Science And Policy Director – River Network – Portland, OR

POSITION SUMMARY: River Network seeks a passionate and committed Director of Science and Policy with a positive attitude and creative ideas to join our team. Location for position is flexible but preference for Portland, OR or Boulder, CO. This position will be responsible for identifying and fulfilling science and policy priorities associated with River Network’s current strategies (see strategic plan for more information), seeking and expanding opportunities to unite groups behind these priorities and diversify our reach to new constituencies, providing oversight and motivation for a small team of policy and technical experts, and identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities to help River Network expand its value to the river and watershed conservation community. She/he must have a strong grasp of applied science, an ability to inspire others through written and verbal communications, and familiarity with program development, work planning and budgeting. Through the use of River Network’s existing training and communications platforms (website, webinars, River Rally, peer learning networks, social media,), project-specific mentoring and facilitation opportunities, she/he will deliver expertise where it is needed to achieve greater gains for our rivers and funder-specific obligations. We are looking for a team player, with an entrepreneurial spirit, excited about helping achieve a sustainable future where our nation’s rivers are healthy.

ABOUT RIVER NETWORK: River Network envisions a future of clean and ample water for people and nature, where local caretakers are well-equipped, effective and courageous champions for our rivers. River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country. We help concerned citizens, local community groups, First Nations, and others take action for our waters. Our staff consists of water quality experts, field organizers, scientists, and educators. Visit www.rivernetwork.org to learn more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Facilitate discussions among river and watershed advocates, local government officials, resource agency representatives, other stakeholders, and new constituencies to identify and implement policy, regulatory, and management solutions to shared water quality and/or quality concerns.
Identify best practices related to the science and policy of healthy rivers gained from across our community as well as experts in academia, other national and global NGOs, and others.
Disseminate best practices across our national network through how-to guides, practical training programs, our newsletter, website postings, social media, conference presentations (e.g., at River Rally), and facilitated exchanges.
Identify/pursue opportunities to advance River Network’s current strategies with new funders and relationships, and help document and demonstrate community-wide lessons, emerging threats, etc.
Fulfill obligations associated with specific grants, provide project management support related to grants, and address reporting obligations associated with specific grant opportunities.
Co-lead the design and development of novel relationships with universities, professional societies, and others to further expand science and policy capacity for river and water advocates and enthusiasts in collaboration with the President and other staff.
Occasional weekend and evening work and travel (up to 25%).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD or Master’s Degree in a field related to river and watershed healthy (e.g., water resources, aquatic ecology, etc.) and 10 or more years professional experience related to water.
Strong experience with both water quality and quantity aspects of protecting and restoring healthy rivers, including using applied science to better understand the threats at specific sites, establishing restoration and conservation goals based on available data, and identifying potential policy or regulatory strategies necessary for sustained progress toward healthy rivers.
Positive, self-motivated, and quick learner with an upbeat attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and drive to succeed with a wide range of stakeholders, partners, staff and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to define and track deadlines, progress, and contributions of others and stay on track using project management approaches and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proven ability as a team leader to motivate, lead, and support direct reports in order to build a highly effective and well-functioning team.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal savvy, and technological abilities (e.g., Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), including social media.
Commitment to values of mutual respect and collaboration, team work, and diversity.
Ability to excel on a decentralized and virtual team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience (1) creating tools, methodologies, guidance, training programs designed for multiple audiences to support river/watershed protection and restoration goals , (2) crafting policy and / or regulatory approaches to achieve goals for healthy rivers, and (3) translating complex scientific information for public communication and advocacy.
Networked professionally within the water management, science, and policy arenas.
Experience developing or interpreting hydrologic and ecosystem models, engaging stakeholders to define environmental flows, working with experts to identify areas with greatest restoration (or replenishment) potential, or using transactions to protect and restore water to rivers.
Experience communicating with and including culturally diverse constituencies.

Competitive nonprofit salary, depending on experience, and full benefits. River Network is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
How to apply

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume as one document to Nicole Silk (nsilk@rivernetwork.org) with “SCIENCE AND POLICY DIRECTOR” in the subject line of the email or apply by mail by sending your materials to River Network, c/o Nicole Silk, 2400 Spruce Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302. All applications must be submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

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