My Dream Job Has Just Become Available!

By: 
Peter Bosshard

I encourage you to apply for my dream job: the position of International Rivers’ next Executive Director.

International Rivers has been at the heart of the global struggle to protect rivers and the rights of people who depend on them for the past 30 years. We work with an amazing network of partners committed to defending the arteries of our planet. We have a kick-ass staff in six offices around the world, a strong management team, and a dedicated Board of Directors. International Rivers is big enough to make a difference, and small enough to be nimble and quick. We are strategic, and have pioneered new approaches for how civil society groups can respond to the rise of China, Brazil, India and other new centers of economic power.

International Rivers is a great organization, but the Executive Director position is not for the feeble-hearted. Even though we have strengthened the awareness about the impacts of dams and even though better solutions are usually available, the world’s rivers are currently threatened by an unprecedented dam building boom. Funding for this important work is always short. And while shifting our staff into our regional offices has made our work more effective, forging 26 staff members in seven time zones into a strong team is an ongoing management challenge.

As International Rivers’ new Executive Director, you will bring a strategic mind and a clear vision for the future of our organization to the task. You have a passion for the world’s rivers, and can communicate your passion to our internal and external audiences. You have worked in an international environment, and are sensitive to the cultural differences in the various regions in which we work. You are a dynamic personality who brings humility to the job and can motivate a talented team to work at their best. As if this were not enough, you are also an experienced manager and proven fundraiser. Yes, we are talking about you!

As our next Executive Director, you will walk in the footsteps of venerable activists like Owen Lammers, Juliette Majot, Patrick McCully, Aviva Imhof, and Jason Rainey. With hard work, good ideas and full commitment, you will be in a position to make a difference on an issue of global importance.

So if this is my dream job, you may ask, why don’t I throw my hat in the ring myself? I will continue to give my full support to International Rivers. But after 13 years, my family and I can’t commit to staying in California, and with International Rivers, for another four to five years. So with this, the ball is in your court! The full job description is available here

Peter Bosshard is the Interim Executive Director of International Rivers. He tweets at @Peter Bosshard.

Date: 
Thursday, April 30, 2015