Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Watersheds Partnerships

at Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)

🏢 About Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit that uniquely integrates renewable energy and freshwater restoration, championing a community-based, whole watershed approach. Working at BEF means contributing to innovative, collaborative environmental solutions that have tangible impacts on ecosystems and communities across the Pacific Northwest.

About This Role

As Senior Manager, Watersheds Partnerships, you will drive integrated floodplain management in Washington State by building relationships among diverse stakeholders—from Tribal nations to state agencies—and facilitating collaborative processes. Your work will directly influence policy, secure funding, and accelerate on-the-ground restoration, making you a key player in advancing BEF's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual meeting with a Tribal natural resources department to discuss shared floodplain goals, followed by drafting a grant proposal for a state-funded restoration project. After lunch, you could facilitate a workshop with local governments and NGOs to align on hazard mitigation priorities, then spend the late afternoon analyzing technical reports to synthesize key findings for policymakers.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Is Looking For

  • A seasoned facilitator with 5+ years of experience convening and guiding collaborative discussions among stakeholders with differing interests, particularly in natural resource management.
  • Deeply familiar with Washington State legislative and regulatory processes, with existing relationships with Tribal nations, state agencies, or local governments in Washington.
  • Possesses technical knowledge in integrated floodplain management, hazard mitigation, or related fields, and can synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
  • A strategic relationship-builder who can identify and advance funding opportunities while managing a portfolio of federal, state, and philanthropic grants.

📝 Tips for Applying to Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)

1

Highlight specific examples of facilitating multi-stakeholder processes in Washington State, including outcomes and challenges overcome.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of Washington's floodplain management landscape—mention relevant laws, programs, or initiatives (e.g., the Floodplains by Design program).

3

Showcase your grant management experience by listing specific federal or state grants you've secured or managed, with dollar amounts and impacts.

4

Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your commitment to BEF's integrated, community-based approach and your ability to bridge technical and policy worlds.

5

Include a brief statement on your experience working with or for Tribal nations in Washington, as this is a key requirement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience facilitating collaborative partnerships in Washington State, especially with diverse stakeholders like Tribal nations and state agencies.', "Your technical expertise in integrated floodplain management and how it aligns with BEF's watershed approach.", 'Your track record of securing and managing grants to advance environmental restoration projects.', "Your passion for BEF's mission and your understanding of the intersection between renewable energy and freshwater restoration."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review BEF's current watershed projects, especially those in Washington State, to understand their approach and recent successes.
  • → Study the Washington State Floodplains by Design program and its latest initiatives.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key stakeholders in Washington's floodplain management space, including relevant Tribal nations, state agencies (e.g., Department of Ecology), and NGOs.
  • → Read BEF's latest annual report and any blog posts or publications on integrated floodplain management.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you facilitated a difficult conversation among stakeholders with opposing views. What was the outcome?
2 How do you approach building trust with Tribal nations and incorporating their perspectives into collaborative processes?
3 What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for integrated floodplain management in Washington State?
4 Tell us about a grant proposal you led that was particularly complex. How did you structure it, and what was the result?
5 How would you prioritize multiple partnership opportunities when resources are limited?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Washington State or specific floodplain management experience.
  • Overlooking the importance of Tribal relationships—failing to address your experience or willingness to engage with Tribal nations.
  • Focusing solely on technical skills without demonstrating facilitation and stakeholder engagement expertise.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)!

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