Director, Conservation

National Audubon Society•Carolina, SC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Conservation is a member of Audubon’s South Carolina leadership team and translates Audubon’s hemispheric Flight Plan into measurable outcomes for birds, habitats, and communities. Reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon in South Carolina, the Director oversees coastal resilience and restoration, community science and research, and community building and engagement. The role collaborates with leadership peers to inform policy priorities and working lands strategies, and works across Audubon’s hemispheric network to advance shared goals. The Director also partners with Grants, Development, and Finance colleagues to secure, sustain, and manage public and private funding for conservation priorities. This position is hybrid. Employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday, plus two additional days each month of their choosing. Candidates should live within commuting distance of an Audubon office or center in Columbia, Charleston, Jackson, or Harleyville, South Carolina. The Director sets and advances a measurable conservation vision for South Carolina, oversees conservation programs and research, builds partnerships, manages budgets and staff, supports policy and fundraising efforts, and evaluates and communicates conservation outcomes. The role also promotes safety and ensures Audubon’s Conservation Principles are upheld in its work and partnerships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, wildlife management, forestry, natural resources, avian ecology, ornithology, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
At least 10 years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work.
At least 3 years of management experience specifically leading professional teams.
Understanding of significant South Carolina conservation issues, such as climate adaptation and resiliency, sustainable forestry and agriculture, afforestation, restoration, coastal management, and marsh migration.
Demonstrated experience in fundraising and grants management, project management, and overseeing complex or multiple projects through successful completion, including budgets, metrics, deadlines, and coordination of staff and partners.
Strong interpersonal skills and judgment, with demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions across a wide range of people and organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, and experience with public speaking.
Ability to manage and implement strategies tailored to different geographic and political contexts and audiences.
Proficiency with standard office productivity software and workplace technology, and ability to review, analyze, and synthesize information from varied sources and formats.
Flexible schedule and ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for in-state travel and meetings at locations that may not be accessible by public transit.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant field.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Vice President and Executive Director and leadership team to set a measurable conservation vision for South Carolina and lead strategies and implementation plans that advance Flight Plan goals.
Monitor emerging conservation threats and opportunities, including climate change and shifts in policy and funding, and adapt priorities and strategies accordingly.
Build and sustain relationships with NGOs, academic institutions, corporations, communities, and natural resource agencies at local, state, regional, and national levels.
Develop and manage conservation program budgets with Finance and organizational leadership; align funding and staffing with priorities, monitor spending and funding gaps, and recommend adjustments.
Collaborate with Audubon teams and colleagues across the Americas to plan and implement projects that protect indicator species and habitats and advance Flight Plan goals.
Provide strategic oversight of South Carolina’s Coastal Resilience and Coastal Stewardship programs, including site selection, strategy, implementation, and funding for efforts to protect or restore shorebird and seabird habitat.
Select and design research projects related to indicator species and geographies, and oversee analysis of data collected by staff, partners, and community scientists to inform adaptive management and measure conservation impact.
Provide strategic oversight of community science and research efforts, ensuring they support network engagement, partnerships, community building, and Flight Plan goals.
Work with South Carolina’s leadership team to shape policy priorities and conservation strategies grounded in current science and aligned with Flight Plan.
Partner with staff at Silver Bluff Sanctuary and Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary to plan, implement, and monitor conservation programs, align sanctuary work with statewide goals, and apply sanctuary expertise and findings beyond sanctuary boundaries.
Oversee the Community Building Program Manager in developing and implementing strategies to expand and engage Audubon’s supporter base and mobilize communities, chapters, and individuals around Flight Plan priorities.
Collaborate with the Policy Director to advance conservation goals through policy priorities and advocacy, providing subject matter expertise, strategic guidance, and testimony as needed.
Ensure Audubon’s Conservation Principles are upheld in its South Carolina work and partnerships.
Represent South Carolina’s conservation vision and programs to media, lawmakers, regulators, donors, funders, and internal stakeholders.
Lead conservation fundraising with the Vice President and Executive Director and Development and Grants teams, including cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting donors; securing public and private funding; and overseeing proposals and funded projects.
Manage, coach, and mentor direct reports through clear goals, regular feedback, and professional development; build an inclusive, collaborative team and guide staff through changing priorities.
Evaluate and report conservation outcomes using narrative and quantitative measures tied to Flight Plan goals, and use findings to adjust priorities, improve programs, and communicate progress, lessons, and resource needs.
Foster a culture of safety and ensure staff use appropriate safety practices in fieldwork and program design and delivery.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.