Director, Conservation

National Audubon Society•Columbia, SC

1d•$94,993 - $118,741•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Conservation is a member of Audubon’s South Carolina leadership team, reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon in South Carolina. The role translates Audubon’s hemispheric Flight Plan into measurable outcomes for birds, habitats, and communities across the state. It oversees coastal resilience and restoration, community science and research, and community building and engagement, while collaborating with leadership peers on policy priorities and working lands strategies. The Director also works across Audubon’s hemispheric network and partners with Grants, Development, and Finance colleagues to secure, sustain, and manage public and private funding for conservation priorities. The position provides strategic oversight of coastal programs, research and community science, sanctuary conservation programs, and community-building efforts. It develops partnerships, budgets, strategies, and funding proposals; guides and evaluates conservation projects; and communicates results and resource needs. The Director manages and develops staff, supports policy and advocacy work, represents Audubon externally, and ensures conservation principles and safety practices are upheld. This is a hybrid position under Audubon’s “Where We Work” policy. Employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday, plus two additional days per 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 role requires a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as needed, and travel within the state.

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 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 record in fundraising and grants management, project management, and oversight of complex or multiple projects, including budget management, developing and reporting metrics, meeting deadlines, and coordinating staff and partners.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and judgment, with demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions with diverse individuals and organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences; public speaking experience.
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 formats and sources.
Flexible schedule and ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for in-state travel and stakeholder meetings at locations that may not be accessible by public transit.
Commitment to Audubon’s values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Ability to apply competencies in building trust, coaching, decision making, leading and facilitating change, and strategic leadership.

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.
Anticipate emerging conservation threats and opportunities, including climate change and changes in policy and funding, and adapt priorities and strategies accordingly.
Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions, corporations, communities, and natural resource agencies at local, state, regional, and national levels.
Develop and manage conservation budgets with Finance and organizational leadership; align funding and staffing to 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 Coastal Resilience and Coastal Stewardship programs, including selection, strategy, implementation, and funding of efforts to protect or restore critical shorebird and seabird habitat.
Select and design research projects related to indicator species and geographies, oversee data analysis, and use results to inform adaptive management and measure conservation impact.
Oversee community science and research efforts, ensuring they advance broader Flight Plan goals through network, partnership, and community building.
Work with South Carolina’s leadership team to shape and advance 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 programs, align sanctuary work with statewide goals, and apply findings beyond sanctuary boundaries.
Oversee the Community Building Program Manager in developing strategies to expand and engage Audubon’s supporter base and mobilize communities, chapters, and individuals.
Collaborate with the South Carolina Policy Director on policy priorities and advocacy; provide subject matter expertise, strategic guidance, and testimony as needed.
Ensure Audubon’s Conservation Principles are embedded and upheld in 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 state leadership and Development and Grants teams, including cultivating donors, securing public and private funding, and overseeing proposals and funded projects.
Manage, coach, and mentor direct reports through goal-setting, 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, and use findings to adjust priorities and communicate progress, lessons, and resource needs.
Foster a culture of safety and ensure appropriate safety practices are incorporated into fieldwork and program design and delivery.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.