Audubon California is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial conservation leader to carry out Audubon’s mission for the San Francisco Bay Program. In partnership with the Director of Bird Conservation, Marine Program Director, Richardson Bay Engagement and Operations Manager and other Audubon California staff, the San Francisco Bay Program Director will be responsible for executing the mission of the National Audubon Society throughout San Francisco Bay. This position offers the chance to advocate for and protect globally significant Important Bird Areas and to address proximate and long-term threats to waterbirds and forage fish species.
The Program Director will be dedicated to advancing policy, conservation, and applied science to address known threats to waterbirds, Pacific herring, subtidal vegetation and associated bird life in San Francisco Bay. The most compelling candidates will be able to describe their experience in solving conservation problems, interpreting science, working within a coalition, and inspiring others to work toward common goals.
The Program Director will manage program staff and will report directly to the Director of Bird Conservation. The position is located at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center in Tiburon, with regular visits to the San Francisco Bay and/or Sacramento offices.
- Oversee the development and implementation of conservation and policy strategies that contribute to waterbird conservation, preserving and restoring San Francisco Bay, focused on Important Bird Areas;
- Collaborate with Audubon staff and chapters to develop and implement a long-range policy agenda for Audubon’s work in the San Francisco (SF) Bay;
- Track and evaluate outcomes to measure short and long-term process success;
- Partner with Richardson Bay Engagement and Operations Manager to support initiative to make conservation programs available to new constituencies, particularly underserved communities.
- Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for San Francisco Bay Program’s mission and strategic plan consistent with Audubon’s state and national Strategic Plans;
- Maintain excellent working relationships with Advisory Board members, donors, local and regional foundations, SF Bay Joint Venture, and Bay area Audubon Chapters;
- Manage SF Bay program staff.
- Align the SF Bay Program with education and outreach programs at Richardson Bay Audubon Center, focused on youth.
- Work with Audubon’s finance team to develop and manage an annual budget;
- In collaboration with Audubon California’s Development Director, create a financially sustainable development plan for the SF Bay Program, which cultivates and maintains relationships with current donors and also identifies and expands new funding sources;
- Secure and manage government and foundation grants.
- Advanced degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field and a minimum of five years of related experience. Experience will be considered in lieu of education.
- Proven track record of success in science-based advocacy.
- Knowledge of ecology and avian conservation in San Francisco Bay preferred.
- Substantial policy experience working with both local and state agencies and constituents (preference for experience in San Francisco Bay region).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated operational skills and the ability to manage time and resources, including program and budget management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing government grants, budgets, grant writing and fundraising.
- Strong facilitation and negotiation skills with experience creating collaboration and consensus among internal and external stakeholder.
- Strong appreciation of and commitment to conservation.
- Love of the outdoors, patience, flexibility, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Ability to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed.