Manager, Public Programs

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 Manager, Public Programs will be the primary connection between Aullwood Audubon and its constituents, members, visitors, customers, learners, and teachers. It will also play a lead role in planning, developing, managing, and executing the education programs, exhibits, and social media outreach that drive attendance and expand the reach of Aullwood in the greater Miami Valley region, the State of Ohio, and beyond. The primary goals of this position will be to diversify and grow Aullwood’s audience and community science initiatives.

Compensation:

$60,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Manage education team including 3 full time environmental educators as well as camp counselors, and other part-time or temporary staff as needed.
• Research and develop programs that forge closer connections to the local community, increasing access to, awareness of, interest in, and appreciation for Aullwood and the goals of the National Audubon Society.
• Serve as the Center’s primary professional for education and community engagement, leading the growth and development of educational and public programs.
• Cultivate sustainable partnerships with communities and organizations that have been excluded from environmental and conservation work, specifically Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), or people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, etc.
• Develop and implement conservation focused programs that advance the understanding and conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats, as well as sustainable farming practices and engage people of diverse backgrounds.
• Develop and track metrics to measure effectiveness of programs as they relate to science and other educational standards.
• Identify trends and needs in education, specifically the use of new technologies in education, and design programmatic responses to those needs including preparation of program descriptions and narratives for grant applications.
• Develop appropriate engagement strategies, and partner with marketing staff to ensure effective promotion of programs using both print and electronic media.
• Seek grant funding for educational and outreach programming in coordination with relevant staff, participate in the planning, preparation, tracking and compliance with reporting requirements of grants.
• Experience and understanding of the exhibit process, particularly as it relates to live animal exhibitions
• Cultivate existing collaborations and forge new programmatic partnerships with cultural organizations and community groups.
• Assess the need for volunteers to enhance program/service, deliver, develop, and implement goals and objectives for the volunteer program which reflect the mission of the Center.
• Establish and oversee operational budget that drives revenue and manages cost ratios for programs
• Work with management team on implementation of strategic plan and goals.
• Procure, negotiate, contract, and manage relationships with outside program facilitators, exhibitors and contractors that supply essential services and equipment.
• Represent Aullwood Audubon in the education community, particularly with local schools and educational institutions.
• Cultivate a cohesive team of professionals with a passion for growth, excellence, and diversity.
• Develop meaningful community partnerships to leverage institutional resources.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, or education related field, Master’s degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• 5+ year’s experience creating and executing environmental education programs, preferably in an informal education setting and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a management position.
• Knowledge of current trends in nature centers, education, museum, or cultural attraction programming.
• Experience managing budgets, including profit and loss and measuring program metrics.
• Proven competence managing program logistics, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment.
• Clear track record of success in operational roles a must – demonstrated experience taking ideas from concept to design to execution and linking objectives and outcomes to strategic goals.
• Proven experience networking, engaging, and successfully cultivating diverse community partners and partnership projects.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing and grant compliance and management.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
• Technically savvy, proficient with Microsoft Office suite and comfort using web-based engagement systems.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lead hikes and programs outdoors, year-round and in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain and the ability to lift heavy objects (up to 40 lbs.) with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, grab and reach on uneven surfaces for extended periods of time.

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.