Overview:
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of approximately 450 local chapters, 120 campus chapters, 17 state and regional offices, 34 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion, and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
Position Summary:
Audubon Washington seeks a dynamic and strategic individual to lead and develop a strong statewide chapter network that helps Audubon Washington achieve conservation, education, science, and advocacy results at scale. Reporting to the VP/Executive Director, the Engagement Director will build upon and expand the reach and impact of the 25 chapters, the Seward Park Audubon Center (Seward Park or the Center) and a planned college chapters program. The Director will work to develop partnerships and ensure capacity building and training programs and opportunities to build connections, diversity, and strength of the network in the state. The Director will work collaboratively with other senior leaders in the state office to create and deliver coordinated outcomes across our Coastal, Climate, Working Lands, and Bird-Friendly Communities strategies.
The ideal candidate will be a skilled, experienced leader and a strategic thinker and have a background working with communities, environmental education, conservation and collaborative partnerships in Washington and the Pacific northwest.
Essential Functions:
- Design, implement, and evaluate an engagement plan for Audubon Washington that includes the 25 chapters across the state and the Seward Park Audubon Center.
- In partnership with the Center Director, develop a plan to locally implement the new Audubon Center strategy and ensure scalable education programming that serves not only the south Seattle community but expands the Center’s reach and impact.
- Work with the chapters to identify a clear set of priorities and opportunities that strengthen chapter capacity and increase the collective impact of chapter education programs, community science, local conservation, and state-wide advocacy.
- Oversee the regional and annual state conferences for AWA. Develop networking and learning opportunities between and amongst chapters using both virtual and in-person activities and events.
- Establish college and university chapters in key geographies throughout the region.
- Develop and implement evaluation and reporting structure for programs to measure efficiency of community engagement efforts and alignment with national and regional organizational goals.
- In collaboration with AWA leadership and NAS network and campaign teams, develop strategies and support the implementation of engagement and advocacy campaigns at state level.
- Work closely with other directors at AWA and program leads at NAS to share responsibility and ensure success of cross-organizational initiatives.
- Build alliances with organizations across the political spectrum.
- Oversee Center staff and Chapter Network Manager. Establish work objectives and priorities, conduct performance evaluations, and provide career development opportunities.
- Work with development staff to identify donor and funder prospects and maintain a small portfolio of key funders. Develop and write grants to fund projects.
- Partner with finance and development to track and ensure that revenue goals are met from grants, philanthropy and earned revenue and expenses.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, non-profit management or related field, or appropriate professional experience
- 8 – 10 years progressive leadership and management experience to include demonstrated success developing, directing, and managing staff and multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Proven ability to manage change and lead by example, experience with diverse staff preferred.
- Proven success with creating and executing strategic direction and plans for organization.
- Proven ability to collaborate with diverse organizational partners, stakeholder, and personalities.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and working with diverse funding sources.
- Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and ability to work independently.
- Strong organizational and time management skills; must be able to make decisions, delegate responsibilities, and supervise and mentor staff.
- Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and can be used to build consensus. Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, and an ability to quickly learn new software programs for office operations.
- Experience working with and leading volunteers.
- Willingness to travel frequently and to work some weekends and evenings when necessary.
- Interest, understanding and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. An ability to communication Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.