Overview
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 Florida is committed to recruiting and cultivating the next generation of volunteer and professional conservation leaders by engaging college-aged students and recent graduates in career development, field, and advocacy experiences. The Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) aims to provide a co-mentoring experience for students and Audubon chapter leaders to bridge the generational gap and bring college students into Audubon. Through this program, Audubon deepens connections with the next generation of conservationists while the students learn more about Audubon and gain valuable experience before entering the workforce. The CLI program recruitment begins annually on August 1st, with program participants onboarding at Audubon Florida’s Audubon Assembly in October. CLI program members participate in CLI-exclusive and regular Assembly programming throughout the event. Beyond Assembly, program participants get involved in Audubon in various ways from October 2023-May 2024.
The scope of work for this position includes coordinating the recruitment and selection of students and mentors for the 2023-24 CLI class and helping to organize and coordinate logistics for the CLI’s participation in Audubon Assembly. This includes communicating with college and university contacts, coordinating with the Audubon Florida Assembly Planning Committee, and creating and facilitating CLI-exclusive events at the Audubon Assembly.
Onsite:
This is a non-exempt position reporting to Kate Warner, Center Director. This position is classified as a seasonal, part-time on-site position based in the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Maitland, Florida with the option of remote work. This seasonal role extends from June 2023 -November 2023.
Compensation:
$16.00-$17.00 / hour
Essential Functions
- Help manage Audubon’s CLI program, including coordinating and onboarding a diverse cohort of college students from Florida’s colleges and universities and recruiting Audubon mentors for the 2023-2024 CLI year.
- Assist in forming a CLI 2023-24 planning committee consisting of CLI alums and select Audubon Florida staff.
- Review all recruitment, application, and upcoming program components for barriers to participation, considering factors affecting accessibility and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Implement communications and outreach to universities, professors, and student organizations.
- Participate in AF Assembly planning, including CLI and associated activities.
- Host online welcome meetings for students and mentors before Audubon Assembly to introduce the program, provide goals and expectations, and answer questions.
- Plan CLI Assembly activities, including student arrival, meals, leadership sessions, and field trips.
- Debrief and provide program updates to the Program Manager to provide a smooth transition of program responsibilities after program launch.
- Support the daily operations of the Center for Birds of Prey, which could include responsibilities such as Guest Relations, education, outreach, or animal husbandry.
- Other duties as needed and assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- An associate degree with related science or conservation coursework or at least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Experience planning events is preferred.
- Experience working with or leading college groups or clubs is preferred.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in environmental conservation.
- A self-starter who is motivated and able to work independently and with a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build consensus among various individuals.
- Comfort with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple projects through to success, working with budget project deadlines, and coordinating with other key staff and partners preferred.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
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.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
COVID Policy
All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.