Director of Conservation

~ San Diego Audubon Society (SDAS) is a non-profit organization working to promote the protection and appreciation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in and around San Diego County. ~

San Diego Audubon leads the way in fostering knowledge and appreciation of the natural world and seeks to become an even more significant resource for our communities through our education, environmental recreation, and numerous conservation programs. San Diego County has more animals and plants on the endangered species list than any other county in the U.S. This is one of the many indications of the threats faced by our region. And yet our focus is one of hope and enthusiasm – we believe we can make a positive difference for the future of our wild places and the creatures that live there.

Members of San Diego Audubon join in dozens of birding trips each year, participate in hands-on habitat restoration projects, work directly to protect endangered species such as the California Least Tern, and explore our two wildlife preserves. Monthly membership meetings feature exciting and informative presentations. Our office is open each weekday to answer questions and help you connect with the programs you are most interested in. Each year, hundreds of students receive natural history lessons through our OutdoorExplore! Program, and many volunteer at our habitat restoration work parties

Position Overview

We seek a highly-motivated individual with a professional background in grassroots environmental advocacy and policy, conservation science and planning, and habitat restoration to serve as our Director of Conservation. If you have both a passion for and strong experience in environmental advocacy, endangered species protection and habitat restoration, excel at engaging partners, stakeholders, and volunteers, and have excellent project management and writing skills, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Environmental policy and advocacy: Monitor and respond to local and regional policies and projects likely to have an impact on natural resources; advocate on behalf of wildlife and their habitats with government agencies, politicians, and industry to build consensus and support for regional conservation priorities.
• Habitat restoration and conservation planning: In close collaboration with other conservation staff and volunteers, direct on-the-ground habitat restoration and conservation planning efforts of significant regional importance in protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitats, including the ReWild Mission Bay project.
• Program development: Direct the strategic expansion of the Conservation Program and manage a diverse portfolio of conservation projects; work collaboratively with the SDAS Executive Director and Conservation Chair to identify areas of emerging conservation concern and opportunities to meaningfully engage with partners and mobilize members on these issues throughout San Diego County.
• Project management: Manage complex project budgets and timelines, provide invoices to multiple funders, track performance to budget and task, and manage funder reporting requirements.

Note: A detailed list of specific responsibilities can be found here.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment and passion for the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Ornithology, Public Policy or a related field required. Masters or higher level degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of direct work experience in related environmental or conservation work, preferably with a focus on natural resources, wildlife, and birds.
• Experience working or volunteering at a 501c3 non-profit is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing complex, multifaceted conservation initiatives.
• Demonstrable experience and commitment to grassroots based advocacy, volunteer engagement, and skill in reviewing and commenting on environmental documents.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and statewide conservation issues, local, state, and federal regulations intended to protect wildlife, and fields of science that relate to wildlife conservation.
• Proven record in program and project management including designing and evaluating conservation projects, supervising staff and volunteers, coordinating stakeholder groups, developing, writing, and managing grants, and raising program funds.
• Outgoing people-person with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Confident and persuasive public speaking skills, including the ability to express conservation and science issues in an easy to understand and motivating manner.
• Very organized and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks.
• Hard working, self-motivated, effective, and able to work in a team setting.
• Advanced proficiency with productivity software, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Typewriting speed minimum 50 WPM.
• GIS experience is a plus.
• Spanish language skills highly desirable and bicultural individuals are encouraged to apply.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to participate in conservation and development events.
• Some work activities require lifting up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Annual salary range for this position is $45,000 to $57,000, commensurate with experience.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, including flexible work schedules, family sick leave, paid health insurance, vacation leave, and SIMPLE-IRA 3% matching retirement benefit after the first calendar year of employment. Full benefit details are provided by request.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume as a single PDF with “Director of Conservation” in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• Applications in other formats, such as Word documents, will also be accepted.
• No phone calls, please.
• If your application cannot be submitted electronically, mailed applications or applications
  delivered by hand to our office are also accepted at the address below:

Chris Redfern, Executive Director
San Diego Audubon Society
4010 Morena Blvd, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92117

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled at any time. The
  first review of applications will begin September 1, 2018.

~ San Diego Audubon Society is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. San Diego Audubon is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment reflecting the diversity of our community in its board, staff, volunteers, and members and ensuring its internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advance its diversity goals. ~