The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified conservation professional to lead our Berkshire office and operations, which cover the Housatonic River watershed in Berkshire County (MA) and Columbia County (NY). Applicants should be passionate about watershed conservation, able to communicate effectively and visibly on behalf of the watershed with our partners and the public, strategic-thinking, and self-starting. This position is part of HVA’s senior management team and is responsible for aligning our conservation programs in western Massachusetts with our strategic goals; implementing watershed protection, restoration and education projects; maintaining and expanding Berkshire relationships at the local, state and federal levels; and working closely with HVA peers to advance publicity, marketing, donor relations, and fundraising.
Qualifications and competencies : Understanding of the environmental, economic and cultural challenges in the Berkshires, the opportunities those present, and the perspectives of diverse stakeholders- or the ability to quickly attain that understanding; proactive and results-oriented with a demonstrated track record of achieving measurable results and meeting quantifiable objectives; Strong interpersonal skills that foster effective working relationships at all levels, inside and outside of the organization; Superior communications, presentation/public speaking and writing/editing skills, with a strong sense of narrative and storytelling; Demonstrated initiative and ability to work effectively under frequent deadlines, respond quickly to unexpected challenges and shifting priorities, and follow through on time-sensitive tasks with minimal supervision, both autonomously and with a team.
Education and/or experience: Successful track record in establishing and leading collaborative conservation planning and project implementation, and grant writing.
Duties: The Berkshire Watershed Director plans and executes the day-to-day
operations of HVA’s Berkshire office and programs, including not limited to:
Coordinate the work of Berkshire staff and oversee office operations,
including maintaining regular office hours; Prepare annual HVA Berkshire work
plan and budget, track progress and prepare project reports for funders;
Maintain and expand partnerships with key stakeholders across the Berkshires,
building from existing partnerships with towns, agencies, non-profit
organizations, community groups and
other partners;Mobilize and energize projects that improve the health of the
Housatonic Watershed in the Berkshires; Organize public education events and
public participation in projects; Liaise with Berkshire-based policy makers
and public funding sources to leverage state and federal conservation spending
in the Berkshires;
Recognize, prioritize and take appropriate action in response to emerging
issues and policy opportunities including being a voice for the Housatonic
River in PCB remediation negotiations/discussions/activities; Routinely
collaborate with the HVA Advancement Team on Berkshire-specific media stories
and outreach, membership development and donor relations, and fund-raising,
expanding HVA’s visible presence in the region and serving as primary
contact/HVA representative for the
press, local speaking engagements and public meetings.
For full job posting and to learn more about HVA visit hvatoday.org
Please send cover letter describing interest and qualifications, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Lynn Werner, Executive Director, at[email protected]. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis; position open until filled.
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States
2023-10-06 00:00