capital campaigns, estate planning campaigns, investing, annual plans, and annual signature events
- Established ties and networks in middle Tennessee, particularly Williamson and Davidson counties
- Experience managing employees and volunteers, and collaborating with senior leadership, board members, volunteers, and partners
- Comfortable interacting professionally with all levels of donors, supporters, and volunteers
- Demonstrated experience fostering a spirit of team and collaboration
- Professional, detail-oriented, energetic, outgoing, and passionate about conservation
- Excellent writing ability, a familiarity with social media, website management, and design of donor outreach and fundraising materials and programs
- Excellent technology and computer skills including experience with Donor Perfect or similar donor management software, and social media platforms
- Experience with project management software, Dropbox, Microsoft Office suite, and Slack preferred
- Strong management abilities, public speaking skills, and experience managing the financial aspects of fundraising
- Experience in project management leadership, problem solving, and process management skills
- Excellent time management, organizational, conflict, and interpersonal skills, and ability to meet and hold others to deadlines
- Have an understanding of water quality, conservation, or environmental issues in general preferred
- Commitment to the mission of Harpeth Conservancy and the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
- Reliable, responsible, and with the flexibility and willingness to work outside of the constraints of a standard work week, as required, including weekends
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
- Must be able to work legally in the United States
- Valid Driver’s License in the State of Tennessee and adequate transportation and proof of insurance
Salary, Benefits, and Work Environment
The salary base is $80,000 with a range above based on experience. The position is a hybrid role, but regular office hours will be kept at our office in Brentwood, TN. A flexible work schedule is expected to accommodate evenings and weekends, travel, and traffic. Harpeth Conservancy benefits include paid-time-off, Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN cafeteria health insurance plan with a pre-tax Health Savings Account, and a Simple IRA retirement plan. Please submit cover letter, resume and three references by email to: katiemaxwell@harpethriver.org addressed to Katie Maxwell, Operations ManagerAbout the Harpeth Conservancy
Harpeth Conservancy is a science-based conservation organization dedicated to clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. Founded in 1999, our mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support broad community stewardship and action. Harpeth Conservancy works with landowners, businesses, community, local, state, and federal decision-makers and members to foster solutions that reduce pollution and maintain healthy areas. The rivers in Tennessee, including the Harpeth, are part of the unique freshwater river systems of the Southeast which contain some of the greatest variety of aquatic life in the world. A State Scenic River, the 125-mile long Harpeth River flows through both rural and rapidly developing urban and suburban areas of the greater Nashville region, one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The Harpeth is one of the few entirely free-flowing rivers in the state as a result of our efforts and one of the most ecologically, culturally, historically, and recreationally significant rivers in Tennessee. However, water and land use practices critically impaired the river, cited as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers in 2015. Over the past 20 years, the organization has broadened both the scope and geographic reach of its work as it applied lessons learned on the Harpeth to rivers and streams across the state. Supported by a broad network of volunteers, donors, and professional staff, Harpeth Conservancy has expertise in a range of disciplines including water quality science, environmental and conservation law and policy, sustainable land use planning, agricultural best management practices, volunteer and community engagement, and others. The organization engages in land development decisions, promotes smart growth and agricultural management practices, designs stream restoration plans, assesses sewer and drinking water challenges, conducts river studies, ensures pollution threats are removed, promotes recreation and public education, and serves as a catalyst for effective statewide conservation policies. Harpeth Conservancy uses its expertise, applied science, and relationships with landowners, businesses, residents and policy decision-makers to develop solutions inclusive of the people who live and work here. By seeking water quality solutions developed with diverse stakeholders, Harpeth Conservancy builds broad stewardship and shared responsibility for streams and rivers that are vital for the state’s economic well-being and quality of life. Harpeth Conservancy vision is clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee, championed by the people who live here. Pleases follow these hyperlinks to learn more about the Harpeth Conservancy’s successes in its first 25 years, our vision and approach in our new 6 minute video, and some of our current campaigns.Job Features
The Development Director is a leadership role in the organization. The organization is increasing its funding support annually as part of a multi-year capacity building plan that includes the launch o...
Executive Director
- At least five years of experience at the executive level in leading a nonprofit organization or a comparable organization
- A high level of integrity, the ability to find common ground and keen interpersonal skills are important to institutionalize and deploy Elizabeth River Project’s collaboration model to bring together diverse river stakeholders often presenting conflicting interests
- Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors, as a direct report, indirect report, or member of such a Board
- Significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating donor relations, securing and stewarding large private and public gifts
- Intellectual curiosity and creativity; a certain broad mindedness that enjoys "out-of-the-box" thinking
- Commitment to advancing DEIJ efforts, both internally and externally
- A sense of urgency about the Elizabeth River Project’s mission, along with a sense of fun and excitement in doing the work
- A sound understanding relevant to the Elizabeth River’s problems and priority solutions is essential including a working understanding in the realms of both of environmental science and environmental education
- The capacity to bring diverse individuals and groups together to craft solutions and strategies
- Excellent public relations and communications skills
- A firm commitment to equity, inclusivity, and environmental justice and proven experience implementing sound initiatives in these areas
- Experience mentoring staff to assume larger roles in the organization
- Familiarity and experience in supporting excellence in digital marketing and technology and using it to communicate with and strengthen Elizabeth River Project’s constituency, to fundraise, and to advance the mission of ERP
Job Features
The Elizabeth River Project’s mission is to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, businesses, and governments. The Elizabeth River Project (ERP), Norf...
Community Water Organizer
Compensation, Benefits and Leave
This is a full time position with compensation dependent upon experience. The Utah Rivers Council is a grassroots water advocacy organization that represents the entire economic and political spectrum in our work to implement a sustainable water future in Utah. We strive to maintain a fun, informal work environment where progress and accomplishments are measured by real success and balance and time off are a regular part of work. To apply send a resume, a full cover letter, and a short writing sample to hiring@utahrivers.org. Please, no phone calls. The position will remain open until filled.Job Features
The Utah Rivers Council is looking for a hard-working advocate with strong writing and people skills to help engage and manage audiences and supporters in our conservation advocacy work in the America...