Manager of Conservation Action Operations

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

15h•$62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Conservation Action Operations oversees the development and delivery of Shedd’s conservation action efforts that activate people and communities to act for animals. Shedd’s conservation action work utilizes an equity lens to restore and protect natural areas, prevent future environmental degradation, and mobilize various stakeholders and communities to act for a healthier future. The manager oversees the daily operations of conservation action engagement programs and is responsible for hiring, supervising, and coaching seasonal and year-round facilitators. The manager works alongside the conservation action coordinators, who each lead different program portfolios. Working closely with internal and external partners, the manager fosters strong collaboration and mission alignment with others to achieve shared conservation goals for Chicago and the Great Lakes region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Science, Education, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or related field or a combination of experience and education/training.
1+ year of experience managing staff and/or volunteers is required.
3+ years of experience with program coordination, community engagement, public outreach, and presentation delivery, preferably in a non-profit setting.
Demonstrated ability to handle a large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Excellent communication skills and a talent for planning and delivering educational activities.
Aware of current, local, national, and international conservation issues, with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate them to various audiences.
Poised, articulate professional with diplomacy, a sense of humor, a positive attitude, and charisma.
Driven, highly organized self-starter.
Confident, outgoing, and enjoys socializing with diverse audiences.
Appreciation for and strong attention to detail.
Passionate about the environment.
A lifelong learner.
CPR and First Aid certification.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Workday Leadership Certification.
Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator license.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including frequent nights, weekends, and early mornings, as necessary, and walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.
Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather.
The position requires handling live animals.
Position requires frequent local travel.
Must be able to do moderate lifting to transport equipment and material to sites.

Nice To Haves

Experience with volunteer management or community environmental stewardship is desired.

Responsibilities

Oversee Day-to-Day Program Operations
Manage program schedules, staff plans, and general operations such as ordering supplies and coordinating with vendors.
Track and report on all metrics associated with the engagement efforts and ensure all funding and partner deliverables are met.
Identify and cultivate additional opportunities for both onsite and offsite conservation action engagement.
Seek opportunities to improve team operations and systems and document established processes for improved onboarding and efficiencies.
Collaborate with the Development team to coordinate events for special audiences such as corporate groups and Shedd members.
Team Management
Hire, supervise, and coach full-time and part-time staff, interns, and volunteers for continued growth and development.
Provide program facilitation staff with consistent feedback on program delivery and job performance.
Budget and Resource Management
Work with leadership to develop annual conservation action strategies, program plan, and budget that are in line with institutional priorities.
Oversee program budgets and ensure accurate spending and tracking of program expenses.
Ensure all funding obligations are met and work with Development department on funding reports.
Deepen Shedd’s diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEAI) efforts internally and externally
Advance institutional and departmental DEAI goals by contributing to action planning and implementation.
Foster a culture of inclusion both internally and externally to ensure that diverse individuals, cultures, and ideas are welcome and celebrated.
Integrate new strategies into Shedd’s conservation action efforts that advance equity, access, and justice and recognize past and current harms that unequally impact vulnerable communities.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing personal growth and leadership in DEAI efforts and multicultural competency.
Community Engagement and Partnership Building
Manage day-to-day partner relationships and collaborative work with external collaborators.
Contribute to partner data tracking and reporting.
Work with leadership to develop partnership and community engagement strategies that align with conservation action and institutional goals.
Build authentic relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders and demonstrate respect and appreciation for others’ views, backgrounds, and goals.
Prioritize listening and trust-building.
Pursue new and nurture existing partnerships to advance the goals of conservation action programs.
Grow internal relationships and partnerships to support cross-departmental programmatic integration.
Communications & Public Awareness
Contribute to the development of a communication strategy for conservation action as well as program promotion plans.
Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances as assigned.
Represent Shedd, as requested, for other events.
Stay current and build expertise on local and global environmental issues, such as but not limited to plastic pollution, climate change, applied conservation and habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics.
Stay up to date on science-based, environmental policies and share calls to action with appropriate Shedd conservation audiences
Develop visual and written content to share with Shedd audiences, collaborators, and partners that aligns with Shedd’s mission and stance on conservation issues.
Support and advise other Shedd teams in building understanding and expertise on conservation issues and communications.
Other duties
Contribute to planning and implementation of environmental restoration projects, including installation of litter trap devices and floating wetlands.
Support fundraising efforts, including funder/donor relations, grant solicitation and fulfillment, and reporting.
Demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth by initiating dialogue with colleagues, engaging in self-directed learning, and focusing on professional development goals.
Facilitate conservation action programs on occasion.
Perform other duties as assigned.