Associate Director of Hydropower Reform, Hydropower Reform Coalition

Farmington River, Connecticut | Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

TITLE: Associate Director of Hydropower Reform, Hydropower Reform Coalition
CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director I
WAGE CATEGORY: Non-Exempt, Part-Time
DEPARTMENT: Conservation, Hydropower Reform Program
REPORTS TO: Director, Hydropower Reform Program
LOCATION: Remote within Northeast with preference for Maine, New York, or Connecticut River Basin

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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℠.

American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings 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 Hydropower Reform Coalition (Coalition) is a national consortium of more than 160 conservation and recreation organizations that protect and restore rivers harmed by hydropower dams. American Rivers is the Coalition’s co-chair and fiscal sponsor. Founded in 1992, the Coalition works exclusively on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensed hydropower projects. The Coalition has a proven track record of hydropower policy reform and restoration of rivers impacted by hydropower projects. The Associate Director of Hydropower Reform works with Coalition staff, Coalition steering committee and chairs, and the Director of Hydropower Reform at American Rivers to promote and facilitate hydropower and river conservation information and strategy exchanges between Coalition members. This position is half-time (20 hours per week) with the potential to become full-time within 12-18 months of hire, dependent on successful fundraising.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Build expertise in the federal hydropower licensing process and share that expertise with the Hydropower Reform Coalition, Indigenous partners, and others that need support participating in hydropower licensing.
Participate in and provide support to the Hydropower Reform Coalition’s eastern caucus including policy analysis, coordination of joint comments and letters, trainings, etc.
Develop and equip Hydropower Reform Coalition members and partners with tools to help them participate in hydropower licensing.
Build and maintain relationships with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff and commissioners and other key federal agencies to ensure that the Hydropower Reform Coalition’s viewpoints and experience are accounted for in the development of federal policies.
Communicate policy positions and project successes and failures to the general public, media, and existing and potential funders, including writing articles for the website, posting to social media, giving media interviews, etc.
Work with Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to manage and coordinate grant writing, fundraising and report writing on behalf of the Hydropower Reform Coalition.
Work with Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to manage the budgeting and equitable distribution of large grants and funds.
Work with Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to plan and organize annual Coalition meetings.
Work with Hydropower Reform Coalition staff to plan and conduct outreach and educational events for Coalition members and partners.
Work with federal, state, and Tribal natural resource agencies in the Northeast to promote effective implementation of existing hydropower laws and policies and restoration of rivers affected by hydropower development.
Analyze and evaluate state and regional legislation, regulations, and policies that impact hydropower in the Northeast.
Travel to Coalition meetings, meet with individual Coalition members, and attend relevant meetings and conferences, as necessary.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Hydropower Reform and the HRC National Chairs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in related field (law, policy, engineering, environmental studies, communications, etc.) required; graduate degree preferred. Experience may substitute for education.
Prefer a minimum of three to five years of professional experience in natural resource policy or conservation. Education may substitute for experience.
Strong commitment to applying equity and inclusion principles to all work of the job.
Experience working with Tribes, Tribally-led organizations, and Indigenous communities.
Familiarity with the Federal Power Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
Demonstrated performance in grant writing and other fundraising activities.
Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work constructively across organizations and partnerships.
Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
Experience with media relations, public outreach, coalition building, or cross-cultural organizing are desirable.
Good organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently while managing complex projects.
Willingness to travel as necessary.
Willingness to learn a complex field and help others do the same.
Passion for protecting and restoring rivers and their watersheds!

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $28,000 – $32,000 at a part-time annual rate. Part‐time employee include a retirement plan, and generous leave time.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Click Here to Apply

Applications will be considered immediately. Please submit a cover letter addressing required qualifications and a resume at https://americanrivers.bamboohr.com/jobs/ No phone calls please.