Organization: Ohio River Way

About the position:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and six years of related experience.  Additional experience may be used on a one-to-one basis to offset the educational requirements. 

Position Description:

Overview: The Ohio River Way (ORW) is a community engaged project whose mission is help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water and boost the economies of historic and vibrant Ohio River communities from Portsmouth, OH to West Point, KY by building partnerships that promote safe, healthy outdoor recreation, education and tourism.

With 75+ dues paying communities, organizations, agencies and businesses, the ORW was developed with the support of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service.   The Ohio River Way work is managed and operated under the terms of a multiyear philanthropic gift agreement with the University of Louisville Center for Healthy Air, Water, and Soil to enhance outreach, coordinate and further develop the work with our forty Rivertown’s and explore community and environmental health research opportunities.

The project is seeking an experienced, motivated, and visionary leader to lead our efforts to promote outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and health in all of its forms.

The Project Manager Senior will be an employee of the University of Louisville and will lead the project according to the terms of the gift agreement, including satisfactory achievement of goals established by the donor through aa Ohio River Way External Advisory Committee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the Ohio River Way's goals and objectives, including increasing public access to the river, promoting outdoor recreation, and organizing a long-term research agenda.
• Direct day-to-day operations of the Ohio River Way, including budget management, staff supervision, and social media.
• Seek federal, state and foundation grants to support outdoor recreation initiatives of partnering Rivertowns.   Further develop the Rivertown and organizational membership as well as an individual membership program to ensure that the Ohio River Way as a sustainable funding stream for the Ohio River Way.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, elected officials and community leaders.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Ohio River Way, representing the organization in public forums, media interviews, and other engagements.
• Work closely with the ORW board of directors to ensure effective governance, including regular communication, board recruitment, and strategic planning.
• Oversee the development and implementation of research projects that explore the relationships between rivers and human health.  Develop a long-term research agenda and seek financial support with colleagues at the University of Louisville and other institutions from Portsmouth to West Point to document the impact of outdoor recreation on environmental and public health.
• Promote the Ohio River Way's mission and activities through outreach and marketing efforts, including social media, public events, and educational programs. Manage the Ohio River Way’s work with the National Park Service’s River Trails and Conservation Assistance Program specifically the two experienced workers that have been assigned to us. Work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the Environmental Protection Agency to bring resources to Ohio River communities.
• Coordinate the Ohio River Coalition, a group of over 100 individuals representing organizations, governments, and outdoor sports, and provide leadership for the coalition committees.
• Ability to drive to Rivertowns in the Ohio River Way regions.
• Ability to facilitate public and stakeholder meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as urban planning, environmental science, or public health; Master's or Doctorate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant professional experience, including successful organizational development, grant development, river recreation, community development, and working with a diverse board.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision, budget management, and strategic planning.
• Ability to provide examples of and experience in research and data analysis.
• Ability to provide examples of and experience of translating research findings into actionable recommendations and programs.
• Knowledge and experience with the Ohio River and its tributaries.  
• Passion for promoting outdoor recreation, environmental quality, and health.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Find more information here.