Assistant Director of Conservation Action

TheAssistant Directorof ConservationActionoverseestheplanningoperationsandevaluation ofSheddsconservation 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 assistantdirectoris responsible formanaging all aspects ofimplementing environmental restoration projects anddeliveringconservation action closely withother Shedddepartments theassistantdirector willcontribute tointerdepartmental collaboration coordinate training and education on key conservation issues centralize important resources for conservation messaging and track outputs and assistant director also manages external partnerships playing a key role in developing new relationships anddelivering oncollaborative effortswith nonprofits elected officials businesses community groups and others.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedds visionmission andvalues.
• Annual Planningand Budget Oversight
  • With the senior director set the direction for the conservation action team to develop manage and execute implementation of the strategic plan including all programmatic budget management and evaluationgoals.
  • Aspart ofthe Learning & Community leadership teamcontribute to developingstrategic long-range plans including annual and multi-year plans and budgets professional development activities and evaluation strategies.
  • Build consistent strategiesmetricsand resources across the conservation action department and seek alignment with other Shedd teams.
  • Manage the annualteam calendartodocumentand plan the conservation action departments variousrestoration projects and outreach programs.
  • Oversee program budgets and ensureaccuratespending and tracking of program to fundraising efforts including grant applications and ensure all funding obligations are met and work with theDevelopmentdepartmenton funding reports.
• Program Projectand TeamManagement
  • Superviseand coachteam membersfor continued growth and include direct reports external consultants andteam members who report to other supervisors.
  • Overseeplanning and delivery of environmentalrestoration activitiesand conservation action outreach programs.
  • Track and report on all metrics associated withrestoration andengagement efforts and ensure all funding and partner deliverables are met.
  • Work withLearning &Community and other Sheddteams oncollaborativeprogram development and delivery.
  • With an innovativeand creative mindsetidentifyand cultivateadditionalopportunitiesfor bothonsiteand offsiteconservation actionengagement.
  • Work closely with Shedds Government Affairs and Policy team tostrategicallylead cross-teamconservation advocacy efforts.
• Conservation Engagement Planning
  • Collaborate with aquarium-wide teams to ensure conservation engagement is integrated across programs exhibits projects and initiatives.
  • Develop new and nurture existing internal and external partnerships to advance conservation engagement strong relationships with localnationaland international conservation organizations/influencers including NGOs funders and associations.
  • Maintain and buildexpertise inconservation issues. Serve as a reliable knowledgeable source of current relevant information and provide content and input for Shedd messaging and communications needs. Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances. Provide counsel to SVP and others.
  • Support development oftrainingon conservation engagement for staff and One Shedd partners asappropriate.
• 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
  • Develop partnership and community engagement strategiesthat align withconservation action andinstitutional goals.
  • Manage partner agreements including drafting new agreements ensuring deliverables are met andrenewing agreementsas needed.
  • Lead efforts to document partnerinformation and interactions for improved record-keeping and relationship management.
  • 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
  • Leaddevelopment ofthe communication 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
  • 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-directedlearningand focusing on professional development goals.
  • Facilitate conservation action programs on occasion.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

• 3 years of experience managingdiverse teamsrequired.
• 5 years of experiencewith program coordination community engagement publicoutreachand presentation delivery preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Experience with volunteer managementor 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 localnational and 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.

• 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