The Yampa River Fund Manager will work with external stakeholders to develop, manage, and advance the Yampa River Fund in the Yampa River Valley. The role will require extensive interaction and coordination with water managers, conservation interests, and other stakeholders in the Yampa Valley including the Yampa/White/Green Basin Roundtable, the Integrated Water Management Plan committee, local NGOs, the agricultural community, municipal and county governments, and water providers. The Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a plan for transitioning management of the Yampa River Fund to local ownership and leadership by the end of this position’s term. This is half-time position that will run for 31-months, terminating on December 31, 2021. This position will be located in the Yampa Valley.
The Yampa River Fund Manager (Manager) will provide technical leadership and support to the Colorado Business Unit’s Sustainable Food & Water Program by planning, directing and implementing the Yampa River Fund strategy. This position will address critical threats to the Yampa River and its tributaries by executing the Yampa River Fund’s strategic plan and objectives. This will require fostering information sharing and learning across internal and external teams. The Manager will develop and implement conservation strategies, employ a full range of tools to execute projects supported by the Yampa River Fund, and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The Manager will promote and coordinate community engagement and support for the Yampa River Fund, working closely with a diverse coalition of interests.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Extensive engagement with external partners and stakeholders in the Yampa Valley water management community
- Administer the day-to-day functions of the coalition-based Yampa River Fund, including: coordinating Steering Committee activities, promoting the Corporate Support Program, interfacing with donors and media, administering RFPs and contracts with project implementers, and executing the Fund’s strategic plan.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with the economic, social, and conservation contexts and players of the Yampa River Basin.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Knowledge of water and riparian management conservation practice and conservation science.
- Demonstrated project management skills.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, water management, and natural resource preservation.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.