Senior Coordinator – Education and Volunteer Outreach

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

Audubon’s New York City youth education programs focus on increasing people's knowledge and awareness about birds, other wildlife, and the natural world; guides them to change their behaviors and attitudes to be more active participants in our conservation work saving birds and protecting habitat; and teaches new problem-solving skills needed to make informed decisions and take responsible action.

We offer place-based, experiential programs for elementary through early career that engage in environmental issues through the unique and relatable lens of birds. These learning opportunities not only provide knowledge of local bird species and habitats, but also encourage a sense of ecological identity in one’s own community and empower the community to take an active, lifelong interest in protecting their local environment for both birds and people.

Our flagship program, For the Birds! enhances the traditional elementary and middle school curriculum and provides foundational skills and knowledge in bird conservation while our LARK (Learn, Advocate, Rise-up, and Keep Conserving) program works with high school and young adult students with taking action on local conservation issues and developing their careers in the conservation field.

Under the supervision of the NYC Youth Education Program Manager, the Education and Volunteer Outreach Senior Coordinator will provide leadership, direction, and organization for all NYC Youth (k-12) Education Programs throughout the five boroughs of NYC, with a particular focus on schools located within Environmental Justice neighborhoods. This position will oversee day-to-day activities that support For the Birds! and LARK education programs and activities, including booking and invoicing programs, maintaining an accurate education program calendar, and assigning education staff to deliver programs. Additionally, the Education and Volunteer Outreach Senior Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and training recurring volunteers to support NYC education programs and develop and implement a volunteer outreach strategy to increase participation from under-resourced communities.

Essential Functions

· Responsible for coordination and implementation of NYC Youth Education program activities throughout the five boroughs of NYC and effectively oversee day-to-day activities that support For the Birds! and LARK education programs; Responsible for booking and invoicing programs, maintaining an accurate education program calendar, and assigning education staff to deliver programs.
· Work collaboratively with education staff on the development of classroom teaching and outdoor materials that promote place-based learning.
· Adhere to NY State and National learning standards while promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.
· Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience with advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
· Create bird conservation focused education materials for classrooms that include clear learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship.
· Work collaboratively with Audubon staff and partner agencies to recruit, screen, and train high school and adult volunteers to help support NYC Youth Education programs.
· Develop and implement a standardized training curriculum for short-term and recurring volunteers, with support of Audubon staff; plan and coordinate regularly scheduled volunteer trainings, meetings, and orientation programs.
· Develop, deliver, and facilitate information sessions and professional development opportunities for teachers and program partners.
· Maintain comprehensive records of program metrics and communications; assist with project reporting for grants and board reports.
· Represent Audubon and the NYC Youth Education Program at local, regional, and national events.
· Coordinate with Communications staff for promotional and public engagement opportunities.
· Attend tabling and outreach events to promote NYC Youth Education Program and work with partner organizations to recruit new business.
· Independently teach the NYC Youth Education Program curriculum at elementary, middle and high schools and other program sites; assist with field trips, habitat projects and other outdoor activities.
· Assist the NYC Youth Education Program Manager with working with established partners as well as seeking opportunities for new partnerships.
· Participate in various Audubon New York meetings, trainings and programs throughout the year.
· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

· Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental education, environmental science, formal education, Environmental Interpretation, Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, or related field.
· 2+ years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education; experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred. Proven experience working with and/or managing volunteers and/or interns also required.
· Experience working with students of different ages, and experience facilitating training in groups .
· Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.
· Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites.
· Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated organizational and time-management skills are a must.
· Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team including the ability to work with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
· Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, to think critically, to identify problems and take appropriate action, and to maintain organization in a fast-paced environment
· Ability to make decisions requiring good judgment and complete knowledge of subject matter, including task sequencing and office administration procedures.
· Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as required. Some programs and outreach events will require working outside of core (9-5pm) work hours.
· Must be able to traverse major pathways and trails of regional natural areas with students, including on uneven terrain.
· Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society; Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
· Must be comfortable using all forms of NYC public transportation; ability to travel within and outside NYC.

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

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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.