Director, Conservation – North Carolina

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based community-driven impact dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planets health acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative bipartisan approach across habitats borders and the political spectrum Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at and on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Director of Conservation will lead the development of conservation objectives and implementation of conservation strategies throughout North Carolina ensuring alignment with the goals and objectives of the National Audubon Societys Flight Plan. They will oversee Audubons North Carolina conservation programs collaborating with external partners such as Army Corps of Engineers NC Wildlife Resources Commission US Fish and Wildlife Service National Resources Conservation Service the National Park Service the US Forest Service other NGOs and state agencies etc.

The Director will manage conservation staff and project managers and work in close collaboration with those staff and the State Vice President to develop conservation priorities and policies for the region that support Flight Plan milestones. They will spend approximately 15-20% of their time developing funding proposals to foundations corporations agencies and individuals as well as be responsible for identifying funding opportunities and managing the funding relationships with natural resource agencies at multiple levels of governance. Reporting to the State Vice President the Conservation Director is a member of the senior leadership team and will play a crucial role in developing and executing conservation priorities and measures for the North Carolinas contributions to Flight Plan.

Compensation:

$105000 - $110000 / year

Essential Functions:

• In collaboration with the State Vice President implement the key conservation milestones of Flight Plan and help shape the strategy for North Carolina.

• Supervise North Carolinas Working Lands Urban Conservation and Coastal Program staff with programs that engage a broad range of communities to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes within a full life cycle framework.

• Direct the selection of research projects related to priority species and priority geographies as well as project design and oversee the analysis of data collected by Audubon staff external partners and community-scientists to inform adaptive management strategies and understanding of the impact of conservation actions.

• Collaborate with partner organizations to set and achieve conservation objectives that contribute to Flight Plan both within the state and at larger geographic scales.

• Support staff to engage volunteers as needed to implement North Carolina conservation programs.

• Provide technical expertise related to birds and habitat in North Carolina strategically to internal and external audiences and partners to advance our milestone goals. This includes coordination with policy staff on public comments sign-on letters and other policy and advocacy efforts.

• In collaboration with the State Vice President and Development staff research and secure public and private funding opportunities to support National Audubon Society conservation programs. Support development staff with individual donor cultivation activities. Specific activities may include but are not limited to creating opportunities for donors to get involved in conservation activities leading bird walks and giving presentations to existing and prospective donors.

• In collaboration with conservation staff develop and oversee priority habitat conservation projects in coordination with state and national science staff and partners in order to achieve the goals of Flight Plan.

• Maintain and foster culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters degree or higher in Avian Ecology Conservation Biology or closely related field preferred.

• 10 years of experience in natural resources management biology or related environmental or conservation work with at least 3 years of management experience leading professional teams and/or programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Must be well-versed in conservation biology field-based research and knowledge of local and regional birds and other wildlife. Strong understanding of the value of and previous experience supporting community science.

• Knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of people values and current conservation and policy issues throughout North Carolina. Demonstrated understanding of conservation issues in North Carolina is a must.

• A strategic influencer one with excellent leadership and collaborative ethics as demonstrated in previous work. Must possess strong interpersonal and social skills and a positive attitude.

• Proven fundraising experience to include writing and overseeing grants cultivating and managing individual donors as well as foundations and other public agencies.

• Must be motivated and willing to work in a flexible non-structured environment.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proficiency with electronic platforms for administration including Microsoft Office as well as knowledge of GIS technologies.

• Ability and willingness to travel locally and out-of-state and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job demands.

• Valid North Carolina drivers license is required and access to personal vehicle.

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on varying terrain with or without accommodation; must be able to transport field equipment at times with or without accommodation.

• Commitment to Audubons organizational values of care collaboration change integrity impact and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.

Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future.

Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding.

Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding managing and supporting organizational or systemic transformations including considering diverse needs and perspectives.

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal state or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process please contact .This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.