The mission of Trinity River Audubon Center is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Reporting to the Executive Director of Audubon Texas, the Center Director at Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) will have four core functions: manage all TRAC operations; work closely with State Conservation staff in efforts for conservation strategies interpreted by TRAC; play a significant and proactive role in fundraising for TRAC facilities and operations as well as other statewide initiatives; and serve on the Audubon Texas senior management team convened by the Executive Director. The Center’s programs, developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, include elements of all Audubon’s core approaches to conservation – education, science, public policy, and direct habitat management. The Center Director will play an important role in carrying out the mission of Audubon Texas and the National Audubon Society (NAS).
Areas of Responsibility:
Leadership and Staff Management:
- Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Center’s mission, strategy, core program areas, and operating departments consistent with National Audubon’s strategic plan.
- Oversee all operational aspects of the Center facilities, budgets, and programs; staffing strategy, and hire and effectively manage staff.
- Working in cooperation with the State Executive Director, maintain an excellent working relationship with the Center Stewardship Board, while also building Board capacity and engagement; develop and enhance relationships with other community leaders and partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
- With staff, effectively contribute to and manage programming based on the Texas continuum of education and outreach;
- Preserve and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, individual initiative, collegiality, and diversity; collaborate with staff to identify and implement best practices and evaluate outcomes, where applicable. Cultivate emerging staff leaders.
Budget and Fundraising:
- Work with the Executive Director and Development team to develop and deliver required budgeting and financial reporting.
- In partnership with the Executive Director, Director of Development, and Stewardship Advisory Board, create and implement a fund development plan for the Center that cultivates and maintains relationships with current donors while identifying and expanding new funding sources.
- Enhance existing sources of earned income, including program revenue, camp and school program tuition, store sales, rental income, admissions, etc.
- Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the case for support of the Center’s program at community and fundraising events.
- Seek new revenue opportunities, support grant writing with Institutional Giving, ensure grant reporting and compliance; assist with and staff special fundraising events at the Center.
Program Development and Implementation:
- Oversee the development and implementation of programs that reflect and contribute to Texas’ contribution to the overall NAS strategy, and Central Flyway Initiatives, most specifically those relating to water conservation outreach, and the growth of Bird Friendly Communities, particularly urban conservation.
- Work closely with Audubon - Texas staff on conservation and education activities.
- Maintain and grow on-site educational and outreach programs that contribute to the mission of Audubon Texas and the National Audubon Society.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of TRAC’s Programs.
Marketing and Community Outreach:
- Work with Audubon Texas staff, Audubon Texas State Board, and Trinity River Audubon Center Stewardship Advisory Board and constituents to develop and implement a marketing and promotions plan for TRAC and its programs.
- Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations and, working with the state Executive Director, be available to serve as TRAC’s spokesperson with the media.
- Oversee major projects and community collaborations.
Land and Facilities Management:
- With state and center staff, oversee habitat management projects that enhance habitat for birds and other wildlife on Audubon property.
- Monitor and maintain trails and facilities, anticipating and remedying deterioration, and possible safety problems to provide for visitor needs.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Education, Non-profit Management, Environmental Studies, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Skills/Experience:
- 7-10 years' relevant experience in non-profit management and/or conservation experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Successful track record of hiring, managing, and mentoring staff.
- Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work in a dynamic environment and effectively manage change.
- Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
- Project management experience, including managing budgets, grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects, required.
- Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences and age groups.
- Prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders, such as Board of Directors, management and other NAS staff.
- Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible environment, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Must have valid driver's license.
- Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well as donor enterprise systems. Experience with Salesforce. a strong plus.
- Demonstrated fundraising success in the areas of individual giving, corporate giving, foundation and other support will be highly weighted.
- Familiarity with the communities, flora and fauna and environmental partners of Dallas and neighboring counties is strongly preferred.
- A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society and the natural resources of Texas is strongly preferred.
- A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a great sense of humor are essential.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Dec 30 2018
Active Until:
Jan 30 2019
Hiring Organization:
National Audubon Society
industry:
Nonprofit