Conservation Program Manager — San Diego, CA

Organization: San Diego Audubon Society

Job Title: Conservation Program Manager

Location: San Diego, CA

Hours and Compensation: Full Time & $33-36,000

Application Deadline: Oct. 15, 2012

Position Dates: Start date – Nov. 26, 2012

Posted On: Oct. 1, 2012

Organization Overview

San Diego Audubon Society (SDAS) is a non-profit organization working to promote the protection and appreciation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in San DiegoCounty.

Description

We seek a highly motivated individual with a background in habitat restoration, citizen science, advocacy, and fund development to serve as our Conservation Program Manager. Multi-year projects led by this position include adaptive management of endangered CA Least Tern nesting habitat, restoration of coastal dune habitat, and conservation planning/project scoping for key conservation targets in MissionBayPark. If you have excellent project management and writing skills, excel at engaging stakeholders and mentoring volunteers, an aptitude for analyzing environmental issues and documents, and enjoy a diverse, fast-paced work environment, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Summary

• Program planning and management: Guide the strategic expansion of the Conservation Program and manage a diverse portfolio of conservation projects (habitat restoration, citizen science, conservation planning, research, and advocacy).
• Environmental analysis and strategy development: Monitor local and regional policies and projects likely to have an impact on natural resources and help develop and implement strategies to reverse potential negative impacts.
• Volunteer management and coordination: Mentor conservation volunteers who participate in our Conservation Committee, conservation workshops, and habitat restoration events.
• Fund development: Raise funds to support the Conservation Program.

Specific Responsibilities

Program planning and management (50%)

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Conservation Chair, and Conservation Committee members to develop a portfolio of conservation policies, positions, programs, and projects that address the mission and vision of the organization.
• Manage and support all SDAS conservation activities including habitat restoration, citizen science, conservation planning, and advocacy projects and programs.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with agencies, outside experts, and partner organizations to further the objectives of the conservation program.

• Work with other committees (e.g. education, sanctuaries) to ensure that all SDAS programs further conservation objectives.
• Assist the Conservation Committee in conducting its business, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, identifying issues of concern, following up on action items, keeping track of issue milestones and needed actions for issues, and attending all Conservation Committee meetings (currently held the 4^th Monday evening of each month).

Volunteer management and coordination (20%)

• Educate, mentor, supervise, and organize volunteers to support and implement conservation programs and projects.
• Build the capacity of the Conservation Committee by mentoring volunteers who are capable of and willing to follow an environmental issue, including reviewing relevant documents, formulating a strategy, and advocating for San Diego Audubon’s position on the issue.
• Provide direct supervision and outreach to volunteers at weekend work events, including habitat maintenance, restoration, and citizen science activities (approximately two Saturdays per month).

Fund development (20%)

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Development and Communications Manager, and Development Committee to raise funds to support conservation programs, including identifying funders, preparing grant proposals, administering grants, and other fundraising efforts.

Outreach, communications, and other duties (10%)

• Prepare periodic articles for publication in Sketches newsletter on national, regional, or local conservation issues, or updates on SDAS conservation programs/activities.
• Maintain updated web content for conservation programs/activities.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and Conservation Chair on issues related to SDAS conservation work and goals.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.po;[

Qualifications

• Deep commitment and passion for the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
• Outgoing people-person with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and statewide conservation issues.
• Knowledge of the fields of science that relate to wildlife conservation.
• Knowledge of the local, state, and federal regulations intended to protect wildlife.
• Experience reviewing environmental documents and writing comment letters.
• Proven leadership experience in motivating and managing people.
• Experience in conservation planning and coordinating stakeholder groups.
• Experience identifying grant opportunities and writing grants.
• Very organized and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks.
• Hard working, self-motivated, effective, and able to work in a team setting.
• Advanced proficiency with PC-based software, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Typewriting speed minimum 50 WPM.
• GIS experience is a plus.

How to Apply

Deadline: October 15 or until filled. Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume electronically to[email protected] with the subject line “Job Opportunity”. No phone calls, please. If materials cannot be sent electronically, hard copies can be submitted to:

Chris Redfern

Executive Director

San Diego Audubon Society

4010 Morena Blvd, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92117

Fax: 858-273-7801