Manager – Conservation

Manager – Conservation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, public policy or related field.
• 5 + years field experience in conservation planning and/or habitat restoration and enhancement techniques. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Ability to manage complex projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus among diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, writing scientific reports, and writing for a general, non-science audience.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate diverse audiences.
• Comfort navigating contentious regulatory and political issues to seek common ground with diverse interests.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to coordinate complex projects.
• Excellent judgement and a strong concern for safety of staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain, with or without accommodation, while maintaining a positive attitude and setting an example for intern crews.
• Ability to understand and explain the connection between conservation outcomes and public policy.
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to travel throughout the Great Lakes’ region. Reliable transportation required.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evenings, early mornings, and weekends as the job demands.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, track and report on habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
• Identify opportunities, develop proposals, and secure funding for habitat projects. Once secured, serve as project manager and fulfill reporting obligations as required.
• In coordination with the Director of Conservation, build large and diverse partnerships to influence habitat management in priority geographies through monitoring, communication, and landscape-planning with landowners and land managers. Organize and run meetings and build strategies to strengthen existing and new partnerships.
• Provide support for Audubon Great Lakes’ Community Building strategies, including habitat-related internships and volunteers.
• When needed, supervise temporary staff and/or volunteers through establishment of work objectives and priorities, reviewing and revising these objectives on an ongoing basis to guide and mentor team members in their work progress.
• Oversee contractual habitat restoration and enhancement implementation.
• Work with Great Lakes conservation colleagues and national science staff to improve the application of research and monitoring results, as well as continue to refine conservation targets with regional agency and NGO partners.
• Develop and communicate an understanding of local ecosystems and restoration best practices.
• Serve as a public representative of Audubon, which may include presentations, public speaking, meeting participation and other interactions with agencies, NGOs, Chapters and landowners to both gather and disseminate information.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.
• Frequent travel for site visits, presentations, contractor coordination, public meetings, and partner-led events.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.