ABOUT WESTERN RIVERS CONSERVANCY

Western Rivers Conservancy protects outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States through land acquisition. We acquire land along river corridors to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems.

CALIFORNIA STATE DIRECTOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The California State Director plays an essential role in WRC’s mission by managing and expanding the organization’s presence and land acquisition program in California. In managing a portfolio of acquisition projects, he/she develops new opportunities for conservation acquisitions, shapes transactions, and aligns the resources necessary to complete those transactions with the following strategic objectives:

Create sanctuaries that provide permanent protection for river ecosystems;
Create refuges to protect certain critical parts of the life cycles of salmonids or other key species;
Act opportunistically to ensure valuable river land is moved into permanent protection.

The California State Director is responsible for enhancing WRC’s presence in California by building relationships with external partners including public agencies, foundations, conservation groups and other stakeholders. The position works with the Director of Donor Relations to increase public awareness of WRC’s programs and expand the organization’s base of major donor support. The position reports to Western Rivers Conservancy’s Director of Lands and will be based in either Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Specific job responsibilities include:

Project Identification and Development

Work with fisheries biologists, recreation planners and others to focus on riverlands that have high resource values.
Communicate with citizen groups, environmental organizations and public agencies to identify river corridors that should be conserved through public land acquisition.
Research ownership and contact landowners.
Work with public and nonprofit agencies to secure funding to buy land and transfer it to permanent stewards.

Transaction Management Activities

Work through all phases of complex and politically sensitive real estate transactions.
Work with landowner and purchaser to gain commitments on purchase and sale of property.
Negotiate donations and purchases of riverlands from private owners, including corporations.
Work with landowners, appraisers, attorneys, public officials, surveyors, consultants and title companies to complete the transaction.
Work with purchasing agencies, public or private, to help them secure funding for purchase and coordinate with them in the acquisition process.
Work with public agencies (primarily federal and state) to complete the sale of riverlands to them for long-term protection.

Public Support and Funding Development for Transactions

Develop local support for land acquisition projects.
Work with other environmental organizations to gain support for projects.
Identify funding sources.
Assist in the completion of grant applications.
Assist in the process of lobbying for funds.
Participate in the completion of grant reports.

Public Awareness and Support for WRC

Create and implement strategies to increase WRC’s profile in California.
Work with Director of Donor Relations to expand major donor support.
Coordinate with President and Development Director to increase foundation support, especially for California projects.
Develop and pursue untapped funding sources to advance WRC’s programmatic goals.
Establish strategic partnerships and expand WRC’s collaborative network.

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree in business, real estate, or natural resources, with a post-graduate degree preferred.
Minimum ten years’ experience in conservation real estate and/or land transactions.
Strong track record demonstrating initiative and results in a complex environment.
Proven negotiation and deal sourcing skills.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated ability to attract support, build relationships and develop strategic partnerships.
Political savvy, specifically regarding California’s political landscape.
Love of rivers essential.

How to apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@westernrivers.org. Applications may also be mailed to: Hiring Committee, Western Rivers Conservancy, 71 SW Oak St, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97204.