JOB SUMMARY: American Rivers seeks a 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 RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Help to shape and implement American Rivers' Congressional advocacy efforts and strategy development on priority legislation.

2. 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.

3. Establish a strong relationship with other conservation NGOs working collaboratively on funding and policy.

4. 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.

5. Supervise and mentor Government Relations staff, including Government Relations Associate, Government Relations Assistant, and interns.

6. Work with Vice President of Government Relations to develop and manage department budget.

7. Manage production/distribution of the organization's annual River Budget in cooperation with key staff and the river conservation community.

8. Train and assist grassroots and grasstops activists that participate in annual River Action Day and other advocacy events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of five to seven 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 is a plus.

2. Advanced degree in a relevant field of study such as political science, law, or environmental studies, or equivalent experience.

3. Demonstrated strategic and tactical political skills. Campaign experience a plus.

4. Experience managing and mentoring staff.

5. Demonstrated skills working in coalitions and collaborating with other organizations.

6. Superior written and oral communications skills.

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.

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS:

Founded in 1973, American Rivers is a national non-profit conservation organization that protects and restores healthy, natural rivers for the benefit of communities, fish and wildlife. Program staffers are expert advocates who develop practical solutions and work with a diversity of partners to implement those solutions at the local, state and federal level. American Rivers places a strong emphasis on maintaining a learning culture and positive work environment. The organization is based in Washington, D.C., with regional operations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest, California, Great Lakes, and the Southeast. For an overview of the organization, visit http://www.AmericanRivers.org .

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: Director of Government Relations, American Rivers, 1101 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005; or jobs@americanrivers.org No phone calls, please.