Senior Director for Government Relations

POST DATE: December 11, 2009
TITLE: Senior Director for Government Relations
CLASSIFICATION: Program Director
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt 
REPORTS TO:  Vice President for Government Relations
LOCATION: Washington, DC

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ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS: Founded in 1973, American Rivers is the leading national river conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy natural rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. American Rivers has over 65,000 supporters nationwide, with staff in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. Visit www.AmericanRivers.org.

JOB SUMMARY: American Rivers seeks a Senior Director for Government Relations.  Primary responsibilities include carrying out American Rivers’ legislative priorities and developing and implementing strategies to influence federal funding of programs that promote river restoration and protection. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative, experienced, and high energy professional who is interested in making a difference in the field of conservation. This position reports to the Vice President for Government Relations and is based in Washington, DC. 

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Shape and implement American Rivers’ Congressional advocacy efforts and strategy development on priority legislation.
• Lead American Rivers’ efforts to secure federal funding to advance programs, laws and policies that promote river restoration and water protection practices.  That work would focus on developing and carrying out strategies to influence the administration and Congress on federal budget and appropriations legislation.
• Establish a strong relationship with and offer leadership to other conservation NGOs working collaboratively on funding and policy.
• Lead a collaborative effort with civic leaders, federal and state government officials, NGO partners and staff at American Rivers to design and implement innovative mechanisms for funding community efforts to build resilience for freshwater resources in the face of the climate crisis.
• Supervise and mentor Government Relations staff, including Government Relations Associate, Government Relations Assistant, and interns.
• Work with Vice President of Government Relations to develop and manage department budget.
• Manage production/distribution of the organization’s annual River Budget in cooperation with key staff and the river conservation community.
• Train and assist grassroots and grasstops activists that participate in annual River Action Day and other advocacy events.
• Serve as a leader to engage with other staff members throughout the organization to integrate our work, maximize our effectiveness and maintain staff morale.

 EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES, AND EDUCATION:

• Minimum of seven to ten years of experience with the federal policy process, either on Capitol Hill, a relevant agency or within an advocacy organization; experience with the federal budget/appropriations process an advantage.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field of study such as political science, law, or environmental studies, or equivalent experience. 
• Demonstrated strategic and tactical political skills.  Campaign experience a plus.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff.
• Demonstrated skills working in coalitions and collaborating with other organizations.
• Superior written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated interest in river conservation.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave benefits. American
Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be considered immediately. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter (including salary history) to:  Fanette Jones, Director of Administration, Attn: Senior Director of Government Relations, American Rivers, 1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400, Washington, DC 20005; or jobs@americanrivers.org    No phone calls, please.