Director, Audubon Action Fund and Director, U.S. Government Affairs

National Audubon Society•National Audubon Society Washington, DC

1d•$129,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Reporting to the Vice President, Government Affairs, the Director for the Audubon Action Fund and U.S. Government Affairs will be responsible for the leadership and delivery of Audubon Action Fund programs and supporting the development of conservation champions for Audubon policy priorities on Capitol Hill and beyond. Based in Washington, D.C., this role will be critical to organizational efforts to implement transformative policy solutions and mobilize the most effective conservation network in America turning policy ideas into real protections for birds and the places they need. The Director will work with conservation leaders across Audubon’s Flight Plan pillars, with and through federal, regional, and state teams to advance mission aligned conservation policy priorities. The Director, Audubon Action Fund, will bring political acumen, organizing experience, and additional capacity to build support for successful advancement of key conservation policies. The Action Fund focuses on non-electoral programing and engagement as part of a strategic lobbying strategy. The Director will be a public advocate for conservation and the Action Fund agenda with funders, decision makers, and other stakeholders. As Director, U.S. Government Affairs, the role includes leadership to ensure Audubon builds and maintains meaningful and influential working relationships with congressional offices and federal agencies. The Director will bring a keen focus on priority issues and decision makers, and identify opportunities to cultivate meaningful strategic partnerships with legislators, staff, and agency officials. The person arrives during an exciting time of organizational growth and innovation driven by its leadership, and advanced every day by dedicated, highly collaborative Audubon team members in Washington, DC and across the country. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's offices in Washington, DC.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, as well as 10+ years of progressive professional experience.
3-5 years of senior level management experience overseeing teams and/or large-scale programs preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated experience in a similar organization, congressional office or agency requiring careful consideration of the political, strategic, and policy implications of recommendations, and a proven ability to seize opportunities to drive policy and/or political outcomes.
Thorough understanding of the political and legislative landscape at the federal level and outstanding ability to translate technical concepts for broad understanding and political support.
Forward looking leader with a reputation as a team builder, proven ability to engage diplomatically with a bipartisan range of policymakers and stakeholders, and strong networks amongst decisionmakers.
Implement and advance strategies that reflect the communities served by Audubon and the Action Fund in alignment with the organizational values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Strategic thinker who is able to identify opportunities, craft strategy, and motivate staff, Board Directors, donors, allies and key constituents toward a common vision.
Ability to foster trust, establish relationships and build a sense of a shared purpose and commitment with the Board Directors, staff, allies, and key influencers.
A self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.
Willingness to travel out-of-state, and the ability and enthusiasm to work evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
Technically savvy including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Exceptional judgement and tact with a commitment to impeccable integrity and strong work ethic.
Personal desire to build durable bipartisan public will for conservation issues, work with broad stakeholders, and engage both Democrats and Republicans on Audubon’s policy interests.
An active listener with excellent and persuasive communications skills.
Outstanding political instincts.
Desire to be part of and contribute to a team effort, have a sense of humor, and possess a willingness to accept occasional setbacks with an eye on the next opportunity to drive success.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Nice To Haves

Relevant 501 (c) (4), public policy, and/or political experience strongly preferred.
Experience with a tracking database software desired.

Responsibilities

Work with the VP, Government Affairs and other organizational leaders to develop the Action Fund’s strategy and operational plans
Implement the Action Fund’s strategic plan ensuring that outcomes are in place with appropriate annual metrics in coordination with Action Fund leadership
Successfully manage day-to-day operations of the Action Fund to provide for the sustainability and long-term stability of the organization
Serve as a lead partner to the Development team in developing the annual fundraising plan for the Action Fund and serving as a leader on fundraising, as needed
With leadership from the President of the Action Fund and the VP Government Affairs, provide administrative support for Board of Directors engagement.
Serve as a key internal and external representative for the Action Fund as well as proactively lead efforts to enhance organizational visibility and awareness
Ensure the maintenance of official records and documents consistent with Action Fund policies, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
In partnership with the U.S. Government Affairs team and Audubon policy leaders, build Audubon’s reputation and positioning to advance nonpartisan conservation outcomes at the federal level and build a bipartisan pipeline of decision makers who champion conservation priorities important to birds and people
Develop and cultivate relationships with legislators, staff, and agency officials, and engage them diplomatically on issues related to the protections of birds and the habitats they need
Lead efforts, in coordination with the U.S. Government Affairs team, to deepen engagement with strategic partners to increase Audubon’s influence and impact on Capitol Hill.
Have both a daily understanding of the Government Affairs challenges and the ability to use short term tactics to support a long-term strategy.
Engage in Audubon’s regular process to develop and prioritize Audubon’s policy, legislative and issue -specific strategies
This position will require tracking of lobbying time and ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements.
The position may require registration as a lobbyist.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other job-related duties as assigned