ID: 2018-3860
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
With a 114-year presence on the North Carolina Coast, Audubon North Carolina (ANC) manages a system of sanctuaries on which the majority of North Carolina’s waterbirds depend for their survival. Resilient, healthy coastal eco¬systems not only benefit birds, they also serve as the first line of defense for coastal communities facing stronger, more frequent storms and sea level rise. That is why Audubon is advancing nature-based strategies to help the Atlantic shoreline weather the impacts of climate change. Central to this work is our vision to establish our Sanctuary at Pine Island in Corolla as globally recognized hub for science and learning that explores dynamic coastal systems and develops techniques that make human and wild communities resilient to rapid and disruptive change (e.g. sea level rise, and powerful and more frequent storms). We seek a motivated, dynamic individual as Program Manager, Coastal Resilience to advance our work with universities, coastal communities, and stakeholders to improve the health and resilience of North Carolina’s coastline.
Reporting to the ANC Executive Director, the Program Manager, Coastal Resilience will ensure that goals and objectives of our coastal resiliency work align with that of the National Audubon Society, Atlantic Flyway Coast Initiative, and other strategic priority programs/projects. S/he will collaborate with Audubon chapters and other state Audubon offices, external partners (such as the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NGOs, universities, etc.) to advance our vision to create a Center of Excellence for Coastal Resilience based at Audubon’s Pine Island Sanctuary in Corolla.
Essential Functions
Craft partnerships with key stakeholders along the North Carolina coast, with particular focus on the Currituck Sound region.
Lead the development and implementation of community and stakeholder engagement strategies focused on developing and implementing long-term solutions to the challenges facing our coast.
Drive the development of a comprehensive research agenda and portfolio aimed at understanding climate impacts and developing new, innovative, and cost-effective techniques for improving the resilience of coastal marshes and estuaries.
Ensure science and best practices at Pine Island and Currituck Sound are exported to the entire Atlantic Flyway and Gulf Coast.
Assist in Audubon’ s development activities, including researching and developing grant proposals, participating in fundraising activities, acting as a guide, and providing information as needed to Audubon’s Development team.
Qualifications and Experience
Demonstrated experience in initiating and maintaining creative partnerships with diverse groups, including local officials, businesses, NGOs, government agencies, private landowners, academic institutions and other non-profit partners.
Experience convening large groups and guiding them towards solutions.
MEM, JD, MBA or related graduate degree in a related field and 5 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to oversee teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills, a must.
Comfort with presenting and engaging in public speaking events also necessary.
A self-starter, one who is motivated, able to work in a decentralized work environment with minimal supervision, and juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
A willingness to travel extensively in-state, with significant time at our Pine Island Sanctuary, occasionally out-of-state, and be comfortable with working evening and weekends as the job responsibilities demand.