Job Information
- Location: Durham, NC
- Close Date: 12/31/2025
- Hiring Organization: Audubon North Carolina
- Job Website
Description
The Director of Conservation will lead the development of conservation objectives and implementation of conservation strategies throughout North Carolina ensuring alignment with the goals and objectives of the National Audubon Society’s Flight Plan. They will oversee Audubon’s North Carolina conservation programs, collaborating with external partners such as Army Corps of Engineers, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Resources Conservation Service, the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, other NGOs and state agencies, etc.
The Director will manage conservation staff and project managers and work in close collaboration with those staff and the State Vice President to develop conservation priorities and policies for the region that support Flight Plan milestones. They will spend approximately 15-20% of their time developing funding proposals to foundations, corporations, agencies, and individuals, as well as be responsible for identifying funding opportunities and managing the funding relationships with natural resource agencies at multiple levels of governance. Reporting to the State Vice President, the Conservation Director is a member of the senior leadership team and will play a crucial role in developing and executing conservation priorities and measures for the North Carolina’s contributions to Flight Plan.
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the State Vice President, implement the key conservation milestones of Flight Plan and help shape the strategy for North Carolina.
Supervise North Carolina’s Working Lands, Urban Conservation, and Coastal Program staff with programs that engage a broad range of communities to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes within a full life cycle framework.
Direct the selection of research projects related to priority species and priority geographies, as well as project design, and oversee the analysis of data collected by Audubon staff, external partners, and community-scientists to inform adaptive management strategies and understanding of the impact of conservation actions.
Collaborate with partner organizations to set and achieve conservation objectives that contribute to Flight Plan, both within the state and at larger geographic scales.
Support staff to engage volunteers, as needed, to implement North Carolina conservation programs.
Provide technical expertise related to birds and habitat in North Carolina strategically to internal and external audiences and partners to advance our milestone goals. This includes coordination with policy staff on public comments, sign-on letters, and other policy and advocacy efforts.
In collaboration with the State Vice President and Development staff, research and secure public and private funding opportunities to support National Audubon Society conservation programs. Support development staff with individual donor cultivation activities. Specific activities may include, but are not limited to, creating opportunities for donors to get involved in conservation activities, leading bird walks and giving presentations to existing and prospective donors.
In collaboration with conservation staff, develop and oversee priority habitat conservation projects, in coordination with state and national science staff and partners, in order to achieve the goals of Flight Plan.
Maintain and foster culture of safety.
Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Avian Ecology, Conservation Biology or closely related field preferred.
10+ years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work, with at least 3 years of management experience leading professional teams and/or programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Must be well-versed in conservation, biology, field-based research, and knowledge of local and regional birds and other wildlife. Strong understanding of the value of and previous experience supporting community science.
Knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of people, values and current conservation and policy issues throughout North Carolina. Demonstrated understanding of conservation issues in North Carolina is a must.
A strategic influencer, one with excellent leadership and collaborative ethics, as demonstrated in previous work. Must possess strong interpersonal and social skills and a positive attitude.
Proven fundraising experience to include writing and overseeing grants, cultivating and managing individual donors, as well as foundations and other public agencies.
Must be motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with electronic platforms for administration including Microsoft Office, as well as knowledge of GIS technologies.
Ability and willingness to travel locally and out-of-state and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job demands.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required and access to personal vehicle.
Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation; must be able to transport field equipment at times, with or without accommodation.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
Salary/Benefits
$105,000 – $110,000 / year
