Delaware River Watershed Program Manager

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.

Position Summary

Audubon Mid-Atlantic is seeking a Manager for it’s Delaware River Watershed Program to plan and implement Audubon’s on-the-ground habitat restoration and conservation work across the Watershed. This position reports to the Director for the Delaware River Watershed Program. The Program is a multi-state effort that incorporates policy, conservation and public engagement work in order to increase support and funding for conservation and environmental protection efforts within the Delaware River watershed, a critical habitat for millions of people and birds. The Program also manages on-the-ground projects designed to restore those watershed habitats.

The Manager will oversee the implementation of existing Watershed habitat restoration programs in Philadelphia and the Schuylkill Highlands, work with partners to design and implement a new National Fish and Wildlife Foundation-funded “Pollinator Corridor” project in southwest Philadelphia and identify new sites within the watershed where habitat conservation is needed. They will help the Program Director with grant management. They will also build and manage a staff team dedicated to conservation project implementation, including volunteer management and community engagement work.

Essential Functions

• Manage planning and implementation of on-the-ground watershed-related conservation projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of existing southeastern Pennsylvania watershed conservation projects (Whitby Meadow, Pollinator Corridor, Schuylkill Highlands).
• Work with the Program Director and Audubon development staff to identify funding for projects, apply for and manage grants, including tracking grant deliverables and metrics. Support development staff and the Program Director to write grant proposals and progress reports.
• Supervise the work of a full-time Watershed project coordinator who will provide logistics, planning and implementation support on existing conservation restoration projects with an eye to hiring additional conservation staff over time as the on-the-ground conservation work expands.
• Collaborate with other local environmental and other nonprofit organizations as well as private companies to develop and implement project work plans.
• Engage local communities in the planning and delivery of conservation projects through public planning meetings, planting activities and work with neighborhood leaders and civic organizations
• Work with other Audubon staff (communications, engagement, centers) and partner organizations to recruit volunteers interested in on-the-ground conservation work; train and manage them during planting and other conservation events.
• Along with the Watershed Director and Conservation Coordinator, represent Audubon Mid-Atlantic at relevant neighborhood meetings and partner events where work is occurring.
• Provide guidance and advice to staff at the Discovery Center and the John James Audubon Center on on-site habitat restoration projects that would support watershed goals.
• Work with the Program Director and conservation staff in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland to develop new habitat restoration projects in identified critical areas of need.
• Collaborate with Audubon regional conservation staff and other environmental organizations to identify new conservation projects that would build upon current work and advance Audubon’s watershed goals.
• Use data to identify critical bird habitats, help design natural infrastructure solutions that will mitigate current and future threats, identify funding for the work and manage its implementation.
• Promote and engage local audiences in Audubon’s work in the watershed.
• Work with Program Director and Public Program Managers at the Discovery Center (Philadelphia, PA) and the John James Audubon Center (Audubon, PA) to develop and promote public programming and interest in Delaware River Watershed conservation efforts.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field and 3 to 5 years’ progressive experience in conservation project/program design and management. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of water resources or wildlife conservation in the Delaware River Watershed.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders and guiding the work of staff.
• Sound interpersonal skills, judgment, diplomacy, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and web-based applications required.
• Experience developing and managing inclusive projects that include opportunities for traditionally underserved communities to engage in their creation and implementation.
• Demonstrated understanding of habitat/landscape conservation and restoration project design and implementation.
• Interest in and knowledge of the habitat needs of birds preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to conservation and passion for the mission and programs of the National Audubon Society, including our principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

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.

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