Reporting to National Audubon Society’s Chief Scientist, the Director of Conservation Science will lead efforts to advance applied science to sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and seabird colony restoration and management for Audubon’s Marine Conservation initiative. The Director will also establish and lead the Seabird Institute. The Seabird Institute builds on 45 years of pioneering research, under the Seabird Restoration Program (SRP), helping build and sustain robust breeding populations in this era of climate change and other threats. The institute will serve as the foundation for Audubon’s marine conservation efforts under its Coast Strategy, helping to ensure sufficient prey and suitable habitats for seabirds, while training new generations of seabird managers and restoration experts, in the U.S. and internationally.
The Director effectively leads the SRP conservation and project management staff and works in close collaboration with the Chief Scientist, SRP Managing Director, and the Vice President for Coastal Conservation to develop conservation priorities and policies for the Marine Conservation initiative. S/he also works with development teams to submit funding proposals to foundations, corporations, agencies, and individuals, as well as identify funding opportunities and managing the relationships with natural resource agencies at multiple levels of governance.
- In collaboration with Audubon’s Chief Scientist and Vice President for Coastal Conservation, develop, prioritize, and implement an applied science strategy to evaluate, influence and support sustainable fisheries and marine protected area policies and regulations in the U.S. and internationally as part of Audubon’s Coast Strategy.
- Represent Audubon by serving as a public spokesperson on marine conservation issues and on appropriate committees and/or working groups.
- In collaboration with the Chief Scientist and SRP Managing Director, develop and implement effective marine conservation plans for the restoration of seabirds as part of Audubon’s SRP and Coastal conservation strategy.
- Design and implement adaptive conservation strategies for fisheries and seabirds through the SRP, and in partnership with Audubon staff, a network of agencies, NGOs, and community scientists.
- Collaborate with partner organizations to set and achieve conservation objectives.
- Provide technical expertise related to seabirds and marine habitat to internal and external audiences and partners.
- In collaboration with the Chief Scientist, SRP Managing Director and key Development staff, research and secure public and private funding opportunities to support the Seabird Institute and the Seabird Restoration Program.
- Coordinate with staff not under direct supervision to guide planning, monitoring, and conservation implementation in the areas overseen by the Seabird Institute.
- 7-10 years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work, with at least 3 years of management experience leading professional teams or programs.
- Demonstrated expertise overseeing complex projects, to include analyses of large datasets, creation of conservation recommendations from the analyses, and refining recommendations with stakeholders to achieve on-the-ground conservation results.
- Must be well versed in avian conservation, biology, and identification of seabirds and other wildlife.
- Proven fundraising experience to include writing proposals and overseeing grants, cultivating and managing individual donors, as well as, foundations and other federal/state public agencies.
- High level of demonstrated computer literacy with an emphasis on Microsoft Office, GIS, and the ability to adapt to organization-specific software as needed.
- A strategic influencer, one with excellent leadership and collaborative ethics, as demonstrated in previous work. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and good sense of humor.
- Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
- Strong time and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple, changing priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Comfort and ability working with and handle live or dead specimens (banding/tagging, specimen collection, etc.).
- Ability and willingness to travel locally and out-of-state and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job demands. A valid driver's license also necessary.
- Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation. Must be able to carry field equipment at times, with or without accommodation.
- Genuine interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.