Community Engagement Coordinator

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a sanctuary for birds and nature lovers, set in park land created from a former industrial site in the heart of downtown Columbus, along the Scioto River. The 18,000 sq. ft. building, surrounded by a 120-acre metro park, brings visitors from the community and beyond for onsite engagement programs, as well as special public and private events.

Reporting to the Engagement Manager, the Community Engagement Coordinator will be essential in connecting community to nature by way of the environment. The Community Engagement Coordinator’s primary responsibility will be to develop and lead educational programs, field trips and camps, as well as execute all facets of the visitor experience including interacting with guests at the reception desk. The candidate must be highly motivated in their work with the public and create an environment of discovery and learning while promoting a high level of fun energy.

This position works Monday through Friday and occasional evenings, weekends, or special events.

Compensation

• $18.00 to $20.00/hourly

Essential Functions

• Develop, lead and execute Conservation Classroom, fieldtrips, Audubon Adventure summer camp and public programming activities, including but not limited bird walks, kayaking and Art at Audubon.
• Partner with the Engagement Manager to develop a calendar of events that honors diverse perspectives and provides deep connection to the Center and other programming including, but not limited to, public outreach tabling events and seasonal events.
• Oversee and carry out animal care for all center ambassador animals including, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, budget oversight, supply/food ordering, veterinary needs, permit renewal and record upkeep.
• Assist with daily operations (opening, closing, staff on duty) and basic facility needs.
• Assist the Public Engagement Manager with internal budgeting and marketing needs.
• Collaborate with GIAC staff to create positive and fun visitor experience.
• Recruit, train, and work with volunteers to assist with education programs and outreach, engagement activities and animal care.
• Create, develop, and maintain innovative partnerships and relationships with other entities that further Audubon’s goals and leverage limited staff and financial resources
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated in Center programming.

Other duties as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• 1+ years professional experience in formal/informal education, environmental education, interpretation, visitor engagement, programming, outreach, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Two or more years of coursework/or the equivalent work experience in education, biology, ecology, environmental or natural sciences.
• Must have a desire to educate, engage and connect a diverse audience of all ages, with an emphasis on youth, , about the nature and conservation of the natural resources of Ohio inspiring participation and calls to action.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact positively with everyday visitors and program participants alike, serving as a role model.
• Must have excellent judgement and the ability to recognize hazards in the program setting, as well as, physical symptoms of visitor/program attendee injury or illness.
• Be able to observe program attendee behavior, to respond verbally to health or safety concerns, and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior.
• Must be self-motivated, flexible and able to think strategically and creatively, multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation, required.
• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion as a core component of our work.
• Excellent organizational skills related to the instruction of children and families.
• High Degree of personal initiative, flexibility, energy and common sense when dealing with children.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and climb or traverse both paved and unpaved, uneven trails.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend kneel, reach and twist with or without accommodation.
• Have current certification in First Aid and CPR or ability to acquire certification upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

EEO Statement

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.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.