Associate Director, Conservation Operations  

JOB TITLE: Associate Director, Conservation Operations  

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director 

SALARY BAND: B

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations, Conservation  
LOCATION:  Remote, in states where AR can do business.  

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 Associate Director of Conservation Operations serves as a key operational partner to assigned team leaders in the Conservation Division. American Rivers works across the country to protect and restore  rivers through restoration projects, policy campaigns and partnerships. American Rivers is in the process of instituting upgraded operational systems and tools to support a growing organization; this position will be integral to implementing effective and efficient processes that enable our mission as Conservation teams grow. With a strong focus on grants and financial operations, the position ensures that our conservation work is executed efficiently and in compliance with organizational policies and applicable laws and regulations. The role maintains a comprehensive understanding of conservation team activities and translates this into effective operational execution, driving consistency, accountability, and high-quality outcomes. This position is a key integrator between Conservation teams and our centralized Business Strategy and Operations Division and Advancement Division. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Finance and Grants Management  

• Coordinate with the Finance and Grants Management Department of the Business Strategies and Operations Division to ensure teams are operating in compliance with enterprise processes and systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing (accounts payable), time and expense reporting, and grant reporting (support compilation of back up documentation as needed and requested by the grants management team). 
• Track and manage conservation team level budgets and support project managers by delivering tools and reports to track budgets at the project and grants levels.  
• Ensure that all grants are spent down in compliance with donor restrictions and on time, implement extension requests as needed. Ensure that staff time is properly distributed and allocated across available funding sources.  
  

Fundraising Support 

• Support the development of grant proposal budgets, coordinating with the project manager and Advancement team to ensure accurate and complete budgets.  
• Review donor gift tracking that is managed by the Advancement team.  
• Coordinate on fundraising priorities with Advancement team based on budget gaps identified for teams and projects.  

Contracting and Risk Management  

• Ensure that standard procedures and laws are followed for all procurement and contacting activities, coordinating with the AR Legal and Risk Management Department.  
• Flag work that requires additional legal review and consultation (e.g. project work that may require additional insurance coverages).  

Additional Cross-Divisional Coordination  

• Steward team projects through project approval and funding phases, ensuring that organization staff are properly notified and consulted about new work.  
• Coordinate with Conservation team leads and Director of Operations, Conservation on emerging operational needs as teams grow.  

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree required 

Experience: 7+ years of experience in managing budgets, grants, and/or contracts with complex compliance requirements, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.  

Technical: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and proficiency with core enterprise software tools (accounting and budgeting software, project management software, and/or CRM).   

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

COMPENSATION  
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $millions, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Pay rates are offered in compliance with all applicable state wage and hour regulations. 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. 

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life. 

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY 

At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference. 

Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service). 

We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement. 

At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission. 

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred. 

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. '

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.