Conservation Outreach Associate, American Rivers – Washington State

Organization: American Rivers

Position Title: Conservation Outreach Associate, Yakima River Basin

Location: Yakima, Washington

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: The Yakima River Basin Conservation Associate plays an important role in building and maintaining support for the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (“Yakima Plan”) and its implementation, primarily through outreach, communications, media, and coordination of Yakima Plan supporters. 75% of this position serves the multi-stakeholder Yakima Plan Implementation and Executive Committees, and 25% serves American Rivers in the Yakima and Columbia Basins.

Responsibilities:

• Work with key Yakima Plan stakeholders to create an outreach and communications plan to increase awareness and support for the Yakima Plan by local, state, and federal decision makers and the general public on both sides of the Cascades.
• Coordinate key stakeholders to carry out the outreach and communications plan by:
  • Planning and facilitating media outreach and field trips;
  • Preparing stakeholders for interviews;
  • Helping to develop and maintain websites and social media pages for the Yakima Plan;
  • Developing a “rapid response” strategy to address developing events through both media and targeted outreach, and execute that strategy in coordination with Yakima Plan Implementation and Executive Committees and subcommittees as appropriate; and
  • Developing fact sheets and other materials as needed by the Implementation and Executive Committees and distribute as requested.
• Attend Yakima Plan Workgroup and Committee meetings as needed.
• Build local support for Cle Elum Wild and Scenic river designation and key river restoration projects.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help coordinate outreach and communications for a diverse coalition working to fund and implement an multi-faceted water management and ecosystem restoration plan
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences to meet the diverse needs of the Yakima Plan coalition
• Communicate the value of Wild & Scenic River protection for the upper Cle Elum River system

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Political Science, Environmental Policy, or related field and at least two years of relevant experience working on conservation issues, in coalitions, and/or communications and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex projects and interest in developing and demonstrating leadership skills.
• Strong critical thinking and good judgment.
• Effective advocate with superior communication skills (written, verbal, media, and public speaking).
• Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, flexible, self-motivated, and self-confident, with a sense of humor.
• Must be willing to work remotely but in close coordination with colleagues.
• Strong time management skills, including the capacity to engage on several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Team player and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to advance the organization’s broader goals and objectives.
• Personal commitment to collaborative conservation, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and American Rivers’ mission.

How to Apply: Applications will be considered immediately. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to: [email protected] with “Yakima Associate” in the subject line or to American Rivers, Attn:  Yakima Associate Position, 1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400, Washington, DC 20005. No phone calls please.