Vice President, Regional Programs

Vice President, Regional Programs

Lower Yuba River, California | David Nylen

About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief:
Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring 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 Vice President of Regional Programs will support nine regional directors across the country, ensuring that our projects are well coordinated, aligned with American Rivers’ mission and values, and that experts on the ground are well supported. American Rivers has grown over the last five years and has instituted operational systems changes and tool deployment to support this growth; this position will support the adoption and refinement of those structures and tools to best achieve our strategic goals.

This leader will play a key role in supporting the development of regional councils, fostering collaboration, implementing the strategic plan, and driving fundraising initiatives to enhance organizational impact. The successful candidate will also serve as a senior manager to the American Rivers Action Fund and help support the development of regional programming.

• Leadership and Management:
  • Provide strategic direction and support to nine regional directors, fostering their development as effective leaders and managers.
  • Learn from the success in the regions and support the development of replicable models (policy, financial, administrative) to be used across the regions and the organization.
  • Serve on the organizational program and operations teams to ensure organizational coordination, strategic direction, and effective collaboration.
  • Evaluate and support an efficient and effective structure to facilitate cross-regional collaboration and ample support in accordance with our strategic plan.
• Program Development and Coordination:
  • Ensure effective communication and coordination across teams and advocate on behalf of regions to implement the organizational strategic plan.
  • Support the vetting, development, and execution of public engagement campaigns.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to implement regional initiatives in alignment with national strategies and priorities.
  • Develop and coordinate American Rivers Action Fund strategies in coordination with interested staff and partners in regions.
• Regional Council and Partner Development:
  • Support the growth and functionality of regional councils.
  • Ensure councils have tools and operations to serve as strong connectors to the organization and mission.
  • Help regional teams foster and advance thoughtful partnerships based in equity and justice to build a river movement that achieves outcomes to protect and restore rivers.
• Fundraising and Financial Management:
  • Support regional directors in close coordination with advancement, fundraising strategies to secure resources for regional programs, and cultivating relationships with donors and partners.
  • Collaborate with the development team to identify funding opportunities and engage community partners.
• Organizational Culture:
  • Promote an inclusive environment where staff and volunteers feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
  • Act as a champion for American Rivers’ values, ensuring that all initiatives reflect our commitment to collaboration,…