Who We Are
Since 1993, Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) has successfully protected, restored, and celebrated the unique and vital waterways of the Commonwealth. We are a non-profit organization based in Louisville, but we work across the state in three coordinated program areas: Watershed Management, Water Policy, and Community Engagement.
What We Offer
A full-time, four-day workweek – at KWA our standard work week is 32 hours, Monday through Thursday, 8 hours a day, with Fridays off. We provide this extra day off compared to the standard work week for our employees’ wellbeing. We accomplish our goals during this shortened work week by being focused and organized when we are at work.
Pay will be commensurate with experience in the range of $45,000 to $60,000. This job includes 15 paid holidays, partial work-from-home (part of the four-day week can be work-from-home), paid vacation, sick days, health insurance, retirement account with matching contribution, and professional development support.
Position Summary
The Water Policy Director is a passionate advocate for clean water. This position oversees KWA’s policy efforts and permitting oversight work, and requires some knowledge of Clean Water Act permitting programs, as well as basic understanding of other federal and state environmental protection laws.
Necessary skills include ability to communicate with state and federal agencies and personnel about clean water policy issues, and a demonstrated ability to manage time wisely and prioritize day-to-day tasks. The ability to work in a team environment is essential: KWA sees coalition building across sectors as essential to policy change. Successful candidates will have strong research skills and the ability to convey the products of their research to a general audience. Likewise, the Policy Director should have a track record of significant accomplishment in the face of resistance.
The Water Policy Director is a full-time, salaried position that reports directly to the Executive Director. We anticipate this role will be based in KWA’s Louisville office, but we welcome qualified candidates living within a reasonable driving distance from Louisville and/or Frankfort.
Responsibilities:
- Research and track clean water legislation and regulatory rules at the federal and state level; help KWA become proactive rather than reactive on these issues.
- Develop and execute a policy program that will champion sound state water policy.
- Review Clean Water Act permits that are open for public notice, assess and prioritize importance, and develop technical comments on specific permits. Develop and promote public comment awareness and engagement.
- Build education and awareness on significant impacts to our waterways and on other important water quality issues across the state.
- Work with KWA partner organizations to advance priority policy and water quality goals.
- Collaborate with KWA staff on website content, blogs, social media posts, action alerts, etc, to expand KWA’s message and reach on clean water issues.
- Organize and/or speak at community events and meetings as needed about KWA’s overall scope of work and specific water policy and water quality issues.
- Contribute to organizational events and the publication Newstreams, and participate in events such as board meetings, fundraisers, and cleanups.
- On occasion participate in non-policy related KWA activities.
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to water conservation and watershed protection; a passion to find ways to make our waters cleaner and our world better.
- Some understanding of Clean Water Act permitting programs at the federal, state, and local level.
- Knowledge of current water quality issues throughout Kentucky and nationwide.
- Demonstrated ability to research and analyze multiple issues and synthesize that information into objective positions and/or comments to federal, state, or local agencies.
- Some experience with strategic planning to drive policy change; generally speaking, a strategic mindset
- Ability to plan and lead community meetings.
- Ability to identify new or emerging policy or environmental concerns.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate complex policy and permitting issues to plain English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including willingness and ability to work effectively as part of a small nonprofit team.
- Excellent coalition and partnership building skills and instincts guided by a commitment to inclusivity and equity.
- BA or BS degree required; advanced education or training preferred.
- Basic knowledge in some of the following is desirable: federal and state environmental protection and conservation laws; land planning and zoning; ecology; hydrology; plants; soils; geology; biology.
Travel of up to 30% of the time is required. Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required. KWA reimbursed mileage and covers accommodation when necessary.
KWA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origins, disability, age, or veteran status.
Passion, collaboration, and drive are key. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. KWA encourages everyone to apply for this position even if you don’t meet every one of our listed qualifications.
Application Process
Candidates should email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to employment@kwalliance.org. No telephone calls, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with first interviews scheduled after July 4, 2024.
