Goal 1: Uplift diverse cultural relationships that support and engage with the Sandy River watershed.


- 1.1 Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.


- 1.2 Increase opportunities for cultural engagement and celebration of the watershed.


- 1.3 Build inclusive community partnerships that reflect the diversity of the watershed’s communities

Goal 2: Lead, coordinate, and support community-driven projects that enhance ecological and community health.


- 2.1 Design and implement restoration projects that improve watershed health.

- 2.2 Support community science and monitoring efforts.


- 2.3 Develop educational opportunities that connect youth and residents to the watershed.

Goal 3: Create a sustainable watershed council organization rooted in our mission, vision, and values.


- 3.1 Strengthen governance and organizational infrastructure.


- 3.2 Ensure financial stability through diversified funding.


- 3.3 Foster a strong internal culture aligned with our values of equity, inclusion, and collaboration.

Goal 4: Innovate at the edges of conservation practice, integrating Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK) with contemporary restoration science.


- 4.1 Partner with Indigenous knowledge holders to integrate ITECK into programs.


- 4.2 Explore innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to watershed management.


- 4.3 Share lessons learned to influence regional and statewide conservation practices.

The Project Director will be SRWC’s first staff leader, working closely with the Board of Directors and watershed partners to shape the Council’s trajectory. This role blends leadership, partnership-building, and hands-on project development. It requires initiative, creativity, and comfort working in a dynamic start-up nonprofit context.

The Project Director will have the unique opportunity to bring forward new models of conservation management, weaving together community voice, Indigenous knowledge, and scientific expertise into transformative approaches for watershed health and community resilience.

Project Management & Restoration (50%)

- Provide planning, development, design, coordination, budget management, and implementation for restoration, enhancement, and stewardship projects throughout the watershed.


- Monitor and manage current projects, ensuring compliance with timelines, budgets, and deliverables.


- Lead and collaborate with jurisdictional partners (federal, state, county, city) to identify and prioritize watershed restoration and stewardship needs.


- Work with partners to seek funding, initiate, and complete projects.


- Manage volunteer engagement in restoration and stewardship activities.

Community Engagement, Education, and Communications (25%)

- Conduct outreach to Tribes, landowners, businesses, government agencies, and community partners to foster support for stewardship projects.


- Create and maintain relationships with project partners, building long-term trust and collaboration.


- Represent SRWC at local and regional meetings to increase visibility and impact.


- Practice inclusive, anti-oppressive community engagement and program design, with focus on engaging historically excluded communities.


- Support community education programs distinct from outreach (e.g., workshops, field trips, cultural learning opportunities).


- Assist with implementation of the Council’s Charter Agreement commitments.

Leadership and Strategic Direction (10%)

- Translate the Council’s Strategic Plan into actionable projects and initiatives.


- Partner with the Board of Directors to maintain a culture of growth, learning, and accountability.


- Contribute to organizational visioning, innovative program design, and long-term strategy.

Resource Development and Grant Management (10%)

- Work with the Board and Grants Manager (if applicable) to design fundable projects, write grant proposals, and manage budgets.


- Report on project and grant progress, accomplishments, and financials to funders, partners, and the Board.


- Lead the development of diverse funding strategies, including grants, contracts, donors, and other revenue streams.

Organizational Support and Governance (5%)

- Support Board development and governance, including recruitment and orientation of new members.


- Develop and maintain strong Board-staff partnerships.


- Provide organizational reporting, compliance, and other support as needed.

- Work with the fiscal sponsor to complete essential organizational administrative tasks.

- Other duties as assigned.

Required

- Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit, public, or tribal organizations with increasing responsibility, including:

• High capacity for self initiation and management

• Ability to thrive a small team environment and working independently

• Demonstrated experience cultivating inclusive relationships with partner organizations

- 2- 5 years of experience in participation and management of some or all of the following: 

• Traditional restoration and/or conservation work

• Culturally-responsive restoration

• Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge practices 

• Community education and relationship building

• Relevant professional or academic training

- 
Experience in program development and project management, including: 

• Ability to set and meet project priorities while staying within budget 

• Comfortable with meeting and adapting to shifting deadlines

• Experience building working partnerships with other individuals and organizations

• Experience with outreach, public engagement, and media communications

- Strong grant writing, fundraising, and budget management skills.

- Computer and software literacy and competency, especially with spreadsheets and documents. 

- Comfort with public speaking in professional settings. 

- Professional written and verbal communication skills. 

- Driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

- Ability to work on uneven terrain and lift 30-50 lbs regularly.

Preferred


- Knowledge of the Sandy River basin and its communities.


- Experience with nonprofit governance, including working with Boards of Directors.


- Familiarity with community science, cultural resource management, and innovative conservation practices.


- Skills in conflict resolution, collaborative decision-making, and consensus-building.


- Multilingual ability or other regional languages.

- Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience.


- Benefits package includes health coverage support, paid vacation and sick leave, and flexible and hybrid work arrangements. 

- Full time will be considered 35 hours/week.


- Professional development opportunities in leadership, restoration science, and Indigenous-led conservation approaches.

To apply, please send:


• A cover letter describing your interest in and vision for this role, and please include how our values and strategic priorities align with your experience.

• A resume highlighting relevant experience.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Please submit your application materials to info@sandyriverwatershed.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 17, 2025.