Water and Rural Lands Program Director

The Oregon Environmental Council’s Water and Rural Lands Program Director is responsible for identifying and advancing policies and programs that ensure Oregon has an integrated water management system that incorporates water quality, quantity and accessibility equally. OEC works to protect ground and surface water from pollution, promote sustainable water management, and protect safe drinking water. We work to ensure that rural land management protects water resources while ensuring community resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a strategic and relational leader with deep expertise in Oregon’s policies and programs related to water quality, water quantity, and working lands. You are a seasoned advocate and bridge-builder capable of working with Tribal nations, municipalities, agricultural producers, industry and others to achieve equitable, science-based outcomes. A masterful communicator, you navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure resilient water systems, coordinated water management and long-term sustainability for Oregon’s rural communities and ecosystems.

Specific areas of focus include:

The goals of OEC’s water and rural lands program are to protect ground and surface water from pollution, while promoting sustainable water use and management, protecting safe drinking water and responsible management of rural lands.
Promoting integrated, coordinated sustainable water management strategies that protect and preserve water quality and water quantity;
Protecting groundwater, surface water and other natural resources from the negative impacts of climate change on economies, human health, and environment;
Ensuring that OEC’s state-level policy goals encompass the social, economic, and environmental interests of both urban and rural communities; and
Leveraging OEC’s relationships with state agencies, statewide NGOs; and the state legislature to ensure that policies and programs are flexible enough to allow for regional problem solving that advances statewide environmental goals.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Certifications

Minimum five years of professional experience in water and natural resources-related public policy development and advocacy, public affairs, or related field
Valid driver’s license with a clean motor vehicle and background check
Demonstrated expertise and working knowledge in policy issues related to water quality, water management, water conservation as well as the protections and the management of natural and working lands
Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives

Required Skills, Abilities and Qualities:

Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives
A strategic mindset with the ability to conduct long-term visioning and planning
Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under pressure; ability to manage multiple projects while keeping a “big picture” strategic view
Keen problem-solving skills; ethic of continuous improvement
Self-motivation and initiative; ability to work independently; entrepreneurial approach
Performance-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving goals
Detail-oriented with high standards for accuracy
Excellent interpersonal skills; an eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment; positive, flexible attitude
Excellent communications (verbal and written)
An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias; a commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within the organization and as part of the position
A passion for OEC’s mission
Energized to support Oregon Environmental Council’s Values and Beliefs and workplace culture as described in our Team Charter

Desirable Qualifications

Existing relationships with rural and agricultural leaders in Oregon, state agencies responsible for water quality and quantity, conservation groups and other advocacy organizations
Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
Bachelor’s degree; or relevant advanced degree preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

The starting salary range for this position is $60,000 – $81,000 yearly

Tagged as: Law/Policy