Director, Geospatial Science

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Alaska, the Director of Geospatial Science will lead the geospatial science portfolio for Audubon Alaska and will provide science and technical guidance to conservation and policy staff. The Director of Geospatial Science will build on the office’s rich history of developing award-winning and impactful geospatial science products.

The Director of Geospatial Science will have a deep knowledge of Geographic Information Science (GIS), spatial analysis and its strategic application to conservation issues, and a strong understanding of resource and ecosystem management in Alaska. The Director will work with conservation and policy teams to strategize, design, and conduct geospatial and other scientific analyses to inform conservation strategies and help meet program and organizational goals. The position will also participate in collaborative work with groups of internal and external scientists, conservation partners, and Tribal governments, among other entities.

This is an on-site, hybrid, or remote position. Anchorage and/or Alaska-based would be preferred.

Compensation

$100,000 - $115,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Direct, manage, and oversee the spatial science program at Audubon Alaska, including managing projects, teams, budgets, contractors, data, and workforce decisions.
• Work collaboratively as a member of conservation and policy teams to understand complex conservation issues, develop strategies, and find science-based solutions to inform decision making, policy proposals, and conservation interventions.
• Design and perform spatial and statistical analyses using statistical software and ESRI tools including R and/or Python, Spatial Analyst, and ArcGIS Pro.
• Foster partnerships within the science team and the broader Audubon community, and with NGOs, government agencies, and Tribal governments.
• Manage geospatial and other data, including coordinating data-sharing with internal and external partners.
• Create effective and clear data visualization of geospatial information through cartographic design, which may include printed materials and using web-based applications such as ArcGIS Online and Google Maps.
• Present research findings, either virtually or in-person, for professional conferences, meetings, and internal and external working groups, such as with other NGOs, universities, or government entities.
• In partnership with conservation staff, develop reports and publications.
• Manage staff, including but not limited to performance management, objective setting, coaching, recruitment and mentoring.
• Maintain expertise and stay current in the GIS field by attending meetings and conferences, reviewing relevant literature, and participating in relevant listservs, and academic societies.
• Identify and work on technical and/or conservation problems that may be complex and undefined.
• 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 or PhD) in environmental studies, ecology, biology, geography, geospatial science, or a related field.
• 10 years of applied GIS and science experience, including at least 3 years of program and staff management experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• A deep knowledge of Geographic Information Science, spatial analysis and its strategic application to conservation and climate issues, Alaska’s ecosystems and ecology, and a foundational understanding of conservation opportunities and needs within the region.
• Exceptional project management skills and experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals and project deadlines, managing third-party contracts, conducting required reporting and tracking, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• Demonstrated experience in automated statistical analysis in R and/or Python.
• Demonstrated experience in remote sensing and land cover classification methods, including machine learning methods.
• Experience with and knowledge of numerical modeling, including Bayesian approaches.
• Expertise in the use of ArcGIS Pro or open-source GIS platforms; familiarity with ArcGIS Online strongly preferred.
• Experience communicating information to a variety of audiences through static and interactive map visualizations.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Publication-quality scientific writing skills and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• A demonstrated record of success in initiating and maintaining partnerships with a diverse suite of groups, including Tribal governments, local officials, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and/or other non-profit partners.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience thinking strategically and creatively while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent judgment in scientific analysis and team cooperation, including the ability to work independently and collaborate well with colleagues across a decentralized organization.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office and web-based products.
• 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.
• 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. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• 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.