Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition

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.

About The Hydropower Reform Coalition

The Hydropower Reform Coalition (HRC) is a national consortium of more than 160 conservation and recreation organizations working to protect and restore rivers impacted by hydropower dams. Founded in 1992, the Coalition focuses exclusively on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-licensed hydropower projects and has a strong track record of advancing policy reform and restoring rivers’ cultural, environmental, and recreational values. American Rivers serves as the Coalition’s fiscal sponsor and a steering committee co-chair.

About the role

The Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition is a pivotal role at the center of a dynamic national network. This position serves as the Coalition’s connective hub—ensuring that people, information, and strategy are aligned to advance shared goals. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role for someone who is both a strong coordinator and an emerging leader. The Associate Director will take ownership of key aspects of Coalition operations and engagement, helping to drive progress across a complex, multi-stakeholder landscape. They will identify gaps, anticipate needs, and take initiative to move work forward—while also supporting and amplifying the leadership of Coalition members, Tribal partners, and staff. The ideal candidate thrives in complexity, is energized by bringing people together, and is eager to build expertise in hydropower policy.

Responsibilities

• Coalition Coordination, Facilitation, and Engagement
  • Serve as a central hub for Coalition coordination—connecting members, tracking priorities, promoting information sharing, and ensuring consistent follow-through across initiatives.
  • Plan, facilitate, and support Coalition meetings, caucuses, and working groups to ensure productive, inclusive, and action-oriented engagement.
  • Strengthen relationships across Coalition members and partners, fostering collaboration and alignment.
  • Proactively identify gaps, challenges, or opportunities within Coalition efforts and take initiative to address them.
• Policy Engagement and Capacity Building
  • Build working knowledge of the federal hydropower licensing process and related policy frameworks.
  • Support Coalition members, Indigenous Tribes, and partners in engaging with hydropower licensing and policy processes.
  • Coordinate and contribute to joint advocacy efforts, including comments, letters, and strategy development.
  • Help design and deliver tools, trainings, and resources that make complex policy processes more accessible.
• Communications and Knowledge Management
  • Manage and streamline internal communications to ensure timely, clear, and actionable information-sharing.
  • Synthesize complex information into accessible updates, summaries, and materials for diverse audiences.
  • Support external communications, including storytelling, basic media engagement, and funder communications.
• Operations, Planning, and Program Support
  • Lead logistical planning and execution of Coalition convenings, meetings, and events.
  • Support grant tracking, reporting, and fundraising coordination in partnership with Coalition leadership.
  • Assist with budgeting processes and help ensure transparent and equitable distribution of funds.
  • Maintain strong organizational systems to manage projects, timelines, and Coalition resources.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in meetings with Coalition members, partners, and agencies, as appropriate.
  • Travel occasionally to support Coalition activities and relationship-building.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Professional Experience & Knowledge
  • 3–5 years of professional experience in conservation, public policy, nonprofit coordination, or a related field (education may substitute for experience).
  • Interest in environmental policy and willingness to build expertise in hydropower licensing and regulatory processes.
  • Familiarity with environmental laws (e.g., Federal Power Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, NEPA) is a plus.
• Project Management & Organizational Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex projects or partnerships involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and keep work on track.
  • Proven initiative and problem-solving ability—comfortable identifying needs and acting without waiting for direction.
• Communication & Relationship Building
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across diverse partners, including Indigenous communities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and translate complex information.
  • Experience facilitating meetings, supporting collaborative processes, or convening groups.
• Technical & Administrative Tools
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, MailChimp, and WordPress.
• Collaboration, Fundraising & Coalition Development
  • Experience with fundraising, grant coordination, or coalition-building is desirable.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and collaborative approaches.
• Mission Alignment & Commitment
  • Passion for protecting and restoring rivers and watersheds.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

Location

Remote within California, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes/Upper Mid-west, and Northeast.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $61,800-$75,600, annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness
  • Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security
  • After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution to retirement. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off
  • Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks
  • Focus Fridays (no internal meetings).
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Home office stipend.
  • Sabbatical leave (every seven years).
  • Paid parental leave (six weeks with one year of service).