Manager of Conservation Action Operations

TheManager of ConservationActionOperationsoverseesthe developmentanddeliveryofSheddsconservation actioneffortsthatactivatepeople and conservation action workutilizesan equity lens torestore and protect natural areasprevent future environmental degradation and mobilize various stakeholders and communities to act for a healthier future.

The manageroversees the daily operationsof conservation actionengagement programsandis responsible forhiring supervising and coachingseasonal and year-round manager worksalongsidethe conservation action coordinators who eachleaddifferentprogram closely with internal and externalpartners the managerfostersstrong collaboration andmissionalignmentwith others to achieve sharedconservationgoalsfor Chicago and the Great Lakes region.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedds visionmissionandvalues.
• OverseeDay-to-Day Program Operations
  • Manageprogramschedules staff plans and general operationssuch as ordering supplies and coordinating with vendors.
  • Track and report on all metrics associated with the engagement efforts and ensure all funding and partner deliverables are met.
  • Identifyand cultivateadditionalopportunities for both onsite and offsite conservation action engagement.
  • Seekopportunitiesto improve team operations and systemsand documentestablishedprocesses for improved onboarding and efficiencies.
  • Collaborate with theDevelopmentteam to coordinate events for special audiences such as corporate groups and Shedd members.
• TeamManagement
  • Hire supervise and coach full-time and part-time staff interns and volunteers for continued growth and development.
  • Provideprogram facilitationstaff with consistentfeedback on program delivery andjob performance.
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Work with leadership to developannualconservationactionstrategies programplanandbudgetthat arein linewith institutional priorities.
  • Oversee program budgets and ensureaccuratespending and tracking of program expenses. Ensure all funding obligations are met and work withDevelopmentdepartmenton funding reports.
• Deepen Shedds diversity equityaccessand inclusion(DEAI)efforts internally and externally
  • Advance institutional and departmental DEAI goals by contributing to action planning and implementation.
  • Foster a culture of inclusion both internally and externally to ensure that diverse individuals cultures and ideas are welcome and celebrated.
  • Integrate new strategies into Shedds conservation action efforts that advance equity access and justice and recognize past and current harms that unequallyimpactvulnerable communities.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing personal growth and leadership in DEAI efforts and multicultural competency.
• Community Engagement andPartnership Building
  • Manage day-to-daypartner relationships and collaborative workwith external to partnerdata tracking and reporting.
  • Work with leadership to develop partnership and community engagement strategiesthat align withconservation action andinstitutional goals.
  • Build authentic relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders anddemonstraterespect and appreciation for othersviews backgrounds and goals. Prioritize listening and trust-building.
  • Pursuenew and nurture existing partnerships to advance the goals of conservationactionprograms.
  • Growinternal relationships and partnerships to support cross-departmental programmatic integration.
• Communications & Public Awareness
  • Contribute to the development of acommunication strategy for conservationactionas well as program promotionplans.
  • Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances as Shedd asrequested forotherevents.
  • Stay current and build expertise on local and global environmental issues such as but not limited to plastic pollution climate change applied conservation and habitat restoration general sustainable practices and other related topics.
  • Stay up to date on science-based environmental policies and share calls to action withappropriate Sheddconservation audiences
  • Develop visual and written content to share with Shedd audiences collaborators and partners thatalignswith Shedds mission and stance on conservation issues.
  • Support and advise other Shedd teams in building understanding andexpertiseon conservation issues and communications.
• Other duties
  • Contribute toplanning andimplementation of environmental restoration projects includinginstallation of litter trap devices andfloating wetlands.
  • Support fundraising efforts including funder/donor relations grant solicitation and fulfillment and reporting.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth byinitiatingdialogue with colleagues engaging in self-directedlearning and focusing on professional development goals.
  • Facilitate conservation action programs on occasion.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

• 1 year of experience managing staff and/or volunteers isrequired.
• 3 years of experience with program coordination community engagement publicoutreachand presentation delivery preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Experience with volunteer management or community environmental stewardship is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to handle a largeworkloadin a fast-paced collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills and a talent for planning and delivering educational activities. Aware of current localnationaland international conservation issues with the ability toeffectively and clearly communicate themto various audiences.
• Poised articulateprofessionalwith diplomacy a sense of humor a positive attitude and charisma. Driven highly organized self-starter. Confident outgoing andenjoyssocializing with diverse audiences. Appreciationfor andstrong attention to detail. Passionate about the environment.A lifelonglearner.
• Designations/Certifications:Requiredat time of hire or must be willing and able to obtain within the first six months of employment.
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Workday Leadership Certification.
  • Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator license.

• Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets