Executive Director

ILLINOIS VALLEY WATERSHED COUNCIL

Position Description: Executive Director

Last Updated and Approved by the IVWC Board of Directors: September 10, 2026

About the Illinois Valley Watershed Council

The Illinois Valley Watershed Council (IVWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Oregon Plan watershed council serving the Illinois Valley — one of Oregon’s most geographically remote and economically distressed communities, and home to some of the most ecologically significant salmon habitat remaining in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1994 and operating as a fully autonomous organization since 2022, IVWC collaborates with its community to restore, enhance, and sustain the health of the Illinois Valley watershed through voluntary, science-based restoration, community engagement, technical assistance, monitoring, and partnership development.

IVWC operates under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors comprised entirely of Illinois Valley community residents. The organization maintains long-standing, active partnership agreements with numerous local, state, and federal partners. IVWC’s work is guided by its Board-approved Strategic Plan and carried out through a lean, grant-funded organizational model that directs restoration benefits and investment into the local and regional economy.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) provides transparent, collaborative leadership in the planning and administration of all programs and operations of the Illinois Valley Watershed Council, in accordance with IVWC’s mission, values, and Strategic Plan. The ED is IVWC’s primary representative to funders, agency partners, community members, and the public, and serves as the principal driver of the organization’s restoration program, resource development, community engagement, and governance support functions.

Acting with integrity, humility, and respect, the Executive Director maintains a high level of professional conduct consistent with IVWC’s Core Values. The ED has the capacity to self-regulate, listen actively, navigate conflict constructively, and build trust across a wide range of constituencies — from federal agency partners to private landowners to community residents — in a community that values independence, direct engagement, and locally rooted leadership.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position hired by and reporting to the IVWC Board of Directors. The Board Chair serves as the ED’s supervisor and primary point of contact.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Board Engagement and Governance Support

Work closely with the Board of Directors to advise, inform, and facilitate effective governance. Plan, prepare materials for, and help facilitate regular and special Board meetings. Interpret relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and policies for the Board and committees to inform decision-making. Support Board development, recruitment, orientation, and onboarding of new directors. Assist the Board in maintaining and updating governance documents including bylaws, policies, and standard operating procedures consistent with best nonprofit governance practices.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

Lead and facilitate IVWC’s strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders. Regularly evaluate the organization’s goals, objectives, programs, and roles considering the Strategic Plan and emerging opportunities. Ensure effective implementation and adaptive management of organizational priorities. Lead succession planning efforts to build organizational resilience and ensure continuity of mission and institutional knowledge.

Watershed Health Programs and Project Management

Lead the identification, development, funding, and implementation of restoration, enhancement, monitoring, and community engagement projects and programs consistent with IVWC’s mission and Strategic Plan priorities. Oversee projects from inception through completion, including grant and contract administration, regulatory permitting, contractor procurement and management, quality assurance, monitoring, and reporting. Maintain and grow IVWC's strong track record of delivering high-quality, science-based restoration outcomes that benefit the Illinois Valley watershed and the full breadth of its ecological community — native plants, soils, fish, wildlife, and the countless organisms and human communities whose health and well-being are inseparable from the watershed's own.

Resource Development and Grant Management

Secure funding for IVWC’s core operations, programs, and projects through competitive grant applications, agency partnerships, foundation funding, and donor cultivation. Administer all grant agreements effectively, fulfilling reporting requirements accurately and on schedule. Develop and maintain IVWC’s grant portfolio with an eye to organizational sustainability, strategic alignment, and local economic benefit. Support the Board and staff in identifying and pursuing new and diversified funding opportunities consistent with IVWC’s mission and capacity.

Financial Management and Budgeting

Oversee all IVWC financial operations in cooperation with the Finance and Office Manager, Board, and Budget Committee, including annual budget development, financial reporting, grant reimbursement, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and fiscal compliance. Ensure accurate and transparent financial reporting to the Board and all funders. Maintain IVWC’s good fiscal standing with all granting agencies and partners. Coordinate with contracted accounting and financial service providers as appropriate.

Partnerships, Community Relations, and Agency Collaboration

As IVWC’s primary liaison, cultivate and maintain IVWC’s extensive network of collaborative relationships with local peer organizations, federal and state agencies, county government, private landowners, Tribal communities, and other community partners. Actively pursue and sustain formal partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and supplemental project agreements that enable collaborative restoration delivery. Represent IVWC on relevant regional committees, coalitions, and collaborative bodies.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Serve as IVWC’s primary community liaison, building trust and maintaining accessible, responsive relationships with Illinois Valley residents, landowners, and community organizations. Lead and support community education, outreach, and engagement activities that connect community members with the science and stewardship of their watershed. Develop and maintain IVWC’s public communications including website content, social media, newsletters, and media relations. As IVWC’s capacity grows, recruit, onboard, and mentor additional engagement staff consistent with the organization’s Strategic Plan.

Organizational Administration and Risk Management

Manage IVWC’s day-to-day operations and legal obligations, including compliance with applicable nonprofit, employment, and environmental laws and regulations. Oversee maintenance of organizational systems, records, files, and administrative processes that support efficient and accountable operations. Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and risk management practices are in place. Maintain and update organizational policies and standard operating procedures in coordination with the Board.

Personnel Management

Recruit, supervise, develop, and retain IVWC staff consistent with the organization’s personnel policies, values, and Strategic Plan. Engage and administer contracts with qualified service contractors, consultants, and restoration contractors. Foster a workplace culture of excellence, collaboration, openness, and mutual respect consistent with IVWC’s Core Values. As the organization grows, provide mentorship and professional development support to additional staff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management, nonprofit administration, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, grant administration, and nonprofit financial management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to represent IVWC effectively to diverse audiences including agency partners, funders, elected officials, and community members
• Experience in project management, contractor administration, and contract compliance
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across a diverse range of organizational types and constituencies
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, accountability, and self-direction
• Valid Oregon driver’s license and reliable personal transportation; ability to travel throughout the watershed and region

Highly Desired:

• Experience with Pacific Northwest watershed ecology, aquatic habitat restoration, or natural resource management in southwestern Oregon
• Bachelor's degree in watershed science, natural resource management, environmental studies, natural resources policy, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising and donor cultivation
• Familiarity with Oregon Plan watershed councils and the OWEB grant program
• Experience working with federal agencies including the USFS and BLM under formal partnership agreements
• Experience in community engagement, landowner outreach, and private lands conservation coordination
• Experience with succession planning and organizational capacity building in a small nonprofit context
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational operations and programs

Physical Requirements

This position combines indoor office work and outdoor field activities. Office duties include extended periods of sitting, typing, and working at a computer. Field duties require the ability to navigate uneven terrain, stream channels, and remote locations in variable weather conditions, and to occasionally move equipment and materials of 40 or more pounds. Travel throughout the Illinois Valley watershed and to meetings elsewhere in Oregon is a regular requirement of the position. Use of personal vehicle on unpaved roads is common; mileage reimbursement provided at the current State of Oregon rate.

Reporting Relationship and Accountability

The Executive Director reports to and is directly accountable to the IVWC Board of Directors. The Board Chair serves as the supervisor and primary point of contact. The ED communicates promptly with the Board as circumstances dictate and maintains practices that protect IVWC’s good standing with all funders, partners, contractors, and the watershed community.

Compensation and Benefits

$28.85 to $38.46 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, equivalent to approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually at full time. This is an hourly, non-exempt position.

IVWC contributes toward the cost of employee health insurance premiums and offers a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, along with paid time off and holidays. Benefits are established by the Board with reference to IVWC's Personnel Policy. Mileage is reimbursed at the current State of Oregon rate.

The position is funded through grants. The ED shares responsibility for developing and maintaining funding for the position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume—supported with contact information for three (3) professional references describing the experience and skills you would bring to supporting the Watershed Council. Applications may be submitted by email to kevin@ivstreamteam.org , mailed to IVWC, attn: Executive Director, PO Box 352, Cave Junction, OR 97523, or delivered in person to our office at 331 E Cottage Park Dr., Suite 1, Cave Junction, OR 97523. PDF format is preferred.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early submissions are encouraged. We welcome applicants from across the Illinois Valley and beyond who feel called to contribute to the stewardship of our local lands and waters. If you have questions about the position or the application process, please reach out—we’re happy to connect.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Illinois Valley Watershed Council are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity, resilience, and lived experiences of the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. We believe that a wide range of perspectives strengthens our work and helps us better serve the land, water, and people of the Illinois Valley.

Pay: $28.85 - $38.46 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000