Director of Conservation

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Alaska, the Director of Conservation is a senior leadership team member and will play a crucial role in creating and executing conservation priorities for Alaska. The Director of Conservation will lead the development of conservation objectives and the implementation of conservation strategies throughout Alaska, ensuring alignment with the goals and values of the National Audubon Society. The person in this role will oversee Audubon’s work to expand and defend ecosystem conservation for both terrestrial and marine environments by collaborating with partners such as Tribal governments, federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, local Audubon chapters, universities, and businesses.

The Director of Conservation will lead a dynamic portfolio of conservation actions across Alaska grounded in efforts to address the growing threats of biodiversity loss and climate change.  Audubon’s conservation strategies focus on public lands, coasts and water, climate, and sustainable development. The Director of Conservation will expand existing programs and develop new programs across the region in ways that engage communities, safeguard habitats, increase climate resiliency, and benefit target species of wildlife. The Director of Conservation will manage the conservation staff and collaborate closely with the Vice President to develop conservation priorities and strategies for the region. This team member will be responsible for identifying and developing funding proposals to organizations, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

This is an on-site, hybrid, or remote position in Alaska (Anchorage strongly preferred).

Compensation:

$100,000 - $115,000 / year

Essential Functions

• In close collaboration with the Vice President, further Audubon’s work as a trusted conservation partner that effectively advances and defends ecological protections across Alaska for the benefits of birds, other wildlife, and people.

• Develop and implement impactful conservation strategies for the benefit of birds, wildlife habitats, and human communities across Alaska.

• Maximize Audubon’s conservation impact by collaborating across Audubon’s hemisphere-wide science, conservation, engagement, communications, policy, and development teams.

• Strengthen Audubon Alaska’s conservation work by building, leading, and contributing to meaningful partnerships and coalitions with a network of Tribal governments, land and wildlife management agencies, universities, NGOs, and scientists.

• Design, implement, and direct measures of success focused on birds and habitat across priority landscapes.

• Provide technical expertise related to Alaska conservation science and policy to internal and external audiences and partners.

• Act as a spokesperson for Audubon’s state-level conservation work in regional consortia, the media, and other public forums.

• Manage staff, including but not limited to performance management, objective setting, coaching, recruitment, and mentoring. Engage volunteers, as needed, to implement Audubon’s conservation programs.

• Assist in securing public and private funding to support conservation programs within and connected to the region. Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (MS, JD, PhD) in natural resource management, environmental law, ecology, development economics, or a related field.

• 10 years of experience in conservation, public policy, or related environmental work, including at least 3 years of management experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• A deep understanding of natural resource and conservation law and policy in Alaska, including the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act.

• Demonstrated cultural competency, a deep understanding of subsistence resources and practices, and a commitment to working inclusively with Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and rural communities.

• Demonstrated experience working with public agencies on land or marine management planning and conservation policies.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non‐technical audiences.

• Strong leadership and a collaborative ethic, as demonstrated in previous work.

• Fundraising experience, including writing and overseeing grants, cultivating and managing individual donors, and writing proposals for foundation support.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Proven record of strong project and time management abilities.

• Experience or demonstrated interest in conservation finance is desirable.

• Must be comfortable with traveling as job demands and occasional overnight travel, as necessary.

• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands. Willingness to travel in cars, planes, boats, and other vehicles.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Grades 7-9 

Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.  

Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future. 

Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding. 

Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives.  

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.  

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.

Salary : $100,000 - $115,000