Employment

RiverLink, a non-profit organization based in Asheville, North Carolina seeks an Executive Director to lead and direct its work.

For over 30 years, RiverLink has successfully promoted the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed. In addition to its ongoing work in environmental education, watershed restoration and land conservation, RiverLink is currently engaged in two Capital Campaigns focusing on significant additions to our area’s riverside parks and greenways.

RiverLink seeks an experienced, proven non-profit leader who is prepared to devote significant time and energy to fund-raising, donor relations and community interaction. As the face of our organization, RiverLink’s Executive Director will engage in presentations, discussions and activities that promote our mission and build results-oriented relationships with partners throughout our community. The Executive Director will lead a staff of 5-6 professionals and 3 Americorps members. The Executive Director manages a budget of approximately $600K and is supported by an active, experienced Board of Directors. We insist on values of collaboration, teamwork, and integrity in all our work and embrace our community’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

QUALIFICATIONS

Fund-raising experience
Must have proven experience in leading significant fund-raising efforts and large-scale capital campaigns in the $5M-$10M range. This must include establishing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with donors, partners, and supporters; making successful direct asks of donors; understanding the relationship between donors, grants, annual supporters, and the community at large. The ideal candidate will be comfortable speaking to large groups and in one-on-one settings, and participate in presentations to elected bodies as well as other community organizations. Fund-raising and donor relations constitute a significant portion of the ED’s responsibility.

Management experience
At least five years’ experience in a non-profit leadership position that includes collaborating with and leading staff, developing budgets, supporting and collaborating with a talented and knowledgeable Board of Directors, and succeeding both in challenging times and in steady state. The candidate will understand and use annual work plans for staff and have worked under an annual work plan personally. The Board will perform an annual review of the Executive Director that includes staff input.

Science and conservation background
The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental science and conservation, and be facile with the concepts and language from day one. Understanding how river ecology, communities, and development can be held in a space of mutual benefit is key to successful leadership, fund-raising and community engagement. RiverLink’s history, mission and current projects depend on a happy and healthy marriage among those diverse worlds.

RiverLink is an equal opportunity employer. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Because of the nature of our organization and its work, our ED must live in our community.

Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with experience as part of a competitive benefits and compensation package.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter including salary requirements, and a resume/CV to boardchair@riverlink.org, and include “Executive Director” as the subject. Deadline for replies is June 25, 2021, 4:00 pm.

(30 hours/week with potential to grow into full time) 

The Database and Communications Coordinator will be a part of the Administrative Staff at RiverLink, Inc.  RiverLink is an environmental conservation organization with a mission to promote the environmental and  economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed. The Database and Communications Coordinator reports to the Development Director and works to support our diverse fundraising initiatives including gift processing, in-kind donations and grant awards, producing reports, and donor acknowledgements. The ideal candidate will also assist the Development Director in guiding internal and external storytelling, messaging, and branding related to RiverLink’s programs and the organization as a  whole.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Manage the SalsaLabs database to support the Development activities of the organization. Enter constituent data for individuals, businesses, and organizations including address updates, constituent demographics, biographical information and relationship links. Maintain donor records and new gift entry ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Produce reports and assist with general analysis of data as it relates to fundraising and  donor recognition.
• Create, process, and mail donor acknowledgements letters for every pledge or gift entered into the database and provide necessary documentation to Development Director.
• Manage the development of appeal letters and mailing lists for campaigns, appeals, and events. Assist with the development and distribution of organization’s media content for external audiences. Copyedit and proofread communication drafts as needed.
• Identify good stories and exercise strong storytelling skills. Regularly complete content updates for website to include: blog posts, newsworthy articles, and new content for program pages. Develop and execute email programs and strategies through campaigns and actions including written appeals and other calls-to-action.
• Work with Development Director and program staff to create annual reports, accomplishment cards, newsletters, program fact sheets, and other marketing materials.

Desired skills: 

• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations. Environmental nonprofit experience is a plus.
• Database/Donor management experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while being flexible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and proof-reading ability.
• Social media marketing experience.

Salary commensurate with experience. Please email your resume and cover letter to  information@riverlink.org 

RiverLink does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including  pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status,  disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

RiverLink’s Education Coordinator works with school groups and the general public to lead lessons in stream ecology. The main goal of these lessons is to expand students’ knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and empower the next generation of watershed stewards. Activities will include visual stream surveys, operating an interactive stream table, leading biomonitoring/fish electroshocking, water chemical testing and more. All lessons integrate NC Essential Standards, STEM education methods, and inquiry based learning.

The Education Coordinator will also foster appreciation for the river as a source of creative inspiration, and a space to play and explore. They will host an art and poetry contest where students will submit work inspired by their time on the river. They will also lead 4 weeks of summer camp, where they’ll guide 3rd-8th graders as they discover the beauty of the watershed.

RiverLink’s Stewardship Coordinator works to protect and steward lands that are critical to water quality including wetland, flood plain, riparian and steep slope areas. This position will use ArcGIS to assist with land conservation activities such as easement monitoring, and baseline document reports. This position will also provide one-on-one education to conservation easement landowners and watershed residents. The stewardship coordinator will build stewardship of the river and watershed by leading service projects with community groups including river & stream cleanups, invasive plant removal, streambank plantings and more.

The Watershed Coordinator works to improve water quality in the French Broad River Watershed. This is accomplished through grant funded watershed restoration projects (stream restorations, watershed planning studies, and stormwater best management practices); educating the community about water quality and quantity issues; In this position you will assist with project management, grant writing, community outreach and volunteer engagement.