Job Opening: Program Director for the Alabama Rivers Alliance

Program Coordinator Job Announcement

Posted: September 19, 2008

Closing Date: October 24

Estimated Start Date: December 1, 2008

The Alabama Rivers Alliance, a statewide river protection organization, seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to lead the two main policy and technical programs for the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Healthy Watersheds and Flowing Rivers, as well as the Alabama Water Agenda. The position will be in charge of planning and implementing the numerous facets of each program, representing the Alliance at conferences and meetings, making presentations, and working with national, regional, and local partners to achieve the goals of the organization. 

The Alabama Rivers Alliance is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual budget of $300,000.  The Program Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director. The position is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Lead the Alliance’s current and future policy directives including the Alabama Water Agenda*.
• Develop and implement campaign strategies for Healthy Watersheds and Flowing Rivers programs**
• Develop annual work plans, quarterly reports, and program updates
• Provide presentations on the Alliance’s programs and river issues to watershed groups and training classes
• Prepare and submit comments on proposed policies and regulations, environmental permits, and other documents
• Assist in the development of newsletter articles, website content, outreach and training materials, and grant requests.

*www.alabamawateragenda.com 

** http://www.alabamarivers.org/alliance-programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor or graduate degree in environmental policy or science, law, environmental engineering, public administration, environmental studies, biology, or similar field of study. 
• Enthusiasm and passion for protecting and restoring Alabama’s rivers and personal commitment to natural resource conservation
• Two or more years of experience in environmental or legal field; experience in the non-profit sector a plus
• Basic knowledge of river system functions and threats
• Basic knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and programs on the state and federal level
• Experience or knowledge of Alabama policy and law a plus.
• Ability to work independently and research applicable laws and policies and other supporting information
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with numerous computer programs including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Acrobat
• Excellent networking skills
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a variety of political, governmental, academic, and non-profit personnel
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight on an occasional basis and work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed

The job will require proficiency in:

• Fundamental environmental laws and programs such as: Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, NPDES permitting, Section 404 permitting, TMDLs, and hydropower relicensing
• Current threats to Alabama’s waters and potential policy and technical solutions
• Water supply issues and water use rights, including tri-state water wars and water conservation techniques
• Understanding of watershed and river systems and dynamics

Annual compensation, benefits, and leave

• Salary commensurate with experience (Starting range mid to upper 30’s)
• Health insurance benefits provided
• Generous vacation and comp time policy

To apply for the Program Coordinator position, please submit your resume, cover letter, writing samples, and three references to:

Job Search Committee

Alabama Rivers Alliance

2027 Second Avenue North, Suite A

Birmingham, AL 35203

OR email to clowry@alabamarivers.org

NO PHONE CALLS, please.  Questions may be directed to the email address above. We encourage all applicants to review our programs on our website www.alabamarivers.org.