Audubon seeks a dynamic Executive Director to build on Audubon Pennsylvania’s (APA) rich history and expand its contributions to conservation in Pennsylvania, the greater mid-Atlantic region, and throughout the entire Atlantic Flyway, leading the organization to its next level of programmatic and financial success. This is a high profile, pivotal opportunity for a conservation professional to be an environmental entrepreneur in representing Audubon’s mission.
The Executive Director will be the chief executive officer for Audubon Pennsylvania and will exercise broad leadership and management responsibility in developing statewide conservation policy, initiatives, and public programming. The Executive Director will hold the title of Vice President within the national organization and will report directly to the Chief Conservation Officer. In addition to the Chief Conservation Officer, the Director will work with senior management including the Senior Vice President, Conservation/Senior Advisor to the CEO. With the input of National Audubon leadership, the Director will explore the feasibility of expanding APA’s leadership in the mid-Atlantic region to include the Chesapeake and Delaware watersheds. The successful candidate will have the passion and leadership skills necessary to articulate, develop, and implement Audubon’s conservation goals and strategies in the state, all while working closely with the Audubon Pennsylvania Board of Directors and staff, and Audubon’s key national conservation leaders to continue to develop the state program in tandem with strategic regional and national priorities.
Audubon Pennsylvania is part of a network of 22 National Audubon Society State offices that advance state and local conservation policies, conduct on-the-ground work and educational programming and contribute to the goals of hemispheric-scale conservation priorities of the organization. APA has a staff of 22 and an annual budget of approximately $2 million.
The region includes the John James Audubon Center in Mill Grove and several offices across the state. Additionally there is Audubon PA’s cutting edge Discovery Center at Fairmount Park, a joint venture between the National Audubon Society and Outward Bound. Audubon Pennsylvania works with a network of 21 affiliated local Audubon Chapters, and 30,000 grassroots members, plus various conservation organizations, government agencies, and other public and private entities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy Development and Organizational Leadership:
• Develop strategic goals and initiatives to increase statewide capacity to achieve the conservation of priority birds and their habitats in alignment with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies. Priorities include forest habitat and watershed conservation, Important Bird Areas (IPAs), urban conservation and community outreach and education.
• In conjunction with senior management, explore opportunities and the feasibility of expanding APA’s leadership in the mid-Atlantic region to include the Chesapeake and Delaware watersheds.
• In collaboration with other National Audubon senior managers and the East Park Learning and Conservation Center (EPLACC) Board of Directors, provide oversight and leadership in the construction, program development, fundraising and community outreach for The Discovery Center, a joint project of Audubon and Outward Bound in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
• Provide leadership, management, and mentoring to staff of 22.
• Focus resources on the most critical, high-leverage projects and strategies, including policy development and public engagement. Leverage the impact of Audubon Pennsylvania’s Centers and Sanctuaries to achieve state and Flyway goals.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the state office, including setting financial and programmatic goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective actions, in close collaboration with Pennsylvania’s staff; ensure that Audubon meets all financial standards, operating policies, programmatic commitments, and legal requirements.
Fundraising and External Relations:
• Represent Audubon Pennsylvania throughout the state and raise its profile and visibility to funders, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Along with appropriate development staff, lead Audubon Pennsylvania’s fundraising to cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, corporations and government agencies for Audubon Pennsylvania and to increase contributions significantly. Play an active role in helping to promote fundraising for regional priority projects across the Atlantic Flyway working with other state directors, the program managers and other supporting staff.
• Work closely with the Audubon Pennsylvania Board of Directors to support the efforts of APA in continuing the development of a strong statewide organization through fundraising, program development, and conservation advocacy.
• Work closely with, support and provide guidance to Pennsylvania Chapters to expand Audubon’s capacity for on-the-ground conservation and education. Work to strengthen the statewide presence of Audubon.
• Continuously seek out ways to engage Pennsylvania’s diverse population in Audubon programs.
• Work with government departments and non-governmental organizations to promote and prioritize bird science and habitat conservation.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, conservation or related field required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressively professional experience including 3-5 years at a senior management level with comparable staff and budget responsibilities.
• Possess strong leadership skills, an entrepreneurial spirit along with strong business and management skills, and a demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, donors, and potential partners.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising; specifically, proven experience in soliciting major donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders.
• Strong organizational leadership skills; possess extensive experience in public policy development, advocacy, campaigns, lobbying, and/or involvement in the state legislature and in working with members of Congress.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a highly matrixed, complex organization.
• Strong ability to influence and persuade others required.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and have excellent judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and to build coalitions with a wide range of individuals and organizations at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Comfort with and an interest in leveraging technology to maximize conservation impact and network engagement. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, budgeting systems and donor databases.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal; substantial public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively represent Audubon Pennsylvania to its members, state and federal elected officials, donors, and chapter leaders, as well as in traditional and social media.
• Knowledge, appreciation, and a connection to Pennsylvania and its environment, conservation and political history; and understand the role of science in developing conservation strategies.
• Travel routinely throughout the state and nationally, as required.
• Of utmost importance is a commitment to the mission, values, and programs of Audubon Pennsylvania and the National Audubon Society.
COMPENSATION
An attractive and competitive compensation package, commensurate with level of experience, is available along with a robust benefits package.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Carmel Napolitano, Senior Consultant
Sarah Waldbott, Recruitment Associate
DRG Executive Search Consultant
275 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016
Fax: (212) 983-1687
To Apply or Submit a Recommendation:
Please Submit a Resume and Cover Letter.
E-mail: Audubon-PA@drgnyc.com
Visit us at: www.drgnyc.com
This position description is based upon materials provided by National Audubon Society.
