Director, Strategic Operations

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. Audubon’s 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.

Reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director, Audubon Delta the Director, Strategic Operations will provide high-level programmatic and operational support for Audubon Delta, a regional office of National Audubon Society encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Specifically, they will be responsible for efficient and smooth management and the seamless integration of Delta staff and centers into the Delta Region and National Audubon Society’s (NAS) operations.

The Director will develop and implement efficient long-term office and organizational management that supports team success. They will provide general business guidance and support to the team on issues of financial management and reporting, strategic planning, fundraising, contracting, human resources, outreach, and grants.

Compensation:

$101,500 / year

• Partner with Vice President to pace and drive Audubon Delta’s advancement, including analysis and implementation of priorities, partnerships and infrastructure needs.
• In coordination with the Vice President conduct needs assessments, research new projects coordinate new initiatives, and set strategic policies, procedures, and administrative systems that allow for efficient and smooth functions operations throughout the Delta while ensuring compliance with NAS policies and procedures
• Guide operations of Pascagoula River Audubon Center (Moss Point, MS) and Little Rock Audubon Center (Little Rock, AR), ensuring connection with and leverage of engagement, policy, conservation and fundraising opportunities
• Work closely with Delta and national program, project, and finance staff to manage annual budgets and support monthly close requirements including nurturing and coaching a culture of evaluation, feedback and improvement to support financial sustainability
• Design and manage process for grant applications, implementation (e.g. contracts), and reporting including assisting with proposal submissions such as verifying budgets and obtaining quotes and, once received, tracking finances and objectives
• Manage annual reporting and strategic planning; working with project/program managers to decide on measures and key performance indicators to assess how annual objectives are being achieved and developing recovery plans when measures are not on track
• Manage all HR processes, such as onboarding new staff and transitions with departing staff.
• Manage IT tools and needs, such as shared cloud-based information systems, equipment tracking and replacement, staff training, etc.
• Support Vice President with board activities. Coordinate logistics for Delta board and committee meetings. Communicate meeting details, assemble and edit meeting agendas and packets. Maintain board meeting minutes.
• Help set team culture, engagement, and development including managing staff calendar, coordinating logistics and facilitating meetings (annual retreats and monthly all staff calls), and identify and schedule professional development opportunities.
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and justice principles are incorporated into the Delta’s programmatic work.
• Other job-related duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree in non-profit management, natural sciences or related field required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in non-profit management, operations, logistics, program management, or related field and at least 5 years progressive leadership experience, to include demonstrated success developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Supervisory experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance, including conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals and project deadlines, managing third-party contracts, conducting required reporting and tracking, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and effectively without regular direct supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a commitment to building and leveraging partnerships at the local, regional, and national level to advance common conservation goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; must be able to make decisions, delegate responsibilities, and supervise and mentor staff.
• Proven record managing budgets, government grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, and an ability to quickly learn new software programs for accounting and fundraising.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to travel throughout the region as needed.

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.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.