Center Director, Sharon Audubon Center

National Audubon Society•Sharon, CT

5d•$103,000 - $116,000•Onsite

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial manager and conservation leader to oversee the Sharon Audubon Center and serve as Audubon’s local leader in Sharon, Connecticut, and the surrounding area. In partnership with Audubon CT/NY leadership and staff, the Center Director is responsible for operating, managing, and fundraising for the Sharon Center, Miles Center and Sanctuary, and advancing Audubon’s mission in the local community. The role manages a current staff of four and reports to the Senior Director of Conservation Action Centers, CT NY. The Center Director provides collaborative leadership for the Center’s vision and programs; oversees staff, facilities, budgets, habitat stewardship, and operations; and develops and implements fundraising and financial sustainability plans. The role also oversees education and engagement programs, youth leadership development, resident bird and animal care, property stewardship, facility maintenance, safety protocols, and compliance with organizational policies. The Director represents the Center on Audubon CT/NY’s senior staff leadership team and works with colleagues across the Americas to advance shared priorities. The position is based on-site at the Sharon Audubon Center in Sharon, CT. Some remote work is possible at the supervisor’s discretion. Some travel and occasional weekend and evening work are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field, education, biology, recreation management, nature-based tourism, or business administration.
At least 10 years of experience leading interpretive or environmental programming in traditional or non-traditional settings.
One to two years of experience in staff management and facility operations.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Operational skills, including budget management, organizational planning, resource and time management, and infrastructure development.
Demonstrated fundraising success and experience working with diverse funding sources.
Talent-management skills and demonstrated success hiring, managing, and mentoring staff.
Experience providing organizational vision while managing day-to-day program activities and operational details.
Strong facilitation and negotiation skills, including creating collaboration and consensus among internal and external stakeholders.
Adaptability when priorities shift and comfort interacting with and presenting to individual visitors and large groups.
Self-starter with initiative, ideas for expansion, and systems-oriented thinking.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn other computer programs.
Appreciation of and commitment to conservation and Connecticut’s natural resources.
Ability to work some weekends and evenings as needed.
Ability to travel as required.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
Ability to traverse 3–5 miles on trails and perform tasks requiring moderate physical exertion outdoors, in all weather, and on moderately difficult terrain, with or without accommodation.
Knowledge of wildlife conservation issues and ability to inspire others to act on their behalf.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or other advanced training.
Familiarity with Sharon, CT, and adjacent communities.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Lead the Center’s vision, strategies, core program areas, and departments in alignment with Audubon’s mission and strategic plan.
Refine and implement the Center’s vision and comprehensive campus plan, engaging the Sharon community with Audubon’s mission.
Oversee Center facilities, budgets, programs, hiring, and staff management.
Oversee stewardship and habitat management of satellite sanctuaries and properties.
Maintain relationships with the Sharon Advisory Board and local partner organizations, and collaborate with colleagues across the Americas.
Develop and implement the annual budget with Audubon Development and Finance staff and regional leadership; review and report financial results quarterly.
Create and implement a financially sustainable development plan, maintain donor relationships, identify funding sources, and assist with grant proposals and reports.
Manage government contracts and grants, including metrics, deliverables, and reporting.
Communicate the case for supporting Center programs at community events and support philanthropy and public funding efforts.
Oversee administrative duties and records for invoices, payments, deposits, agreements, programs, sales, contributions, consultants, contractors, and membership.
Assist with cultivating and retaining donors and community partners, and pursue earned-income opportunities.
Oversee educational, engagement, and youth leadership programs that build understanding of birds, habitats, conservation needs, and conservation action.
Oversee the resident bird and animal care program and clinic, ensuring best husbandry practices and compliance with federal and state permits.
Align programs with Audubon conservation priorities, promote experiential learning, engage diverse communities and age groups, and pursue financial sustainability.
Steward Center properties to maintain quality habitat for priority bird species.
Oversee facility upkeep, daily housekeeping coverage, building maintenance, and capital projects.
Work with Communications staff to update and manage the Center’s website and social media accounts.
Evaluate program outcomes, identify best practices, and develop opportunities to serve new constituencies and engage diverse audiences.
Represent the Sharon Center on the Audubon CT/NY senior staff leadership team.
Develop and direct safety protocols and risk management for programs and facilities, ensure staff compliance with NAS policies and procedures, and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.