Full-Time Executive Director
Job Description
Since 1985, International Rivers has been at the heart of the global struggle to protect rivers and the rights of communities that depend on them. We work with an international network of dam-affected people, grassroots organizations, environmentalists, human rights advocates and others who are committed to stopping destructive river projects and promoting better options. We seek a world where healthy rivers and the rights of local communities are valued and protected. We envision a world where water and energy needs are met without degrading nature or increasing poverty, and where people have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Based in four continents, our staff has expertise in big dams, energy and water policy, climate change, and international financial institutions. We support partner organizations and dam-affected people by providing advice, training and technical assistance, and advocating on their behalf with governments, banks, companies and international agencies. The focus of our work is in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
International Rivers stands at a critical juncture in the environmental and human rights movements. From the Amazon to the Mekong, from the great rivers of China to Africa’s Congo River, a new wave of big dams threatens some of our last iconic rivers and the lives that depend on them. Over the last decade, natural resource extraction and accompanying dam projects have escalated the fight for survival of river-based people around the world and the need for sustainable alternatives. New centers of economic power such as China, Brazil and India are playing an ever more important role in the dam building world. In response, International Rivers has been shifting staff and operations to these new power centers to work more closely with local communities, wield greater influence with emerging actors, and help generate solutions that empower those who are most impacted.
The Position
International Rivers seeks a proven, visionary, and global leader to advance its mission of protecting the world’s rivers and the people who depend on them. She or he will build upon International Rivers’ strength in defending rivers from harmful projects while advancing the organization’s capacity to offer viable alternatives that allow river communities to flourish. The ideal candidate will inspire others to join this cause by clearly articulating the urgent need to safeguard river-based cultures and ecosystems from extinction and by outlining a clear, compelling and provocative strategy for moving forward.
As the chief executive of the organization, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and financial well-being of the organization. The Executive Director will be appointed by and report to the Board of Directors.
Major Responsibilities
Lead the development of the strategy of the organization to carry out its vision and mission. This includes spearheading creation of the next strategic plan and communicating a clear and compelling strategy to funders, staff, partner organizations, the media and the public.
Build an organizational culture that attracts, sustains and motivates a diverse staff across many regions and time zones. Oversee and help develop appropriate policies and procedures to manage and motivate staff to deliver their best, creative work.
Oversee the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of all aspects of International Rivers programs, including campaigns, communications, fundraising, finances, and administration.
With the Management Team, oversee the development and implementation of program priorities and coordinate departments to ensure harmonious, efficient and effective operations. Ensure that the overall conduct and work of the organization is of exceptionally high quality.
Sustain and improve the financial well-being of International Rivers, where available funds are wisely used towards the mission and vision.
Work with staff and Board to raise funds needed to carry out the mission and to strengthen the organization. Oversee the development and implementation of the annual fundraising plan and engage directly in donor cultivation and solicitation.
Demonstrate leadership in promoting and maintaining the profile of International Rivers, representing the organization in public settings, including with media and government officials, speaking knowledgeably and persuasively about its mission and impact.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with organizations, including non-governmental organizations and dam-affected communities, among others, to create greater impact.
Serve as the liaison between board and staff and guide board development. The Executive Director will attend all Board of Directors meetings.
Qualifications
This is an influential and high profile position in the national and international environmental and human rights community. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
At least five years of demonstrated success in managing complex organizations as a CEO or senior leader of a nonprofit organization, with an orientation towards catalyzing social change.
Demonstrated success in raising at least $1 million annually from a variety of sources, including cultivating and soliciting large institutional and individual major donors.
A superb ability to chart strategic directions that result in clear operational goals and results in fulfillment of the organizational mission and vision.
Proven experience in managing budgets and in financial and operations management.
Outstanding written and oral communications skills and a deep understanding of media and public relations.
Experience with and success in developing and implementing strategic international campaigns on environmental or human rights issues.
An inspiring and collaborative leadership style that engages the commitment and talent of staff, leads by example, and encourages creativity and productive, high-quality work.
The ability to build effective teams among a culturally and geographically diverse staff working across countries with varying legal, political, and economic contexts.
The passion and energy to engage with and create enduring partnerships with individuals and institutions that can support and further International Rivers’ agenda.
A nuanced understanding of the dynamics of working with local and regional groups, and experience in developing alliances and strategies with a variety of stakeholders.
Commitment to International Rivers’ mission; demonstrated understanding of the principles of environmental and social justice.
Willingness and availability to travel internationally.
California Bay Area preferred or willingness to relocate to Berkeley, CA. Washington, DC will also be considered for the right candidate.
Compensation and Application Process
Salary will be commensurate with experience. In addition, International Rivers offers excellent and generous benefits.
International Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, class, disability status, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation, as well as from international candidates who are authorized to work in the U.S.