As a prominent state program of the National Audubon Society, Audubon New York leads a statewide network of 50,000 members, seven sanctuaries and nature centers, and hundreds of volunteers while collaborating with 27 local Audubon Chapters and dozens of partners in the protection of birds and their habitats through science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation programs.

Reporting to the Director of Operations for Audubon New York, the Center Director at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary (CMACS) will have four core functions: manage all CMACS operations and staff; serve as lead for center efforts on Audubon’s conservation priorities; play a significant and proactive role in fundraising for CMACS facilities and operations as well as other statewide initiatives; and participate as an active and productive participant in the Audubon New York senior leadership team. The Center Director will also manage the education and conservation programs at Audubon’s other properties in the mid-Hudson Valley; Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary in Dutchess County, Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Columbia County and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary in Greene County. The Center Director, therefore, plays an important role in carrying out the mission of Audubon New York and the National Audubon Society. Audubon's mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

Candidates should include a cover letter when applying to this position.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Staff Management

Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Center’s mission, strategy, core program areas, and operating departments consistent with National Audubon’s strategic plan.
Oversee all operational aspects of the Center facilities, budgets, and programs; hire and effectively manage staff.
Maintain an excellent working relationship with the Center Advisory Board, while also building Board capacity and engagement; develop and enhance relationships with local environmental and other community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders.
With staff, help grow an active volunteer and intern program and adhere to National Audubon Society guidelines.
Involve staff, the Advisory Board, and key partners in developing measurable goals and action plans, as well as a process for monitoring and assessing progress.
Mentor staff to reach their full potential, both in their internal work for Audubon and in their outreach to the public.
Preserve and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, individual initiative, collegiality, and diversity; collaborate with staff to identify and implement best practices and evaluate outcomes, where applicable.

Program Development and Implementation

Oversee the development and implementation of programs that enhance Audubon New York’s contributions to Atlantic Flyway initiatives and Audubon’s national strategies, including Water, Climate, Bird Friendly Communities, and Working Lands.
Work closely with Audubon New York’s conservation staff to expand CMACS’s conservation activities.
Establish on- and off--site educational and outreach programs that contribute to the mission of Audubon New York and the National Audubon Society.
Evaluate the effectiveness of CMACS’s Programs.

Marketing and Community Outreach

Work with Audubon New York staff, the CMACS Advisory Board and constituents to develop and implement a marketing and promotions plan for CMACS and its programs.
Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations, and be available to serve as CMACS’s spokesperson with the media.

Budget and Fundraising

Work with the Director of Operations and Managing Director to develop and deliver required budgeting and financial reporting for CMACS's $256K annual operating budget.
With the assistance of Audubon Development staff, create and implement a financially sustainable fundraising plan for the Center that cultivates and maintains relationships with current donors while identifying and expanding new, innovative funding sources.
Enhance existing sources of earned income, including program revenue, school program tuition, admissions, etc.
Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the case for support of the Center’s program at community and fundraising events.
Along with Development staff and other key leaders of Audubon New York, participate in donor engagement meetings.
Seek new revenue opportunities, write grants, ensure grant reporting and compliance; manage and staff special fundraising events for the Center.

Land and Facilities Management

With state and center staff, oversee habitat management projects that enhance habitat for birds and other wildlife on Audubon property.
Monitor and maintain trails and facilities, anticipating and remedying deterioration, and possible safety problems to provide for visitor needs. This may also include working to develop a sustainable capital campaign to upgrade facilities to allow for expansion of programs.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Education, Nonprofit Management, Environmental Studies, or related field, as well as 7-10 years' relevant professional experience working in multi-function nature centers, science museums, research centers, or field studies programs, to include staff, budget, and program management. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Track record of successfully hiring, managing, and mentoring staff.
Demonstrated fundraising success in the areas of individual giving, corporate giving, and/or foundations a must.
Familiarity with the communities, flora and fauna and environmental partners of Putnam and neighboring counties strongly preferred.
Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work in a dynamic environment and effectively manage change.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences and age groups, and prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents.
A relationship builder, one with superior interpersonal skills and is comfortable working both independently and as a part of a team.
Track record of partnering with key stakeholders, such as Board of Directors, management and staff across an organization.
Demonstrated project management experience, including managing budgets, grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects with evolving priorities and timelines, required.
Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well as donor enterprise systems. Experience with Salesforce desired.
Current working knowledge of social media and its place within advocacy or non-profit arenas. Online community management and network building experience a plus.
Experience operating field equipment preferred, but not required.
Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible environment, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Must have valid driver's license and be available for some travel as the job demands.
A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society and the natural resources of New York.