Overview

Director of Watershed Programs Jobs in New York, United States at Friends of the Upper Delaware River

Title: Director of Watershed Programs

Company: Friends of the Upper Delaware River

Location: New York, United States

Position Description 

Friends of the Upper Delaware River is seeking a Director of Watershed Programs to lead and strengthen FUDR’s watershed conservation work throughout the Upper Delaware River region. This position will work collaboratively with the Executive Director to supervise FUDR staff members, manage key watershed programs, and develop strong relationships with conservation partners, agencies, landowners, community members, and other stakeholders.

The Director of Watershed Programs will play a primary leadership role in advancing FUDR’s Watershed Programs, including but not limited to stream restoration, youth education and community outreach, and Upper Delaware River state and federal programs. While technical watershed program experience is preferred, FUDR is willing to train the right candidate in specific program areas. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, highly organized, and capable of leading programs and supervising staff with professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Watershed Programs will be responsible for helping to develop, manage, and implement FUDR’s Watershed Programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  1. Provide leadership for the development, management, and implementation of FUDR’s Watershed Programs.
  2. Oversee FUDR’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program, including the implementation of on-the-ground stream restoration and protection projects. This work may include grant management, permitting, monitoring, landowner outreach, project coordination, and ensuring that project goals and deliverables are met in collaboration with the FUDR team.
  3. Manage FUDR’s Youth Outreach Program, including FUDR’s annual summer camp and summer internship program, as funding allows.
  4. Lead the Upper Delaware River Watershed Network, a NYS-funded initiative to develop and manage a network of watershed partners, including coordination of an annual regrant program.
  5. Identify grant opportunities and assist with grant writing to support FUDR’s programs and organizational priorities.
  6. Communicate effectively with the internal FUDR team, partners, funders, stakeholders, and the broader community.
  7. Draft position papers, media releases, action alerts, program updates, and other written materials related to Upper Delaware River watershed programs and events.
  8. Meet with stakeholders, partners, agencies, landowners, and community members to discuss program status, goals, and opportunities for collaboration.
  9. Organize and engage the community, nonprofits, policy makers, and other partners in support of watershed protection and restoration goals.
  10. Create and manage systems to track information for grant reporting, personnel management, expense tracking, project management, and other organizational needs.
  11. Design and implement new strategic programs that support FUDR’s mission and organizational objectives.
  12. Evaluate and assess program strengths, weaknesses, needs, and opportunities for improvement.
  13. Assist with marketing, outreach, and promotion of FUDR events and programs.
  14. Participate in annual conferences and other key events. This may include travel throughout the Delaware River watershed, as well as to Albany, NY and Washington, DC.
  15. This list should not be considered exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Skills and Requirements

The ideal candidate will bring relevant watershed, conservation, nonprofit, or program management experience. While FUDR is willing to train the right candidate in specific technical and programmatic areas, the successful candidate must have strong leadership skills, supervisory experience, excellent organizational abilities, and the motivation to manage complex programs and partnerships effectively.

Required and preferred qualifications include:

  1. Relevant and progressively responsible work experience, including experience managing and supervising staff.
  2. Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and project management experience.
  3. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively and professionally.
  4. Self-motivated work style with the ability to take initiative, solve problems, and follow through on responsibilities.
  5. Knowledge of, or strong interest in learning about, the Delaware River watershed conservation community and relevant stakeholders.
  6. Experience working collaboratively with diverse populations, communities, partners, and stakeholders.
  7. Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
  8. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and effective reports, outreach materials, grant materials, and public communications.
  9. Proven planning and analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate complex situations and recommend practical next steps or solutions.
  10. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google programs.
  11. Ability to travel for meetings, site visits, and events as needed is required. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required, as  driving is necessary to perform essential job duties.

Salary Range

$75,000 – $95,000 depending on experience.

Reports To

Executive Director

Location

This position may be virtual or hybrid. Hybrid candidates who are able to work from FUDR’s Hancock, NY office on a regular basis are preferred. 

Benefits

FUDR offers health, dental, and life insurance, with coverage for individuals and families, generous paid time off, and retirement savings options.

Application Process

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected]. Resumes received by August 31, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Friends of the Upper Delaware River is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

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