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 cons