Essential Functions:
Lead the ongoing development and implementation of strategies to build capacity within the Audubon chapter network, including (but not limited to) the following: developing programs, creating partnerships with high-capacity chapters, and overseeing channels of communication between Audubon and its regional chapters.
Build the collective capacity of Audubon’s chapters to engage with Audubon’s conservation programs, community science efforts, and advocacy priorities.
Work closely with Policy Director to develop and implement Audubon state policy platforms in MD and PA, and to engage Audubon’s chapter network in supporting the state policy platform alongside Audubon staff and state partners
Partner with Audubon’s conservation and public policy stakeholders at national and state levels to recruit, equip, and engage advocates and volunteers to advance Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s conservation work, conservation advocacy and climate policy goals, maximizing grassroots engagement and growth.
Support and engage college and university chapters in key geographies throughout the region, in coordination with the Audubon on Campus program, and engage members of potential campus chapters.
Support local engagement efforts to support new grassroots leaders in a diversity of contexts, geographies, and generations.
Provide chapters with tools to promote and shape local municipal support for Lights Out and Bird-Friendly Building programs.
Organize and host regular chapter leader meetings (in person and remote) in the region and individual states.
Develop and implement gatherings and other networking opportunities that deliver Audubon’s capacity-building program and foster peer-to-peer learning.
Work closely with communications staff on efforts to engage with chapters, members and other supporters of Audubon’s work through regular newsletters, social media, action alerts, and the region’s website.
Provide periodic updates and recommendations to AMA’s advisory board and staff to facilitate more productive integration at all levels of the organization.
Partner with national Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) team to orchestrate training for chapter leaders and staff;.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Raise the visibility of Audubon and its network throughout the region through strategic partnerships and communications.
Organize and host in person Audubon advocacy days in both Harrisburg and Annapolis to support Audubon’s policy goals in the region.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least five years’ relevant experience in grassroots network building, grassroots advocacy, public policy, wildlife conservation, public service, or related field. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate volunteers and partners is essential.
- Demonstrated excellence in communications, with the ability to explain complex conservation and policy concepts to diverse audiences
- A clear track record of success in operational roles is a must – demonstrated experience taking ideas from concept to design to implementation and linking targets and outcomes to strategic goals.
- Proven experience networking with, engaging, and successfully cultivating diverse community partners and partnership projects, preferably experience which includes partnering with BIPOC led groups.
- Demonstrated experience leading grassroots engagement on issues or advocacy campaigns and building the capacity of networks to engage in advocacy successfully.
- Experience working across diverse constituencies, including bipartisan coalitions, urban and rural constituents, and communities of color.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfortable with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including ability to respond quickly and effectively to unforeseen challenges.
- Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
- Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
- Thorough understanding of how advocacy, communications, and grassroots engagement components effectively work together.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
- Technically savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications and effective at using web-based engagement systems. Experience with EveryAction or similar advocacy database desired.
- Willingness to travel, including some occasional out-of-state travel, and with the ability to work some evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
- Valid Driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic as job demands
- Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.
- This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
- National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.
- Fostering Relationships : Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
- Analytical Thinking : Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
- Creativity and Innovation : Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
- Facilitating Change : Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
- Team Leadership : Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.
- EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
