Position Summary:

Audubon Texas:

The National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.  Audubon Texas is a partnership with the National Audubon Society and Texas' 20 independent Audubon Chapters.  Audubon Texas has four keystone initiatives: conservation science (to include community-based wildlife habitat conservation, the Important Bird Areas program, and citizen science programs), conservation education, public policy/outreach, and support to Audubon chapters.

Position Overview:

The Director of the Trinity River Audubon Center will be a strategic thinking entrepreneur, a leader, fundraiser, and charismatic facilitator who is able to work in partnership with a number of public and private entities to create and administer an Audubon Center in Dallas, Texas.  The Director will be responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, operating, and managing the Center, and for carrying out the mission of Audubon Texas and the National Audubon Society in Dallas and the North Texas region.

The Trinity River Audubon Center is a place of learning, conservation action, reflection and interaction. The Center engages people to explore their natural world, instilling an appreciation of nature and inspiration to protect what they value.

Essential Functions:

Planning:

• Reviews and keeps the business plan current.
• Works with education staff to evaluate and select target markets for center education programs
• Works with state and regional conservation staff and partners to develop and oversee a long and short-term conservation plan for Trinity River Audubon Center.

Administration:

• Oversees all aspects of Audubon Center facilities, budgets, and programs.
• Hires and supervises center staff.
• Further develops and oversees expansive programs through the Education Director.
• Oversees the management of grounds and infrastructure through the Operations Director.
• Involves Audubon Texas and Center staff, Stewardship Board, and key partners in developing and accessing measurable goals and action plans for the Center.
• Maintains, develops and cultivates relationships with other organizations that share the Audubon mission.

Budget and Fundraising:

• Works with state and regional development staff to maintain an ambitious, but practical annual program and budget for the Center.
• Works with state and regional development staff to raise annual operating funds for the Center.
• Responsible for coordinating the recruitment, development, and engagement of the stewardship committee.
• Manages operating expenses, income budgets and capital budgets.
• Maintains diverse and sustainable revenue streams to support a growing Center program.
• Makes personal contacts to cultivate current and potential individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Keeps donors informed of the Center’s progress and significant accomplishments.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Works with state and regional staff to update and implement the marketing plan for the center and its programs.
• Provides effective and compelling oral and written presentations.
• Acts as a voice for Audubon and Trinity River Audubon Center in the area on the mission and serve as the center’s spokesperson with the media and stakeholders.

Resource Conservation and Management:

• Works with conservation staff and partners to update and execute the habitat management plans and to measure progress toward habitat management goals.
• Works to involve Trinity River and City of Dallas partners, staff, and neighbors on conservation of the site and surrounding environs.
• Assures that trails and facilities are properly maintained, working with staff to anticipate and remedy deterioration and possible safety problems to provide for customer needs.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Works with education staff and local school district and college education leaders to create and implement educational and interpretive programs that contribute to environmental awareness and exemplify the programmatic direction of Audubon Texas and the National Audubon Society.
• Works with education staff to devise and carry out methods of evaluating the success of center programs.
• Develops working relationship with local Audubon members and chapters, and provide supporting services consistent with the policies of the National Audubon Society.
• Maintains and manages an open communication network between the Stewardship Board, Audubon Texas, and the National Audubon Society.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Education, Nonprofit Management, or related degree with a minimum of five (5) progressive leadership experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in management and administration of a nature center, educational institution, or similar organization required.
• Fundraising experience required.
• A passion for conservation of natural resources. Knowledge of these resources and Texas ecology is highly preferred.  
• Demonstrated entrepreneurialism and/or business development experience preferred.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks and work as part of a team as well as independently. 
• Must be adaptable, pro-active, have a can-do attitude, and a tolerant, friendly personality.
• Great organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license.
• A strong commitment to the mission, values, and programs of Audubon Texas and the National Audubon Society.
• Existing connections to the Dallas/North Texas region area strongly desired.