Resilient Communities and Policy Associate

APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: December 31, 2022

POSITION TITLE: Resilient Communities and Policy Associate 

REPORTS TO: Policy Director 

LOCATION: Flexible/remote  

TERM and SALARY: $50,000 to $55,000/year for a full time / 1 FTE (40 hours/week), exempt position with comprehensive benefits including: medical, dental, and vision health insurance; 403b retirement savings plan; vacation and well-being leave; employee assistance program; life insurance; technology stipend; and paid holidays. 

POSITION SUMMARY: River Network seeks an early career professional to support our work on climate resilient communities and equitable water policy. Individuals with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: climate and community resilience strategies, state and federal public policy research and synthesis, climate justice, and/or water issues. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working remotely and has project management skills and experience. This position will focus heavily on both interview and desktop research and writing. The ability to clearly synthesize complex information for a broad audience is a must. The position will also be public facing and require regular communication and collaboration with our external partners. 

The primary objective of this position is to support the River Programs team with research, writing and communications at the intersection of our work on resilient communities and equitable water policies and laws. The person hired for this position will serve as researcher, writer, synthesizer, and connector, helping to advance our programmatic work in areas described below.  

Our ideal candidate has experience with nonprofit organizations and working with under-represented groups, particularly racially and ethnically diverse communities. The Resilient Cities and Policy Associate will work directly with the Policy Director and the Senior River Programs Director to develop and implement their work plan and will interface regularly with members of the Policy and Resilient Communities teams, and the broader River Programs team. This person must be flexible, able to take initiative in accomplishing tasks, and proactive in seeking support from other River Network staff. We seek a candidate who is excited about supporting organizations in our network to advance climate justice and holistic community resilience that incorporates environmental, social, and economic resilience.  

ABOUT RIVER NETWORK: River Network envisions a future of clean and ample water for people and nature, where local caretakers are well-equipped, effective, and courageous champions for our rivers. River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain all life. Visit www.rivernetwork.org to learn more about our current priorities. We are committed to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas to achieve our mission – explore our core values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, our explanation for why equity, diversity an inclusion are the foundation of our mission, and our principles for equitable and inclusive work. Through our programs, we seek to connect with all communities and increase the impact of their efforts to secure clean and ample water. Through our internal practices and external leadership, we seek an inclusive workplace culture that attracts diverse staff, board, members, and supporters.  

River Network’s headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado and we have staff located in communities across the U.S. While we are a dispersed staff team, we are highly collaborative and value distributed leadership approaches that aim to disperse authority and responsibility to the staff closest to the work. All staff are encouraged to engage in cross-cutting, internal staff committees and initiatives that provide opportunities to work with colleagues outside of their primary focus area. Our staff is deeply invested in creating and tending to a healthy workplace culture and engaging all staff to influence and shape that culture.  

Find information about our financials here (annual reports, financial statement, 990) 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Research and synthesize opportunities to build the network’s understanding and ability to navigate federal funding opportunities related to equitable climate adaptation and resilience. This includes research and interviews to understand funding sources available through various federal agencies, how funding is currently allocated, existing resources, and new resources that are needed to train and support members of our network to secure funding for their communities. 
• Research and synthesize new components for River Network’s State Policy Hub and State Policy Showcases with a focus on model state policies or plans related to green stormwater infrastructure, mitigating the impacts of flooding and drought, and other strategies to equitably mitigate water-related climate impacts on communities. 
• Through desktop research and interviews, identify entities that support the development of local policies related to equitable climate and community resilience and initiate outreach to explore potential collaboration and partnerships.  
• With other members of the Policy Team, execute tasks to support the policy goals of our Network members, including tracking federal legislation at the intersection of water and climate, publication of a monthly policy e-newsletter, supporting the monthly water policy update and exchange call, writing blog posts and building River Network’s online communities. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Positive, collaborative, self-motivated, strategic thinker and quick learner with a drive to succeed by collaborating with a diverse set of partners, staff and volunteers; 

• Detail-oriented, with proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, delivering assignments within deadlines, and effective communication and flexibility around shifting needs and/or priorities.  
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in a related field; 2-3 years professional work experience preferred; 
• Experience working with community-based groups and leaders and organizations representing communities of color; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated written and oral communication skills; 
• Comfort with working remotely and with a remote team; 
• Self-directed; demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team; defining and tracking deadlines, progress, and contributions of others; and staying on track and managing multiple projects simultaneously; and 
• Commitment to River Network’s vision and mission, and to our core values of strength, mutual respect, integrity, balance, growth and inclusion.   

TO APPLY: Please submit your application at the link below and upload resume by December 31, 2022. References, work samples, and questions will be part of the selection process. No phone calls please. The successful applicant must also meet the requirements of River Network’s background screening process.  

River Network is also in the process of hiring a Drinking Water Program Associate, a position with similar qualifications. If you are interested in being considered for both positions, please indicate in the form below. There is no need to apply twice.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with each qualification in the job description, please go ahead and apply anyway! You might be just the right candidate for this role. Consistent with our values and our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as stated above, River Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

https://www.rivernetwork.org/careers/resilient-communities-and-policy-associate/