About the Norwalk River Watershed Association

The Norwalk River Watershed Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring water quality and fish and wildlife habitats throughout the Norwalk River Watershed. NRWA engages community volunteers in restoring native plants, improving riverbanks, meadows, and forests, expanding public access to open space and trails, supporting research and legislative policy that protects biodiversity, and promoting education and cooperation across the seven watershed towns—Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Redding, Weston, CT and Lewisboro, NY. 

Position Overview

The Executive Director oversees day-to-day operations, fundraising and grants administration, strategic planning, and outreach, education and advocacy for NRWA. This part‑time role is ideal for a mission‑driven professional who can manage grant writing, program management, communications, and administrative oversight while advancing NRWA’s conservation goals. Remote work but with regular in-person events and meetings in the watershed.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Mission Delivery

• Grant writing and grant management at the corporate, state and federal levels
• Collaborate with local, state, and regional partners on research, water quality testing, and other projects to protect and restore water quality and wildlife habitat.

Community Engagement & Education

• Work with NRWA’s Community Outreach Coordinator to help
• oversee, coordinate and expand watershed habitat restoration activities, including invasive plant removal, native plantings, and river cleanups.
• Promote public access to the river, open spaces, and trails through partnerships and community engagement through nature walks, library talks, and webinars.
• Build relationships with schools, civic groups, environmental organizations, and municipal partners.
• Give presentations about the challenges facing the watershed and the actions we can all take to protect it

Advocacy & Policy Support

• Monitor and support legislative and policy initiatives that protect biodiversity, clean air, and clean water at the local and state levels.
• Represent NRWA in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and collaborative efforts.

Fundraising & Development

• Manage donor relations, membership engagement, and fundraising campaigns.
• Prepare grant applications and reports; identify new funding opportunities.

Administration & Governance

• Manage day‑to‑day operations, including working with the board and NRWA’s accountant on budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Support the Board of Directors with meeting preparation, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Maintain organizational records and ensure smooth administrative functioning.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation, watershed protection, or related fields.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience in nonprofit management, grant writing/fundraising, community engagement, or program coordination 
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Live in or near the Watershed