Director, Floodplain Restoration

The Director, Floodplain Restoration, provides high-level leadership for the Integrated Flood Management (IFM) program and policy development across Washington and Oregon, serving as a strategic advisor to local communities and fostering cross-agency collaboration.

Location: Washington (preferred) or Oregon

Salary: $77,100–$86,800/yr

Responsibilities

• Work with the Restoration Program and the Northwest Regional Director to update and implement regional capacity-building plans for river restoration in the NW Region.
• Advance floodplain restoration in the region through outreach and multimedia communication.
• Work with relevant staff and partners to identify, pursue, and acquire public and private funding.
• Represent American Rivers by attending relevant conferences and speaking at events regionally and nationally.
• Be an active teammate with American Rivers’ national Floodplain Community of Practice, River Restoration team, Conservation team, and NW Regional team, engaging in team meetings, collaborating on project ideas and approaches, and participating in team activities.
• Support organizational strategies and planning efforts including North Star and Strategic Plan Updates.
• Produce materials for articles for technical and general audiences, press releases, and other media pieces.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in environmental studies, biology, ecology, geology, hydrology, political science and five years of professional experience in policy advocacy, conservation, floodplain management, water resource management, or a related field; or at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in coalition building and managing diverse interest groups (local government, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, Tribal entities).
• Strong understanding of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Oregon’s regulatory environment related to land use, water quality, and/or flood risk management.
• Working knowledge of federal environmental regulatory frameworks, permitting processes (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, ESA, NHPA), and floodplain management ordinances.
• Experience developing and delivering educational content to decision-makers to influence policy or secure project support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to centering the needs and values of impacted, under-resourced communities and Tribal nations.
• Experience fundraising and managing project and program budgets.
• Team player and ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to work remotely via phone and video conference.
• Ability to travel throughout Washington and Oregon.
• High energy level, self-motivated.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Employer contribution of 3% after one year, fully vested.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and are encouraged from diverse backgrounds to apply.