Program Director, Boreal Conservation

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

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Vice President, Boreal Conservation, the Program Director, Boreal Conservation will manage, strengthen, and expand Audubon’s Boreal Conservation program in Canada working towards the protection of one of the world’s largest remaining intact forest biomes. They will be charged with coordinating and managing complex collaborative projects that support IPCAs, supporting and building upon existing relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities and with like-minded partner NGOs.
An experienced and credible leader in support of Indigenous-led conservation efforts underway in Canada, the Program Director will work collaboratively with Boreal Conservation and Audubon Americas national and regional policy, conservation, science, communications and engagement staff on Indigenous-led conservation priorities. The Program Director will work to coordinate, integrate and connect Boreal Conservation priorities within other Audubon programs including Audubon Americas, Conservation, Science, Coasts – Seabird Institute, and priority states and centers.
The Program Director will build upon existing Boreal Conservation collaborations, lead our day-to-day Indigenous collaboration and NGO partnership coalition work, assist in building strategic partnerships that advance Audubon’s objectives and help train other Audubon staff in Indigenous collaboration-related work. The Program Director will manage large grants and identify and cultivate promising new funding opportunities in collaboration with the VP, Boreal Conservation and development staff.

Compensation

• $115,000/year -$120,000/year

Essential Functions

• Develop, manage and coordinate collaborative project work to support priority Indigenous-led conservation efforts and engagement with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities, with partner NGOs and with provincial/territorial governments.
• Identify, develop, manage, and coordinate strategic engagement opportunities with other Audubon program areas, state offices and centers as well as Audubon Americas program areas.
• Develop project tracking framework and measurable goals for Audubon’s Boreal Conservation program and track progress toward these goals.
• Collaborate with Audubon Boreal Communications Senior Communications Manager and other communications staff to present clear, consistent public messaging for Audubon’s Boreal Conservation program work.
• Help raise Audubon’s leadership profile and visibility with donors, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• In partnership with the Vice President, Boreal Conservation and development team, help secure funds from individuals, foundations, and government agencies and develop partnerships and relationships with funders, donors, and strategic partners to support and grow Audubon’s Boreal Conservation program capacity.
• Manage grant deliverables and track grant spending related to the Boreal Conservation program.
• Partner with Audubon staff to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into the Boreal Conservation program.
Other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of experience working in Boreal conservation issues in Canada including working directly with many Indigenous leaders and organizations across Canada and with Canadian NGOs and funders of conservation work in Canada.
• In-depth knowledge of Indigenous-led conservation initiatives currently underway across Canada.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• Experience in managing annual program budget of at least $1 million; involving dozens of contracts and complex funding agreements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, diplomacy, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Excellent, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working with diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging as a core component of our work.
• Willingness and ability to travel for key meetings with staff, funders and other important stakeholders.
• Master’s degree in public policy, political science, biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Interest in conservation and the mission and programs of the National Audubon Society, including our principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

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.

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COVID Policy

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