Are you passionate about driving positive change and more resiliently and equitably stewarding California’s land and water resources? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to make a significant impact as a Network Manager at the Water Solutions Network (WSN).
About us: The Water Solutions Network (WSN) aspires to transform land and water stewardship toward a more resilient and equitable future for California by building leadership and collaborative capacity while catalyzing bold action among our growing network and others. We amplify the ability of land and water leaders to work across sectors to achieve results, engaging leaders in developing their skills, knowledge, and networks to connect resources and take bold action. We connect and support individuals who value bridging differences to meetCalifornia’s land and water (watershed) stewardship needs.
About the role: This position will work closely with the Managing Director to develop and implement the new Watershed Framework program and collaborate on network development. The Watershed Framework is designed to put us on a cross-sector, collaborative, watershed scale path toward climate resilience.The person in this role will manage all aspects of program implementation in multiple watersheds across California. It’s an exciting opportunity to work with a wide range of diverse, innovative people coming together to work on systems change and large-scale approaches to supporting healthy ecosystems and communities. The right person will be able to take on a great deal of responsibility and lead towards innovative solutions.
WSN is offering an exciting opportunity to join our small team when we are at an inflection point. As we celebrate our first 5 years as a program under Coro Northern California offering an intensive cohort-based experience, we are leaning into our future as a new 501(c)3 non-profit continuing to build leadership and collaborative capacity and expanding and focusing our programs to build watershed-based capacity. This new position will join the other three staff to round out the core team and bring complementary skills and experience. WSN currently operates as a program under Coro and the new independent organization is set to launch on July 1, 2024.
YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPACT
Program Management and Coordination
- Manage program implementation of the Watershed Framework in close partnership with the WSN Managing Director
- Develop & track work plans, Including laying the groundwork to launch Watershed Framework test drives in additional watersheds
- Coordinate outreach and ongoing relationships with a wide range of people in diverse sectors
- Support WSN Managing Director in convenings and facilitation that brings together actors across watersheds to build relationships and identify solutions to develop together
- Support Watershed Framework participants to make progress over time, adjust, adapt, and problem solve.
- Provide administrative and logistical support; including meeting site selection/booking, travel arrangements and reimbursements, virtual technical support, Database management,etc.
- Develop additional programs and special projects as needed
-Support Network engagement of people throughout California already engaged in the WSN approach.
- Participate in a wide range of WSN programmatic and operational initiatives and tasks.
The Network Manager may take on additional organizational roles and tasks depending on skills and experience, and these may include:
Communications
- Maintain email lists, database, and web page
- Social media
- Regular network communications
Fundraising
- Identify philanthropic and/or state and federal opportunities
- Draft grant applications
- Develop donor pool
- Draft grant reports
WHO WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE
Breadth of skills and experience. You are a generalist knowledgeable about and interested in a range of programmatic and administrative activities.
Project management superstar. You are a superb project manager and thrive when managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
Clear communicator. You are a clear, proactive communicator. You connect with a variety of internal and external stakeholders in a way that reflects the organization’s missions.
Relationship builder. Strong interpersonal abilities, with experience crossing boundaries and working with diverse people, organizations, and communities.
Innovative: You think creatively, and see opportunities to create value and increase impact.
Collaborator: You play well with others and thrive in contexts where you are bringing people together to achieve common goals.
Autonomous: You exercise judgment to prioritize your work and hold ownership when moving toward your goals, while welcoming advice and input from stakeholders.
Lifelong learner: You consistently seek out new information to stay current with best practices; you welcome feedback and can integrate it into your work.
Committed to our impact: Your values and life experiences connect you to our mission to train, support, and connect leaders to foster a thriving democracy and tackle society’s biggest challenges together.
The following skills are required:
At least 3 years experience in program management/coordination and project management
Self-starter with demonstrated ability managing multiple logistics and projects simultaneously.
Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders using interpersonal savvy.
Detail-oriented and able to synthesize data.
Good time management skills.
Flexible and adaptable style.
Self-awareness and a sense of humor.
Comfort in dealing with ambiguity.
Comfortable with using/learning a variety of platforms such as (but not limited to) Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Miro Board, Air Table.
Familiarity with WSN’s programs and interest in WSN’s mission.
Strongly preferred skills:
- 3+ years experience in the natural resource management sector, either terrestrial or water or equivalent experience in working lands (farms, rangelands, forests)
- Experience in collaboration/partnership building that brings diverse sectors together to steward watersheds, such as a watershed council, a county Fire Safe Council, a regional stewardship network, etc.
- Understanding of the diverse sectors that are part of watershed stewardship in California, such as Tribes, federal and state agencies, county governments, RCDS, nonprofits, irrigation districts, water districts, agricultural associations, environmental justice groups, etc.
POSITION LOGISTICS
This is a full-time, exempt position that will report to the Managing Director. The salary for this role is $75,000 annually. Employment is offered through Coro Northern California until WSN is fully established as a free-standing organization. Benefits include medical, dental, 401k match and a generous PTO/flexible work policy. You will also receive a modest stipend to defray the cost of home office and phone.
You can learn more about WSN here and about Coro Northern California here.
This is a remote work position that requires frequent travel mostly within California but potentially in neighboring states.
Coro is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women-identifying and non-binary people, BIPOC, bilingual and bicultural people, as well as members of the LGBTQI+ communities.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to admin@watersolutionsnetwork.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by September 15th. Position will remain open until filled.