Systems Director, Conservation

Job Title: Systems Director, Conservation

Position Classification: Director I, Band B 

Reports to: Director of Operations, Conservation 

Location: National (DC Headquarters Hybrid or Remote Option in 31 States)

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. 

Position Summary 

The Director is responsible for the strategic ownership, governance, and continuous evolution of the core systems that enable American Rivers to deliver its mission. Serving as the internal product owner for the organization's Conservation Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and project management platforms, this role ensures systems are integrated, scalable, user-centered, and aligned with organizational priorities. The position will lead trainings and provide ongoing coaching to support and enable consistent adoption across the organization. The position will support both day-to-day system administration and longer-term strategy, process design, and continuous improvement. As a highly cross-functional leader, the Director plays a critical role in strengthening the operational infrastructure that allows American Rivers to scale its impact and deliver on its strategic plan.

Principle Responsibilities

Product Strategy and Roadmap

• Serve as the product owner for the organization's CRM, project management platform, and other core business systems.
• Develop and execute a multi-year systems roadmap aligned with organizational strategic plan objectives.
• Prioritize and implement system enhancements, balancing user needs, operational improvements, available resources, and long-term sustainability.
• Evaluate opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, and recommend solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and mission delivery.

Systems Governance and Administration

• Own the configuration, structure, and ongoing maintenance of the CRM and project management platforms
• Manage user access, templates, system configuration, documentation, and standards.
• Ensure systems are scalable, user-friendly, secure, and aligned with organizational needs.

• Partner with Information Technology and organizational leadership to ensure enterprise systems meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct periodic reviews of user access, permissions, and system controls.
• Maintain governance processes that ensure consistent, secure, and responsible management of enterprise systems and organizational data.
  

Workflow Optimization

• Partner across departments to improve business processes and translate operational needs into technology solutions.
• Design standardized workflows, identify automation opportunities, and continuously improve operational efficiency.
  

Integrations, Data Management and Reporting

• Ensure seamless integration between CRM, project management tools, and other core systems (e.g., finance, communications, data platforms)
• Build and maintain automations to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort
• Establish and uphold data governance practices (data quality, consistency, ownership)
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting to support decision-making
  

Training and Adoption (Change Management)

• Lead implementation of new functionality, system upgrades, and releases.
• Develop training, documentation, and support resources that promote successful adoption and consistent system use.
• Coordinate testing, user acceptance, communications, and ongoing user support.

Vendor & Technology Management

• Manage relationships with software vendors and implementation partners.
• Oversee licensing, product updates, and vendor performance.
•  Support software evaluation, procurement, and future technology implementations.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience: Systems management, product management or related field, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Hands-on experience managing a CRM
• Technical: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), proficiency with core enterprise software tools (accounting and budgeting software, project management software, and/or CRM), experience managing integrations preferred. American Rivers uses Monday.com as it’s work management tool and is currently in the process to select our Conservation CRM.

Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Technical fluency with a variety of software tools.
• Ability to balance competing needs and evaluate tradeoffs.
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Professional discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work across a range of personalities and work styles with staff from all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team

Core Competencies 

• Systems thinker
• Resourceful
• Reliability and integrity
• Initiative and adaptability
• Time and project management
• Collaboration and relationship-building
• Process orientation and continuous improvement mindset

LOCATION 
This position may be located anywhere in the continental United States.

COMPENSATION 
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $86,800 to 106,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. 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 employees’ 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. Posting for this position will close once the position is filled.