Job Information
- Location: Flexible in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
- Close Date: 09/14/2026
- Hiring Organization: American Rivers
- Contact Email: recruitment@americanrivers.org
- Job Website
Description
The Southeast Regional Director (classified as a Senior Director level position within American Rivers) will join a dynamic team at American Rivers working across the country and will lead the regional team working to restore and protect rivers of the Southeast through advocacy for clean water and healthy rivers and implementation of on the ground restoration projects (e.g., floodplain restoration and dam removal). This individual’s responsibilities include managing staff, fundraising for the organization, managing projects and advocacy with coalition partners, and raising the profile of American Rivers.
The Regional Director will serve as the primary manager of the Southeast regional work being implemented by the American Rivers team. The Regional Director will also serve as the primary spokesperson for the region on behalf of American Rivers. The Regional Director must be an excellent verbal and written communicator and content creator, maintain required reports, and be the lead fundraiser in the region. The Regional Director must also be a proven conservation professional capable of advancing advocacy and project work in the Region. The position will report to the Vice President of Regional Programs. In addition to responsibilities associated with leading the Southeast region, the Regional Director will be an active member of the national Conservation team working with conservation strategy program directors to implement strategies associated with American Rivers’ strategic plan goals.
Responsibilities
MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL STRATEGY: Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing, geographically-distributed regional team that includes experienced staff and people managers, through effective mentorship, fostering a culture of trust, and incorporating organizational values. Develop and implement a cohesive regional strategy that aligns staff capacity and resources with American Rivers’ priorities.
PROJECTS & ADVOCACY: Managing Southeast-related project and advocacy work with local partners and national program staff.
PLANNING AND BUDGET: Supporting the creation and execution of regional workplans based on the American Rivers strategic plan, including some administrative tasks, such as budget tracking and active management,
FUNDRAISING: Serve as the lead fundraiser for the Southeast region, accountable for developing and executing a regional fundraising strategy that includes both individual and institutional donors in partnership with the Development team that achieves agreed-upon annual and multi-year revenue goals.
PARTNERSHIPS: Building and tending relationships at the local, state, regional, and federal level with conservation agencies and organizations, community leaders, funders, regulators, businesses, and elected decision-makers.
COMMUNICATIONS: Building the reputation of American Rivers in the region in a way that advances the entire river conservation movement.
COORDINATION: Ensuring solid coordination across the organization, including with national and regional programs, and administrative and fundraising departments.
VOLUNTEERS: Cultivating and supporting a regional River Council of donors and supporters.
Qualifications
- Commitment to American Rivers core values
- Demonstrated, successful experience in the following areas: partnership building and collaboration, fundraising, verbal and written communications, project creation and implementation, program and budget planning, administration, and staff management
- Requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Experience with grants management and fundraising from individuals, foundations, and government programs
- Experience with direct or indirect lobbying, or electoral or advocacy campaigns.
The successful candidate must be a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines. They will have the ability to make decisions based on evidence and stakeholder feedback; listen, lead, and mentor a team; exercise discretion; exhibit political astuteness and good judgment. They should be able to forge connections with others to build trust and inspire enthusiasm in their endeavors. They must also have a strong commitment to working well with and supporting the voices of community leaders and have a desire to work with people across all political spectrums. Knowledge of multi-benefit river management, floodplains, urban rivers, pollution prevention, river restoration, and/or dam removal issues are strongly recommended.
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.
Salary/Benefits
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $126,000 – $154,000 annually depending upon qualifications and experience.
We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:
- 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. 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.
Application Instructions
To view the position and addition details, please visit our website.
