National Audubon Society

Director, Mississippi River Program

New Orleans, LA · Director

Sponsorship not specified$115k-$129kDetected 30 days ago

AccessibilityStrategic CommunicationsLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingMentoringPublic Speaking

About the role

Audubon's Water for Birds and People Initiative is a key element of our strategic plan, focused on ensuring clean and abundant water in rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and marshes in landscapes where this is paramount to birds and communities.
This position reports to the Senior Director, Water for Birds and People.
An experienced and credible environmental leader, the Director will work collaboratively with cross-functional Audubon colleagues on water issues throughout the watershed.

Responsibilities

This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.
Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future.
The Director will build upon existing Mississippi River water conservation programs, act as a spokesperson for the program, lead our coalition work in this area and build strategic partnerships that advance Audubon's objectives.
Lead implementation and further development of Audubon's Mississippi River watershed (MRW) conservation and policy agenda, including engagement efforts that advance our goals and build our network, and track progress towards those goals.
Collaborate with regional offices and external partners for on-the-ground conservation work that supports the River, with a focus on expanding the use of nature-based solutions to achieve conservation results.
Collaborate with Audubon's government affairs and policy teams on Mississippi River related policy issues.
Implement and evolve a comprehensive water conservation strategy across the Mississippi River watershed in collaboration with Audubon colleagues across geographies and functions, to support policy and conservation efforts throughout the Mississippi River basin.
Serve as Audubon's spokesperson for engagement with key high-level state and federal officials and develop and maintain relationships with critical agencies and district offices within them, particularly, but not limited to, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Work with communications and policy staff around strategic communications and digital organizing that support Audubon's MRW conservation priorities, including writing public policy position documents, fact sheets, articles and blogs, newsletters, press releases and social media posts.
In partnership with Development and Public Funding teams, support a culture of philanthropy by helping 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 capacity to implement diverse and effective MRW programs.

Requirements

10+ years' progressive experience in policy, advocacy, science and/or public service.
Experience in and knowledge of water policy, wildlife conservation, and related issues in the Mississippi River watershed.
Ability to synthesize and effectively communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Willingness and ability to travel for key meetings with staff, funders and other important stakeholders, and working some evenings and weekends as required.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
10+ years' progressive experience in policy, advocacy, science and/or public service. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated experience overseeing complex projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key partners.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects effectively
Understanding of current policy trends in water related to the Mississippi River, wildlife management, water resources, navigation, climate change, agriculture, land and water conservation, Indigenous or Tribal law, with experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, diplomacy, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal, including substantial public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively represent Audubon to members, state and federal elected officials, donors, and chapter leaders, as well as in traditional and social media.
Demonstrated success with fundraising, in particular with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders.
Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field required.
Advanced degree preferred.

Compensation

Salary range based on geo-differentials:
$115,000 - $129,000 / year = Albuquerque, NM
$129,000 - $145,000 / year = Albany, NY
$144,000 - $162,000 / year = New York, NY; Oakland, CA

Benefits

Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action.
Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.

Company info

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