The goal of Audubon Florida’s Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) is to provide a co-mentoring experience for students and Audubon chapter leaders to bridge the generational gap and bring college students into Audubon. This two-way mentorship program helps Audubon leaders to understand what inspires young people to become involved with conservation and the students to learn more about Audubon’s mission and on-the-ground programs. Through this experience Audubon hopes to learn to better engage and communicate with the next generation of conservationists. CLI provides a unique networking and leadership experience for college students interested in entering the conservation field.
The Program Associate, CLI is a newly developed position to lead an expanded statewide effort in the recruitment of students, leadership training, program expansion and outreach efforts to engage the next generation of conservation leaders. This individual will recruit, engage with and coordinate events for CLI students and alums in effort to connect with Audubon leaders, programs and volunteer opportunities in the conservation field.
- Help lead the recruitment of the annual CLI cohort focusing on a diverse group of third and fourth year college students for a yearlong opportunity from throughout Florida's state and private colleges and universities.
- Work with internal and external EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) experts to develop and implement best practices for recruitment and programming.
- Help lead the planning, recruitment and organizing of Audubon’s CLI program at the annual Audubon Assembly.
- Work with the CLI planning committee, consisting of CLI alums and select Audubon Florida staff. to organize event activities, students and programs.
- Plan, lead and organize Audubon’s CLI program at future Audubon Assemblies.
- Develop and host regional events for CLI students to build leadership skills, engage in conservation efforts, and connect with Audubon chapter members and staff.
- Work within the larger Audubon Network including National Audubon Society, Audubon Florida, FL Chapters and Audubon’s new campus chapter program to build opportunities and share best practices with youth leadership programs.
- Build partnerships with Chapter leaders and members to provide mentorship and volunteer opportunities for students.
- Build partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions, campus and student organizations.
- Work within the established university network to recruit a diverse group of conservation-minded students.
- Develop metrics to measure and document success of recruitment, participation and program outcomes.
- Institute and manage annual and regular program evaluation.
- 3+ years’ experience in grassroots organizing, coalition building, conservation, environmental education or related field required and at least two years of team leadership experience.
- Must have a demonstrated passion for conservation; knowledge of Florida ecosystems is preferred.
- Excellent communication is necessary. Must be an enthusiastic team player and able to work independently, improvise and work with limited resources.
- Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams and with leadership across a variety of groups.
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Must have experience working with basic project budgets.
- Educational and student life experience in a college environment, with experience leading student organizations required. Knowledge of Florida's colleges and universities is a plus.
- Superior written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and popular social media platforms.
- Willingness to work flexible hours including travel (10-25%), as the job demands.
- Commitment to building a conservation network.