ID: 2018-3810
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Operations & Finance, the Center Manager is an important leader representing The Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC) as a cornerstone of Audubon Mississippi and as an integral part of National Audubon’s 43 Centers nationwide. S/he is expected to be a visionary thinker who can bring new programming opportunities to increase attendance, increase diversity of participants, and increase the Center’s sphere of influence at the local level. Center programming is developed in conjunction with relevant community members, partners and stakeholders. The Manager also performs daily tasks that ensure the center operates smoothly and visitors have positive experiences that can lead to more engagement with Audubon. This includes identification and implementation of programming, and coordinating staffing of all education, conservation programs and scheduled events, managing small gift store (updating inventory data, fulfilling on-line order sales, restocking gift shop merchandise) and assisting with center and office administration functions. In partnership with the Audubon Mississippi senior management team and key stakeholders, the Center Manager will identify which national core strategies (Climate, Working Lands, Water, Bird-Friendly Communities and Coastal Program) PRAC uses to address threats to local bird species. S/he will develop programs to address these conservation issues to birds in their geography with the community. In partnership with the Director of Operations & Finance, they are responsible for sound fiscal management of Center operations. Under the guidance of the national development team, they will aid in cultivating and maintaining relationships with current donors while identifying and expanding new funding and revenue opportunities including, but not limited to, grants, and special fundraising events.
Essential Functions
Program Development and Implementation:
•Oversee the development and implementation of programs that reflect and contribute to PRAC’s contribution to the overall NAS strategy, Audubon Mississippi and Mississippi Flyway Initiatives.
•Work closely with community stakeholders and Audubon Mississippi’s team to expand and integrate PRAC’s role in leading conservation initiatives.
•Establish on-site educational and outreach programs that contribute to the mission of Audubon Mississippi and the National Audubon Society.
•Evaluate the effectiveness of the center’s programs.
Leadership and Staff Management:
•Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Center’s mission, strategy, core program areas, and operating departments consistent with National Audubon’s strategic plan.
•Under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations & Finance, oversee all operational aspects of the center facilities, budgets, and programs; hire and effectively manage staff.
•Build committee capacity and engagement; develop and enhance relationships with local environmental and other community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders.
•With staff, help grow an active volunteer and intern program and adhere to National Audubon Society guidelines.
•Involve staff and key partners in developing measurable goals and action plans, as well as a process for monitoring and assessing progress
•Preserve and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, individual initiative, collegiality, and diversity; collaborate with staff to identify and implement best practices and evaluate outcomes, where applicable.
•Participate as an active and productive member of the Audubon Mississippi senior management team.
Fundraising and Budget:
•Under the guidance of the national development team, aid in cultivating and maintaining relationships with current donors while identifying and expanding new funding and revenue opportunities including, but not limited to, grants, and special fundraising events; Work with Director of Operations & Finance to ensure grant reporting and compliance;
•Enhance existing sources of earned income, including program revenue, camp and school program tuition, store sales, rental income, admissions, etc.
•Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the case for support of the Center’s program at community and fundraising events.
•Work with the Director of Operations & Finance to develop and deliver required budgeting and financial reporting.
Marketing and Community Outreach:
•Work with National Audubon and Audubon Mississippi communications staff, Center Advisory Committee and constituents to develop and implement a marketing and promotions plan for PRAC and its programs.
•Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations, and serve as PRAC’s spokesperson with the media.
Land and Facilities Management
•With state and center staff, oversee habitat management projects that enhance habitat for birds and other wildlife on Audubon property, and other areas in the community identified in the conservation planning process.
•Monitor and maintain facilities, anticipating and remedying deterioration, and possible safety problems to provide for visitor needs. Follow all National Audubon Society guidelines for facilities maintenance and capital budgeting. This may also include a capital campaign to upgrade facilities to allow for expansion of programs.
Qualifications and Experience
•Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Education, Non-profit Management, Environmental Studies, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
•Five years progressive leadership experience in multi-function nature centers, science museums, research centers, or field studies programs, to include staff, budget, and program management.
•Demonstrated success in fundraising and working with diverse funding sources.
•Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders, such as Advisory Committees, management and other NAS staff.
•Ability to think strategically and creatively, while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
•Project management experience, including managing budgets, grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects, required.
•Current working knowledge of social media and its place within advocacy or non-profit arenas. Online community management and network building experience a plus.
•Strong organizational and relationship building skills, excellent attention to detail.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office software required, ability to operate still and video camera and basic field equipment preferred
•Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
•Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
•Willing to work evenings and weekends as the job demands.
•Must be available for overnight travel and have valid Driver’s License.