The Chapter Network Associate supports the capacity of the 58+ Audubon chapters within the Audubon Great Lakes region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). S/he will work to engage chapters in Audubon’s regional and national advocacy, conservation, and engagement programs to help build Audubon’s membership into the most effective conservation network in America.
A main priority of the position is to facilitate chapters’ relationships with decision makers, partners, and Audubon programs. S/he will work closely with chapters to support strong connections between and among chapters and Audubon teams. This position is key to furthering the goals set forth in National Audubon’s Strategic Plan including issue education, advocacy and policy campaigns, Great Lakes restoration activities, citizen science programs, , and chapter network communications. S/he will assist with Audubon chapter gatherings, support regular chapter calls, and respond to chapter inquiries about programs and member services. Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the Chapter Network Associate will also work closely with Audubon’s national policy and network teams.
- Organize and facilitate regular state and regional chapter council meetings across the five-state region.
- In collaboration with Audubon Great Lakes (AGL) Director of Policy, Director of Engagement, and Climate organizing team, develop, implement and oversee advocacy campaigns including assisting with strategy development and execution, outreach, education, and engagement.
- Facilitate and support events and relationships to educate decision makers throughout the region.
- Coordinate and deploy tools such as issue education toolkits and webinars that provide training and resources for chapters to engage with Audubon’s policy and conservation priorities.
- Support chapter-level implementation of projects as part of Audubon’s Climate and Great Lakes Initiatives.
- Develop and manage conservation partnerships between regional chapters and Audubon Great Lakes, with emphasis on projects focused on regional programs, initiatives, and priorities.
- Develop and facilitate capacity building programs for chapters, specifically efforts to support chapters in building relationships with legislative leaders in target geographies throughout the Great Lakes.
- Engage chapters in citizen science efforts such as Climate Watch, regional marsh bird monitoring, and the Christmas Bird Count.
- Maintain regular communications to and between chapters working with AGL Communications Manager and Chapter Network team.
- Support the expansion of Audubon’s network by working with chapters to engage a broader audience.
- Serve as part of the AGL chapter team, helping chapters navigate National Audubon’s administrative systems, and shaping the development of AGL’s partnerships with chapters.
- Work with Development staff to identify grant and donor opportunities to support Audubon Network action.
- 3 - 5 years’ experience in public outreach and/or education required.
- Knowledge of conservation and climate issues highly preferred.
- Strong capacity and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated project management skills, including ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize key areas of focus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working with diverse constituencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus amongst a wide range of individuals. Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences and translate information for public consumption.
- Comfort with presenting and engaging in public speaking events also necessary.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other web-based communications.
- Frequent travel and some weekends and evenings are required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.