Conservation Director GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY Berkeley

GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Position Title: Conservation Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Berkeley, CA

Golden Gate Audubon is a wildlife conservation group dedicated to protecting Bay Area birds, other wildlife and their natural habitats. We conserve and restore wildlife habitat, connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural world, and educate and engage Bay Area residents in the protection of our shared, local environment. We have a small staff and an active Board of Directors, and many of our programs are implemented by talented teams of volunteers.

The Conservation Director is the primary staff person responsible for developing, managing and implementing Golden Gate Audubon’s conservation policy projects. Golden Gate Audubon’s conservation policy projects include advocacy, conservation planning, land management and litigation projects. They encompass work at the local, statewide and national levels. The Conservation Director works cooperatively with other staff, Conservation Committee Chairs, volunteers and partners to implement the organization’s conservation goals and programs. The Conservation Director is also responsible for supervising program staff and volunteers, including managing the Restoration Programs Coordinator and providing high-level oversight for restoration programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and Manage Conservation Programs: Plan and manage Conservation Programs in collaboration with the Executive Director, including program development, project implementation, budget management, fundraising, and community relations. Provide high-level oversight for restoration programs, which are implemented by the Restoration Programs Coordinator.
• Implement Conservation Policy Projects: Craft and implement strategies to advance Golden Gate Audubon’s priority conservation policy initiatives. Work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers and peer organizations to identify and analyze policy issues for their potential impacts on Bay Area native birds and their habitats. Develop policy materials, reports and fact sheets to educate advocates, policy makers and the public. Work collaboratively with attorneys, consultants and peer organizations to advance policy and litigation objectives.
• Manage Program Staff and Volunteers: Organize and manage other staff, consultants, interns and many volunteers working to execute Golden Gate Audubon’s conservation policy projects. Ensure timely completion of project deliverables. Supervise the Restoration Programs Coordinator.
• Represent Golden Gate Audubon in Public Fora: Represent Golden Gate Audubon to government agencies and other environmental organizations, including advocating for organizational positions before decision-makers at the local, state and federal levels. Establish and maintain good working relationships with agencies and partner organizations. Conduct outreach to members and the general public, including making public presentations, writing articles for the monthly newsletter, crafting action alerts and policy updates for Golden Gate Audubon’s website and advocacy listserve, and working regularly with the media.

A successful candidate must possess:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in environmental science, environmental policy, conservation biology or another field related to natural resources conservation.
• At least three years’ experience in wildlife conservation policy and advocacy. Expertise in bird conservation, wetlands conservation or land conservation a plus.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple conservation programs and associated budgets and project deliverables.
• Demonstrated success managing staff and working actively with volunteers.
• Demonstrated success in developing, guiding and implementing campaigns, policy initiatives and/or restoration projects, including media experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws, including ESA, CWA, CEQA, and NEPA.
• A sense of humor and the ability to work flexibly and productively in a small, entrepreneurial environment. Must be a dedicated team-player.
• Excellent writing, oral communications, public speaking and advocacy skills.
• A strong commitment to Golden Gate Audubon’s mission.
• Must have own car and valid driver’s license. Mileage allowance provided.

Additional Qualifications:

• Proven fundraising ability.
• Expertise in bird biology, bird conservation or wetlands restoration.
• Enthusiasm for birds and birding.
• Knowledge of Bay Area birds or wildlife conservation issues.
• Familiarity with local Bay Area and/or California state governments.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Health benefits provided.

Send resume, cover letter and writing sample to: Conservation Director Search, Golden Gate Audubon Society, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Suite G, Berkeley, CA 94702 or via e-mail to ggas@goldengateaudubon.org.

No phone calls, please. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.
Tentative Start Date: September 2, 2008.