Careers

 WATER QUALITY PROGRAM MANAGER

Location: Hybrid; based in West Concord, MA with regional travel 
Position Type: Part-time, Exempt 
Reports to: Executive Director 
Salary Range: Part Time Hourly Position 20 hours per week, salary range between $30–$35/hour, commensurate with experience 

Organizational Overview

OARS 3 Rivers is the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers (SuAsCo), working to protect, improve, and preserve these rivers and their watershed for all people and wildlife. Our vision is a watershed with resilient streams and rivers that provide healthy wildlife habitat, clean water, natural beauty, education, and recreational opportunities for all. We are a science-based, inclusive, and innovative nonprofit that combines advocacy, education, ecological restoration, and community engagement to achieve this vision. 

As a growing leader in watershed protection, OARS is at the forefront of river science and regional water quality improvements. From community science and real-time data dashboards to innovative pollution investigations and culvert assessments, we use science to drive meaningful action and policy change across the SuAsCo watershed.

Position Overview 

OARS 3 Rivers is seeking a mission-driven, field-savvy Water Quality Program Manager to lead and expand our water monitoring and river science programs. This position plays a key role in helping communities, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders understand and act on the health of the SuAsCo rivers. The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor with strong communication skills, a passion for community engagement, and a commitment to environmental justice. 

This is a hybrid position based in West Concord, MA, with regular fieldwork throughout the watershed and occasional evening or weekend events. The Water Quality Program Manager will oversee water quality sampling and analysis, develop and implement research projects, collaborate with partner organizations, and share findings in public, professional, and policy forums 

Key Responsibilities 

Monitoring, Analysis, & Research 

• • Manage OARS’ long-standing water quality monitoring program, including volunteer coordination, sampling design, quality assurance, and data analysis. 
  • Lead bacteria monitoring efforts in partnership with municipal and state agencies, including source tracking and pollution investigations 
  • Maintain and update the online water quality dashboard to share results with the public and decision-makers. 
  • Identify and implement special studies addressing emerging water quality issues, including nutrient loading, PFAS, and thermal pollution. 

Community Science & Education 

• • Recruit, train, and support volunteer water samplers, ensuring safety and data integrity. 
  • Collaborate with the Education team to integrate river science into public programming, school workshops, and community events. 
  • Engage with the public through presentations, data storytelling, and community meetings to build understanding of river health and inspire action. 

Partnerships & Policy Support 

• • Work closely with municipal officials, state agencies, engineers, and community partners to share data and develop restoration strategies 
  • Support the Policy & Advocacy team with scientific data and insights that inform regulatory comments and legislative priorities. 
  • Prepare scientific reports, summaries, and presentations for funders, stakeholders, and the public. 

Key Qualifications 

Required Experience & Skills 

• • At least 3 years of experience in field-based water quality monitoring or applied watershed science. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical content for diverse audiences. 
  • Comfort with fieldwork in variable conditions and basic maintenance of monitoring equipment. 
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail. 
  • Commitment to the mission of OARS and the ability to work respectfully in diverse community settings. 
  • Comfort working alone in woods and along rivers, setting up monitoring devices and taking river measurements. 

Prefered Qualifications 

• • Master’s degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, water resources, or a related field (or a strong combination of relevant experience and education) 
  • Experience managing community or volunteer-based science programs. 
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act, MS4 permitting, or TMDL planning. 
  • Familiarity with GIS, R, or other data visualization and statistical tools. 
  • Knowledge of stormwater management, nature-based solutions, and green infrastructure. 
  • Spanish or Portuguese language skills are a plus. 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 

OARS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups may not meet every listed qualification, and we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the potential to succeed in this role and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Your perspective and lived experience are valuable to us. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Matt Brown, Executive Director of OARS 3 Rivers, at: MBrown@oars3rivers.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Major Donor Officer

Location: Hybrid; based in West Concord, MA with regional travel
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Director of Communications and Development
Salary Range: Starting at $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience, with performance-based annual bonus potential up to $50,000

Organizational Overview

OARS 3 Rivers is the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers (SuAsCo), working to protect, improve, and preserve these rivers and their watershed for all people and wildlife. Our vision is a watershed with resilient streams and rivers that provide healthy wildlife habitat, clean water, natural beauty, education, and recreational opportunities for all. We are a science-based, inclusive, and innovative nonprofit that combines advocacy, education, ecological restoration, and community engagement to achieve this vision. As a growing force for environmental change, OARS is leading the charge toward a healthier, more connected watershed in the face of climate change and regional development.

Job Overview

OARS 3 Rivers seeks a proactive, results-driven Major Donor Officer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Development (DCD), the Major Donor Officer will lead efforts to cultivate and secure major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations with the capacity to make four-, five-, and six-figure contributions.

This is a pivotal moment for OARS: recent growth in visibility, programming, and grant funding has positioned the organization for an ambitious leap in philanthropic support, with annual fundraising needs expected to double from $750,000 in 2025 to $1.5 million by 2027. The Major Donor Officer will play a central role in making this growth possible, managing a robust donor portfolio, developing strategies for individual and foundational giving, and helping drive our mission forward.

This is a hybrid position, with staff typically working 2–4 days per week from our West Concord, MA office. The role requires frequent in-person donor meetings across the SuAsCo watershed and Greater Boston area, as well as occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and cultivation opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management

• • Partner with the DCD to design and implement an individual giving strategy aligned with OARS’ strategic growth goals.
  • Develop and maintain a dynamic portfolio of 100–150 current and prospective donors with giving capacity at the four-, five-, and six-figure levels.
  • Build, assess, and refine the portfolio in coordination with the DCD to ensure optimal donor engagement and revenue outcomes.
  • Establish and meet annual revenue goals for each donor and for the major gifts program overall.
  • Design and implement a robust moves management plan for cultivating and soliciting major gifts.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• • Conduct 10–12 donor meetings monthly, primarily in-person, to build relationships and solicit gifts.
  • Prepare personalized proposals, presentations, correspondence, gift agreements, and stewardship communications.
  • Support the donor engagement efforts of the Executive Director and Board members through briefings, meeting coordination, and follow-ups.
  • Manage peer-to-peer fundraising and donor engagement activities in collaboration with DCD.
  • Cultivate and secure planned gifts as appropriate.

Development Operations & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• • Accurately record all donor interactions and plans in OARS’ CRM system (Bloomerang).
  • Analyze donor data and generate reports to track progress toward goals.
  • Collaborate with other departments (Ecological Restoration, Education, Water Quality, Community Engagement) to align funding priorities and messaging.
  • Contribute to a collaborative team culture in a small office where flexibility, initiative, and teamwork are essential.
  • Attend staff and committee meetings and perform additional duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Skills & Experience

• • Minimum of three (3) years of successful frontline fundraising experience with major donors in a nonprofit with a $1M+ budget.
  • Proven track record securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.
  • Strong storytelling, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Experience creating compelling proposals and presentations.
  • Ability to maintain high standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in donor relationships.
  • Proficient in donor CRM systems (Bloomerang experience preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration tools.
  • Understanding of and enthusiasm for OARS’ mission and programs.

Personal Attributes

• • Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Strategic thinker with a goal-oriented mindset.
  • Flexible, organized, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable with regional travel (up to 75%) and evening/weekend events.
  • Familiarity with the Greater Boston philanthropic community a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range starting at $65,000–$75,000, based on experience.
• Annual performance bonus up to $50,000 based on fundraising goals achieved beyond baseline.
• Benefits include flexible hybrid work schedule, generous paid time off, professional development support, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of the region’s rivers and communities.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

OARS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups may not meet every listed qualification, and we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the potential to succeed in this role and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Your perspective and lived experience are valuable to us.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Matt Brown, Executive Director of OARS 3 Rivers, at: MBrown@oars3rivers.org

Summer Education Coordinator

About OARS: 

OARS is the nonprofit watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers in MetroWest/Central Massachusetts. OARS uses research, advocacy, and education to ensure that these beautiful rivers will continue to provide clean and abundant water, exceptional recreational opportunities, and rich wildlife habitat for the benefit of all our communities—all within a short drive of Boston, Lowell, and Worcester. For nearly 40 years, OARS has had a major impact on cleaning up our rivers and building climate resiliency. 

Education Coordinator 

OARS seeks a motivated, collaborative, and organized candidate for our part-time Summer Education Coordinator position. This position is responsible for supporting OARS’ objective of inspiring the next generation of river stewards. They are responsible for co-leading, organizing, and presenting OARS’ education programs, primarily the Water Wise Workshops, a hands-on series of outdoor environmental workshops designed for ages 5 to 10; and other educational activities and outreach events.

 
The Education Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the Youth Education Coordinator and other staff. This position is 25–35 hours/week on average. Workshops are hands-on and offered outside. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Leading outdoor educational programs and ensuring safety and excellence for participants
• Scheduling and promoting (advertising) the workshops and other events
• Coordinating with other staff to ensure efficient operations consistent with goals
• Refining and revising program, curriculum, and workshop handbook as needed
• Collecting and evaluating feedback, writing summary report
• Participating in a team-based office culture where all chip in on a variety of tasks 

Teaching experience is highly desirable, preferably in science and/or environmental education. Certified teachers and first-aid certification are encouraged. A demonstrated knowledge of and interest in the environmental conservation field and working with youth is preferred. 

Candidates must have strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, be very well organized, and be able to work independently. They should be comfortable supervising high school or college student interns. Travel between the OARS office and workshop locations is required and reimbursed. 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to office@oars3rivers.org. Include “Edu Coordinator [last name]” in the subject line. No calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

As an equal-opportunity employer, OARS aims to be an inclusive workplace that is representative of the people we serve. We encourage applications from all interested candidates and do not discriminate based on race, ancestry, creed, religion, personal appearance, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, or sexual orientation. 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups may not meet every listed qualification, and we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the potential to succeed in this role and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Your perspective and lived experience are valuable to us.