The
Water-
shed

We all live in a watershed
Our watershed is more than our creeks and streams, meadows and ponds. It’s part of all of us: the wildflowers and wildlife, birds and birders, fish and fishers, nature and nature-lovers.

How watersheds work

Why ours is threatened

Our work

What is a watershed?

Even if you live at the top of a mountain—or in the middle of an ocean—you probably live in a watershed. It’s a part of the planet where everything (fresh water, pollutants, sediment) drains towards a body of water.

As watersheds go, ours has a couple quirks. First, most watersheds drain into an ocean. Ours starts in a lake and ends in a lake (Tahoe to Pyramid). Secondly, our waters flow north and east—the opposite direction most watersheds west of the continental divide flow.

Map of the Middle Truckee River Watershed

What

All the land, streams, rivers and meadows from Tahoe Dam to the California Nevada state line—all flowing into the Truckee River.

Size

435 square miles
or 285,000 acres

Rain and Snow

30”-40” per year average
record high: 85”
record low: 14″

Water Quality

Due to excess sediment, the Truckee River is rated polluted by the EPA*.

Reservoirs

  • Boca
  • Donner
  • Independence
  • Martis
  • Prosser
  • Stampede

Flora and Fauna

Home to sugar pines, tiger lilies, and buttercups—as well as river otter, bobcat, Great Blue Heron, and Lahontan cutthroat trout.

* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

WE'RE HIRING: Lead Philanthropy. Advance Watershed Resilience.

Development Director – Truckee River Watershed Council (Full description linked here)
Location: Truckee, CA
Salary: $105,000–$125,000 + benefits

The Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) seeks an experienced Development Director to lead our philanthropic strategy and strengthen long-term funding for watershed restoration across the region.

This senior role is ideal for a proven fundraising leader who excels in major gifts, donor strategy, and board partnership, and who is ready to help shape the next phase of TRWC’s organizational growth. 

About TRWC
TRWC is a trusted regional nonprofit dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and restoring the Truckee River watershed. Our work strengthens forests, meadows, and aquatic habitat to improve wildfire resilience, water quality, and long-term ecological health. 

With an $8M+ annual budget and a strong reputation among public agencies, funders, and community partners, TRWC is entering an exciting new chapter of organizational growth and philanthropic expansion.

What You’ll Lead

  • Major gifts and multiyear giving 
  • Donor pipeline development and stewardship
  • Board and volunteer fundraising leadership 
  • Strategic donor engagement events (River Talks, River Breakfast) 
  • Unrestricted foundation & corporate support 
  • Early-stage planned giving and endowment growth

What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years nonprofit fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated success in major gifts and donor engagement
  • Experience partnering with Boards and volunteer fundraising leaders
  • Strong communication, strategy, and relationship building skills 
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship and community-based work 

Compensation & Location 

  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Position is based in Truckee, CA with required in-person engagement

To Apply 

Send a single PDF (cover letter, resume, three professional references) to: mprestowitz@truckeeriverwc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 25.

Learn More