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Engagement director

Employer
National Audubon Society
Location
Alexandria, VA
Closing date
Oct 7, 2022

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Industry
Other
Function
Executive, Management, Director
Hours
Full Time
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Overview The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubons state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere. Position Summary Audubon Delta (AD) is a regional field office of the National Audubon Society. AD manages Audubon's conservation and network priorities in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This geography includes 81 Important Bird Areas covering more than 16 million acres and over 42,000 Audubon members and supporters, many of whom belong to one of Audubon's 21 local chapters.Reporting to Audubon Deltas Vice President and Executive Director, the Engagement Director, Audubon Delta is responsible for regional efforts to engage, activate, and grow Audubons traditional and college chapters as well as our grassroots membership, with the goal of deepening the sphere of influence of the Audubon network in Delta. The Engagement Director, Audubon Delta will be responsible for developing partnerships and providing training and capacity-building opportunities, tools, and mechanisms to enhance the connectedness, capacity, diversity, and size of the Audubon network in the region. Working in close collaboration with Audubon Deltas Director of Policy and Director of Communications, they will be responsible for engaging our bipartisan network and conservation partners for successful policy campaigns and conservation leadership with a focus on climate and Mississippi River water issues. They will also work closely with national and state campaigns teams, national policy and network teams, and other Audubon departments as needed. They will participate on a team that ensures high-quality communications that raise the profile of Audubon Delta, move our strategic priorities forward, and set us up for fundraising success.The ideal candidate will be a skilled, experienced leader and a strategic thinker, with a background working with communities, campaigns, and collaborative partnerships. Proven experience in growing bipartisan, representative, and inclusive networks and building diverse grassroots movements is required. Essential Functions Lead the design and delivery of a meaningful, impact-focused engagement strategy for the Audubon Delta region that includes volunteers and chapters. Lead the development and implementation of capacity and partnership building efforts for the Audubon chapter network, including (but not limited to) the following: developing programs, creating unique partnerships with high-capacity chapters, and overseeing channels of communication between Audubon and its Delta chapters. Build the collaborative capacity of Audubons chapters to engage with Audubons advocacy priorities, conservation programs, and community science efforts. Grow Audubon Deltas engagement efforts to support new grassroots leaders in a diversity of contexts, geographies, and generations. Partner with Audubons conservation and public policy leaders at national and state levels to recruit, equip, and engage advocates and volunteers for on-the-ground conservation work, conservation advocacy, issue campaigns, outreach, and influence building. Develop and activate a schedule of gatherings and other networking opportunities that deliver Audubons capacity-building program and foster peer-to-peer learning. With the Director of Policy for the Delta, develop and implement a campaign strategy to maximize grassroots engagement and growth. Contribute to high-quality communications efforts that are consistent with Audubons voice and a strong and increasingly positive public perception of Audubon and its positions and key strategic initiatives. Orchestrate training on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for chapter leaders and staff; work with Delta staff to include equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in plans for all programs. Support program and center staff in applying network-building strategies and organizing tactics to grow volunteer capacity and engagement. Provide periodic updates and recommendations to state board and staff to facilitate more productive integration at all levels of the organization. In partnership with Executive Director and development team, secure funds from individuals, foundations, and government agencies. Develop partnerships and relationships with funders, donors, and strategic partners to support and grow Audubons capacity for a diverse set of programs. Develop and manage program and grant budgets. Other duties as required. Qualifications And Experience 10+ years relevant experience in grassroots network building, grassroots advocacy, wildlife conservation, public service or related field, including at least 3 years managing staff and teams, required. A combination of education and experience will also be considered. Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to oversee and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment. In-depth experience with community organizing, engagement, and activism in diverse communities. Clear track record of success in operational roles a must demonstrated experience taking ideas from concept to design to execution and linking objectives and outcomes to strategic goals. Proven experience in networking, engaging, and successfully sustaining diverse community partnership projects. Proven experience building the capacity of networks to successfully engage in advocacy and creating programmatic and organizational structures that prioritize equity and the inclusion of diverse perspectives. Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort 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. Demonstrated and 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. Familiarity with conservation, climate, and environmental issues with enough fluency to represent Audubon throughout the states that are part of Audubon Delta. Technically savvy, to include proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort using web- based engagement systems. Experience with EveryAction or similar voter/volunteer database desired. Willingness to travel, including some occasional out-of-state travel, and comfort working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand. Interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society. EEO Statement The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search. 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 @audubon.org . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. COVID Policy All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.

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