Outreach Program Assistant

International Crane Foundation•Decatur, AL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking a community-oriented team member in Decatur, AL to contribute to education and engagement initiatives and lead outreach conservation efforts for the Sandhill Crane and endangered Whooping Crane. This full-time, limited-term opportunity is for 7 months, starting September 2026 and ending March 2027. The position involves an initial month of training at ICF headquarters in Baraboo, WI, followed by relocation to Decatur, AL. Housing will be provided at no cost in Baraboo and through a partnership with Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur. The role supports ICF's mission by leading outreach programs, forming community partnerships, coordinating volunteers, resolving threats to cranes, and collaborating with wildlife refuge staff. The incumbent will take the lead on ICF's Whooping Crane outreach program in Alabama, building local support through educational and outreach programs for diverse audiences, including K-12 classrooms, birding clubs, hunting groups, civic organizations, and zoo visitors. Responsibilities also include assisting with broader outreach efforts in Alabama, such as media interviews, content creation, leading naturalist programs, and distributing educational materials. A key aspect involves forming and maintaining relationships with volunteers, hunters, and agency partners, training and coordinating volunteers, and working with hunters and educators to reduce threats to cranes. Accurate recording of outreach activities in a shared database is also required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation, or a related field
Valid state driver's license
Acceptable driving record
Access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel
Experience with public speaking
Experience cultivating and maintaining diverse partnerships
Experience engaging and supporting volunteers
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
Experience delivering educational or outreach programs through online platforms
Excellent communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively connect with a variety of audiences in both in-person and virtual settings

Responsibilities

Lead outreach programs
Form community-based partnerships
Coordinate volunteers
Resolve threats to cranes
Collaborate with wildlife refuge staff
Take the lead on all aspects of ICF's Whooping Crane outreach program in Alabama
Build a strong local network of support for the cranes, their habitat, and their continued recovery
Engage communities near crane use areas through a variety of educational and outreach programs
Deliver in-person and virtual presentations in K-12 classrooms, and talks with birding clubs, hunting groups, civic organizations, and zoo visitors
Assist ICF staff in broader outreach efforts throughout Alabama
Participate in media interviews
Write articles or social media content
Lead naturalist hikes or programs
Help distribute educational materials across the region
Form and maintain meaningful relationships with volunteers, hunters, and agency partners
Train and coordinate volunteers to support outreach efforts
Work closely with hunters and educators through in-person and online hunter education programs
Ensure that outreach activities are accurately recorded in a shared database in a timely manner