Hudson River Program Director, Riverkeeper – New York

Organization: Riverkeeper

Position Title: Hudson River Program Director

Location: Ossining, New York

Application Deadline: February 9, 2015

Description: Established in 1966, Riverkeeper is an independent, member-supported environmental organization whose mission is to protect the ecological integrity of the Hudson River and its watershed, and to safeguard the drinking water supply of nine million New Yorkers (New York City and Hudson Valley residents). For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org.

We are seeking an experienced attorney and environmental advocate with a strong record of achievement to lead our Hudson River Program. The ideal candidate will be a person with vision and energy who possesses the necessary skills to work with the President and the management team to take the program to a higher level of achievement. The position is ideal for an individual who is passionate about environmental issues and seeking a high profile assignment that will allow her/him to use litigation, advocacy, media outreach and public education toolsto shape the future of the Hudson River Estuary.

Responsibilities: The director of the Hudson River Program will serve as a member of the management team. Specifically, the director will:

• Lead program efforts to protect and restore the Hudson River, through the development and implementation of litigation and policy campaigns focused on a range of river issues, including reducing sewage pollution, addressing the risk of crude oil shipping in the Hudson Valley, closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant, ensuring the remediation of Superfund and other legacy industrial sites, restoring critical habitat and declining fish populations, and improving water quality to achieve a “fishable, swimmable” Hudson.
• Direct team of attorneys and independent technical and scientific experts in litigation, policy advocacy and preparation of expert reports and research to support Riverkeeper campaign objectives
• Develop and coordinate enforcement and campaign advocacy actions in collaboration with Riverkeeper’s Boat and Watershed teams, other environmental organizations, and coalition members.
• Manage and direct litigation support and representation from the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, independent outside counsel and pro bono law firms, as needed to achieve litigation goals
• Actively support and engage as needed in fundraising with President and Development team, including assistance with grant writing and reporting, individual donor and foundation meetings and regular reporting to Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors.
• Act as one of Riverkeeper’s lead spokespersons to the media, elected officials, regulatory agencies and the public on Riverkeeper campaigns
• Be responsible for program budgeting and staff management

Working Relationships

The Hudson River Program Director reports to Riverkeeper’s President, manages a team of four staff attorneys and a program assistant, and serves as a liaison/point of contact for the Riverkeeper Board Litigation Committee on all litigation matters.

Qualifications:

• Attorney, admitted to practice in New York; admission to federal court is preferred but not mandatory; seven years of practicing environmental law and two years of managerial experience
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of Riverkeeper; familiarity with non-profit organizations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience working with media and public relations, fundraising, community outreach etc.
• A strong team-oriented manager, able to handle multiple projects, cases and deadlines
• Regular travel throughout the lower and mid-Hudson valley, as well as evening and occasional weekend work, will be required.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter and a writing sample to [email protected]. Please write: HUDSON RIVER PROGRAM DIRECTOR in the subject line. Phone calls and faxes will not be accepted.