Government Relations Director

Government Relations Director

The Director of Government Relations leads American Rivers' government relations and advocacy work to advance durable, bipartisan solutions for Western water issues, particularly the protection of the nation's rivers and floodplain restoration. The Director develops and executes legislative, administrative, and political strategies focused on the Southwest, California, Central, and Northern Rockies.
Working at the intersection of policy, politics, and conservation, the Director builds relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, state and local elected officials, and external partners to advance American Rivers' priorities. The Director works closely with conservation, policy, movement-building, communications, and regional staff to translate American Rivers' programmatic expertise and on-the-ground work into effective government relations strategies and policy outcomes. Additionally, the position is responsible for strategic planning within Government Relations, including facilitating annual retreats. The position reports to the Vice President for Government Relations.
Principal Responsibilities:

Develop and lead American Rivers' government relations strategy on priorities related to floodplains, river protection, including Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers
Build and maintain strong relationships with congressional offices representing Western states, including Members and staff serving on key authorizing and appropriations committees to secure bipartisan congressional champions for river protection
Monitor and analyze federal and state policy developments affecting Western rivers and water management and translate those developments into strategic recommendations and advocacy opportunities
Lead administrative efforts including comment writing and building relationships with federal agency staff, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service
Lead coalition meetings and strategy both internally and with external partners
Work across departments to translate conservation priorities and field expertise into government relations strategies
Help craft campaigns, connect state and regional policy opportunities to federal legislative strategies, develop coalitions and networks capable of building political support, and shape communications strategies for advocacy campaigns
Defend existing river protections from legislative or administrative threats
Build strategic relationships with conservation organizations, water interests, outdoor recreation groups, local elected officials, Tribes, and other constituencies
Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the Vice President of Government Relations and organizational leadership on Western water politics and river protection policy
Supervise volunteers and interns on short-term projects including research, GIS mapping, and communications material development
Lead key congressional outreach including advocacy weeks, briefings, roundtables, site visits, legislative proposals, briefing materials, testimony, comment strategies, and other advocacy tools
Provide strategic planning and operational support for Government Relations
Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political advocacy, or a related field
Familiarity with federal rulemaking procedures and requirements
Significant experience working with Congress, federal agencies, state government, or complex policy advocacy campaigns
Strong understanding of Western water policy and politics, including the political, economic, and institutional dynamics affecting water management in the Western United States
Desired Qualifications

Experience with conservation, natural resources, public lands, water, or river policy strongly preferred
Knowledge of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and federal river protection policy preferred.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute bipartisan legislative and government relations strategies
Established relationships with Western policymakers, congressional offices, federal agencies, or relevant stakeholder networks are highly desirable
Experience building coalitions and working with diverse stakeholders, including conservation organizations, local communities, Tribes, agricultural interests, water users, outdoor recreation interests, and elected officials
Excellent political judgment and demonstrated ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive policy issues
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling advocacy messages
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple policy campaigns and priorities in a fast-moving environment
Commitment to American Rivers' mission and to advancing healthy rivers, clean water, and resilient communities
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.
This is a hybrid position located in our Washington, D.C. office. The Director is required to be able to commute regularly (2 days/week) to Capitol Hill.
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $86,800 - $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 employee's well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.
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.