Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition

About this role

JOB TITLE: Associate Director, Hydropower Reform Coalition
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director I
SALARY BAND: Band B
REPORTS TO: Director, Hydropower Reform
LOCATION: Remote within California, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes/Upper Mid-west, and Northeast
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.
ABOUT THE HYDRPOWER 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.
JOB SUMMARY
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, Hydropower Reform Coalition 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. They are equally comfortable managing logistics and administrative systems as they are facilitating conversations, synthesizing information, and helping shape collective strategy.
Working closely with Coalition leadership, this role plays a critical part in enabling effective collaboration, strengthening member engagement, and increasing the Coalition’s overall impact.
PRINCIPAL 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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…