Regional Director, Southeast

Accountabilities: You will lead the development and execution of the Southeast regional strategy, ensuring that staff, partnerships, funding, and conservation initiatives are aligned with organizational priorities. Your main responsibilities will include: Regional leadership and team management: Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing geographically distributed team, fostering collaboration, trust, accountability, and a supportive working culture. Strategic planning: Develop and implement a cohesive regional strategy that aligns team capacity and resources with conservation priorities and the organization's broader strategic plan. Conservation projects and advocacy: Oversee regional river restoration and protection initiatives, working with local partners and national program teams on projects such as floodplain restoration, dam removal, clean water advocacy, and related conservation efforts. Planning and budget management: Support the development and execution of regional workplans, monitor budgets, track expenditures, and manage administrative responsibilities. Fundraising and donor engagement: Lead regional fundraising efforts by developing and implementing strategies targeting individual and institutional donors, foundations, and government funding programs in collaboration with the Development team. Partnership development: Build and maintain relationships with conservation agencies, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, funders, regulators, businesses, and elected officials at local, state, regional, and federal levels. Regional communications and representation: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the region, strengthening the organization's reputation and visibility while advancing the wider river conservation movement. Internal coordination: Maintain effective collaboration across regional and national programs, conservation teams, fundraising departments, and administrative functions. Volunteer and supporter engagement: Cultivate and support a regional River Council made up of donors and supporters, encouraging long-term involvement in conservation initiatives. Requirements The ideal candidate is an experienced conservation professional and strategic leader with a strong record of fundraising, partnership development, advocacy, and team management. The following qualifications and capabilities are expected: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience. Demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation and values centered on collaboration, trust, equity, justice, and meaningful results. Proven experience building partnerships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Successful track record in fundraising, including individual giving, foundation support, government grants, and grants management. Experience developing and implementing projects, programs, and regional strategies, including budget planning and administration. Demonstrated staff management experience, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop geographically distributed teams. Experience with direct or indirect lobbying, electoral campaigns, or advocacy initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent an organization publicly and build strong professional relationships. Strong judgment, political awareness, discretion, and evidence-based decision-making skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while remaining proactive and adaptable. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust, inspire others, and support community leaders and diverse perspectives across the political spectrum. Knowledge of multi-benefit river management, floodplains, urban rivers, pollution prevention, river restoration, and/or dam removal is strongly preferred. Candidates with transferable skills and relevant experience outside the conservation sector are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. Willingness to travel regularly within and outside the Southeast region. Benefits Annual salary: $126,000–$154,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Remote work: Flexible remote location within Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. Health and wellness coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability and life insurance. Retirement contributions: 3% employer contribution after one year of service, with immediate 100% vesting upon participation. Paid time off: Four weeks of paid leave, 11 paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave. Parental leave: Six weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service. Sabbatical leave: Available every seven years. Professional development: Opportunities to support continued learning and career growth. Home office support: Home office stipend. Work-life balance: Focus Fridays with no internal meetings. Inclusive workplace: A collaborative environment focused on equity, staff well-being, professional growth, and open communication. Employee support: Internal advisory group that helps leadership stay connected to staff needs and encourages continuous improvement.