Audubon seeks an Executive Director to build on Audubon New York’s rich history and expand its contributions to conservation in New York and the Atlantic Flyway, leading the organization to its next level of programmatic and financial success. This is a high profile, pivotal opportunity for a dynamic conservation professional. As one of Audubon’s largest state programs, with an annual budget of $3.25 million and a staff of 26, Audubon New York uses its statewide conservation initiatives, educational programming, network of seven Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries, 27 affiliated local Audubon Chapters, and 50,000 grassroots members to protect birds and their habitats.
Reporting to the Vice President, Atlantic Flyway, the successful candidate will have the passion and leadership skills necessary to articulate, develop, and implement Audubon’s conservation goals and strategies in the state. In addition to working closely with Audubon NY staff and the Vice President of the Atlantic Flyway to align the state program with strategic regional and national priorities, the Executive Director will also have the opportunity to work in close consultation with Audubon NY’s exceptional board on all aspects of Audubon NY management and strategy. The Executive Director will hold the title of Vice President within the national organization.
Our preference is that this position be located in New York City, the headquarters of National Audubon Society (NAS). For the right candidate we would consider other locations.
Strategy Development and Organizational Leadership
- Develop strategic goals and initiatives aligned with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies that result in the organization’s increased statewide capacity to achieve the conservation of priority birds and their habitats. Priorities include the Long Island Sound, Great Lakes, Healthy Forests, Climate and Bird Friendly Communities.
- Provide leadership, management, and mentoring to staff of 26 while preserving open communication and recognizing the value of the senior management team.
- Focus resources on the most critical, high-leverage projects and strategies, including policy development and public engagement. Leverage the impact of Audubon New York’s Centers and Sanctuaries to achieve state and Flyway goals.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the state office, including setting financial and programmatic goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective actions, in close collaboration with New York’s staff; ensure that all Audubon financial standards, operating policies, programmatic commitments, and legal requirements are met.
Fundraising and External Relations
- Represent Audubon New York throughout the state and raise its profile and visibility to funders, partners, policymakers, and the public.
- Along with appropriate development staff, lead Audubon New York’s fundraising to cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, corporations and government agencies for Audubon New York and to show a significant increase in contributions. Play an active role in helping to promote fundraising for regional priority projects across the Atlantic Flyway working with other state directors, the program managers and other supporting staff.
- Effectively collaborate with other Audubon state programs and National Development staff on donor strategies under the One Audubon approach to members and donors.
- Work closely with the Audubon New York Board of Directors to support the efforts of ANY in continuing the development of a strong statewide organization through fundraising, program development, and conservation advocacy.
- Work closely with, support and provide guidance to the Chapters in New York to expand Audubon’s capacity to for on-the-ground conservation and education at scale. Work with the Chapter Council to strengthen the statewide presence of Audubon and support these organizations in their local efforts.
- Continuously seek out ways to engage New York’s diverse population in Audubon programs.
- Work with government departments and non-governmental organizations to promote and prioritize bird science and habitat conservation.
Audubon is partnering with DRG, Inc. on this search. In order to be formally considered, please send a cover letter and resume directly to [email protected], attention Carmel Napolitano, Senior Consultant.