Jobs Title:
State Program Director – Oklahoma

Post Date
11/18/2025

Expiration Date
12/15/2025

Details:
The Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) is celebrating 20 years of work conserving,
protecting, and restoring the Illinois River Watershed in Northwest Arkansas and Eastern
Oklahoma. The Board of Directors is composed of six stakeholder groups that work
collaboratively to fulfill the organization’s mission through consensus-based solutions. IRWP
implements a budget of approximately $1 million annually and manages a 31-acre Watershed
Sanctuary in Cave Springs, Arkansas, which serves as an outdoor classroom, headquarters, and
event space.

Position Overview:
The State Program Director – Oklahoma will lead IRWP’s programs, partnerships, and
restoration efforts within the Oklahoma portion of the Illinois River Watershed. This leadership
role combines project implementation related to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
America\'s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (AERI) in partnership with the Cherokee Nation. The
position will expand into additional strategic planning, oversight, and partnership development to
strengthen the organization’s impact on watershed health and water quality in Northeast
Oklahoma. The Director will represent IRWP at the state and regional levels, build strong
relationships with partners, agencies, local governments, and landowners, and overseeing
planning and implementation of ecological restoration and water quality improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the AERI planning grant and IRWP’s work
in Oklahoma in alignment with the Illinois River Watershed Management Plan.
- Develop partnerships, plans and strategies that support habitat and wetlands restoration,
public access improvement, and community education and outreach programming.
- Develop landowner agreements in partnership with private and public landowners to protect
and restore culturally significant species and habitats.
- Represent IRWP to state agencies, tribal partners, local communities, and other key
stakeholders in Oklahoma.
- Manage project budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements for grants and partnerships
originating in Oklahoma.
- Supervise and support contractors and consultants working on restoration, recreation, or other
initiatives in Oklahoma.
- Coordinate with IRWP leadership and the Arkansas team to ensure consistency in restoration
strategies, communications, and reporting across the watershed.
- Provide expert guidance on watershed management, restoration design, and green
infrastructure implementation.
- Oversee outreach, education, and community engagement efforts to build public support for
conservation and restoration initiatives.
- Coordinate media and press opportunities in Oklahoma in conjunction with Arkansas
leadership and per IRWP policies.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Watershed
Management, law or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource
management, watershed restoration, or environmental program leadership.
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects, budgets, and partnerships across multiple
jurisdictions or stakeholder groups.
- Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to build
consensus among diverse partners.
- Strong familiarity with Oklahoma’s water quality policies, conservation programs, and
ecological restoration practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; GIS or data visualization experience preferred.

Comments:
Compensation:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes
generous annual leave, health insurance match, retirement contributions, and flexible scheduling.

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Employer:
Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP)
Contact:
Leif Kindberg

Address:
PO Box 205

Work Phone:
4792037084

Email:
jobs@irwp.org

Website:
https://www.irwp.org/job-openings

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