Senior Director, Strategic Operations - Military veterans preferred

2024-04-12
National Audubon Society
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


New York
New York
10014
United States


Remote (40)
Full time
Posted 30+ Days Ago
JR29

As second in command, the Senior Director for Strategic Operations will partner with the Executive Director to provide overall strategic and operational leadership for Audubon Florida (AFL), a state office of the National Audubon Society. They will play an instrumental role in overseeing the operations of AFL’s centers and science center, while representing AFL in South Florida with decision makers, donors, and dignitaries, especially in South Florida.


Audubon Florida is the National Audubon Society’s largest state program by staff and budget, and Florida’s oldest statewide conservation nonprofit. Known as a fair broker of science-based common-sense solutions, Audubon is a respected thought leader in the conservation community on issues affecting water, wildlife, habitat, and climate. Our staff of nearly 100 researchers, resource managers, educators, policy experts, and operational staff are distributed among our operational headquarters in Miami, policy headquarters in Tallahassee, Everglades Science Center in the Florida Keys, 13,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Center for Birds of Prey in Orlando, as well as remote locations around the state.


Essential Functions


  • Partner with Executive Director to pace and drive AFL’s advancement, including guiding operations of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Audubon’s Center for Birds of Prey, and the Everglades Science Center.
  • Engaging these centers in leveraging Audubon’s engagement, policy, conservation, and fundraising opportunities to greatest effect.
  • Guide the implementation of the facilities improvements associated with the capital campaign for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
  • In coordination with the Executive Director, conduct needs assessments, develop strategic priorities, research new projects, and coordinate initiatives; act on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence to resolve disputes and emergencies.
  • Implement, monitor, and evaluate AFL’s operations, including nurturing and coaching a culture of evaluation, feedback, and improvement to support organizational health, safety best practices, equity, belonging, diversity, and inclusion, and process improvement.
  • Collaborate with the finance director and Executive Director to support longer term budget planning and reserve use planning.
  • Collaborate with development staff to identify, cultivate and solicit relevant South Florida donors.
  • Manage a variety of organizational projects and initiatives, engaging all levels of staff to mentor future leaders.
  • Assist with policy activities in which the successful candidate has particular subject matter expertise.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to Florida’s executive and program manager teams.
  • Maintain and manage relationships with the Office of the General Counsel, People and Culture team and Conservation Leadership Team, in partnership with the Executive Director.
  • In partnership with the Executive Director, work with the People and Culture team to implement the orientation process and staff professional development and mentorship programs for staff in Florida.
  • Coordinate meetings of Audubon Florida’s leadership team, Florida’s all-staff meetings, and represent Audubon Florida on key working groups.
  • Lead special projects as assigned.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

  • Qualifications and Experience


  • Bachelor's degree in non-profit management, natural sciences or related field required; Master’s degree preferred and 10+ years’ experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.
  • 3+ 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 with complex project management. Organizationally, we are adopting Asana software for this function—experience with same is a plus.
  • A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and effectively without regular direct supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Commitment to building and leveraging partnerships at the local, regional, and national level to advance common conservation goals.
  • Familiarity with the science of Florida conservation and policy development.
  • 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.
  • Proven success with fundraising and providing support and direction to board members and management.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, and an ability to quickly learn new software programs for accounting and fundraising.
  • A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to travel frequently and work some weekends and evenings when necessary.
  • Interest, understanding, and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitat is critical, as is the ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.
  • Possesses a valid driver’s license or has the ability to obtain one.


  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

    Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.

    Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.





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