American Bird Conservancy
Seabird Program Director
Title: Seabird Program Director
Supervisor: Oceans & Islands Program Director
Location: Flexible
Submission Deadline: Position open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 18, 2021
American Bird Conservancy seeks a dynamic conservationist with drive and entrepreneurial spirit to lead its Seabird Program. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, influential, and growing NGO that accomplishes its mission of conserving native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas through direct action and by engaging the people, groups, resources, and strategies needed to succeed. ABC undertakes the full spectrum of bird conservation issues using advocacy and direct on-the-ground conservation actions.
The Seabird Program Director is a full-time position which is responsible for developing and implementing an ambitious plan for seabird conservation in the Americas. Because the threats to seabirds are significant and diverse, the Seabird Program Director will bring together a diverse global partnership to identify shared conservation priorities and mobilize resources sufficient to tackle these challenging issues; conduct on-the-ground conservation projects to counter threats faced by the Western Hemisphere’s imperiled seabirds; develop capacity in partner organizations abroad; and engage US and foreign governments and the donor community to ensure adequate funding for the program.
Candidates will have broad knowledge of seabird conservation issues. While deep knowledge of seabird ecology and conservation is desired, we prioritize the ability to build conservation collaborations that deliver results. We encourage those with strong ties to contemporary marine conservation efforts to apply.
American Bird Conservancy values qualifications and competence. As an equal opportunity employer; ABC is committed to ensuring the employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities.
Duties:
- Develop and implement an ambitious seabird conservation program to protect the most imperiled seabirds in the Americas and address their most pressing threats. Key program areas include protecting critical nesting sites for rare/endangered seabirds and the most productive nesting sites for seabirds that are more common, reducing or eliminating the threats to seabirds from fisheries bycatch and food web disruption, and reducing threats from invasive species.
- Build collaborative partnerships, both nationally and internationally, to carry out the program.
- Be a public spokesperson for seabirds and their conservation.
- Advocate for sound policies at the national and international levels to protect seabirds and their habitats and to reduce threats.
- Increase awareness of seabirds in key local communities and with major decision-makers.
- Identify science needs and work with others to secure answers.
- Develop and pursue funding opportunities.
- Manage projects and build partner capacity.
Skills:
- Knowledge of conservation issues facing seabirds and the marine environment.
- Team builder, partner convener.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to inspire partnerships to achieve conservation.
- Exceptional communicator, written and oral.
- Proven fundraiser.
- Develop and implement strategic conservation.
- Facility with interpreting science to direct conservation strategies and with synthesizing scientific concepts into easily understood and motivating stories.
- Project management, including budgets.
Requirements:
- A degree in policy, natural resources, law, business or related field preferred. An MSc or PhD degree in a relevant field is considered an asset. Key is an excellent background and understanding of conservation practices and bird conservation needs, seabirds specifically, and environmental policy issues.
- 7 or more years’ experience in planning and implementing conservation strategies, preferably with seabirds and/or in the marine environment.
- Exceptional track record working with NGO and governmental partners to translate strategic, visionary ideas into functioning, sustainable conservation programs and initiatives that produce lasting results.
- Ability to frequently travel domestically and internationally.
- Spanish fluency preferred.
- Willing to undergo a Background check.
Benefits:
- Benefits include medical, dental, and 403(b) plan.
- Paid vacation days, holidays, and sick leave.
To Apply:
Please upload your cover letter to BambooHR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=88