Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support National Audubon Society in its search for a Senior Director, Equitable Conservation.  Feel free to download a copy of the full position brochure here.

ABOUT NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY 

For more than a century, National Audubon Society (Audubon) has preserved bird habitats, conducted scientific research, influenced policymakers to enact commonsense conservation laws, and engaged communities across the hemisphere to protect the natural resources upon which birds—and we—depend. By "bending the bird curve," they are working to halt, and ultimately reverse, the decline of birds across the Americas. 

Incorporated in 1905, Audubon is one of the oldest and most effective bird conservation organizations in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 650 staff working in 10 countries. Audubon also has an extensive network of over 510 community and campus chapters working on behalf of birds and people in their local areas.  

Guided by its bold strategic plan, Flight Plan, Audubon will achieve new levels of impact for birds, people, and the planet. To achieve its ambitious goals, Audubon depends on a community of talented and motivated individuals focused on driving a lasting positive impact through collaboration, trust, innovation, learning, and care for each other, their partners, and communities while embracing complexity and change.   

Learn more about National Audubon Society at audubon.org. 
 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Audubon seeks a Senior Director, Equitable Conservation, to play a key role in leading the meaningful integration of Audubon’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Conservation Principles throughout its conservation programmatic work. The goal is to establish a high bar for decisions, actions, and accountability across the organization, from policy and on-the-ground conservation efforts, to the Conservation Action Centers, to Chapter engagement, partnerships, and community building initiatives. Audubon is prioritizing and executing their work with an equitable approach to achieve more lasting outcomes for both people and nature. 

The ideal candidate for the Senior Director, Equitable Conservation role will be a collaborative leader with the ability to influence positive change with diplomacy and tact. They will be a visionary and strategic thinker, naturally curious, adept at connecting with people, and a strong communicator. Demonstrating cultural competency, the Senior Director, Equitable Conservation will excel in creating safe and inclusive spaces to foster an environment where all team members feel valued and heard. Leading with diplomacy will be crucial as the Senior Director, Equitable Conservation navigates complex challenges, builds consensus among diverse stakeholders, and influences systemic and transformational change across the entire organization. 

Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Conservation Officer with a dotted line to the Vice President, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, the Senior Director, Equitable Conservation will have the following primary responsibilities: 

Strategy Development & Implementation 

• Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive multi-year strategy to embed Audubon’s EDIB Conservation Principles into all aspects of conservation planning, policy development, partnership building, and program implementation. 

• Conceptualize, create, and provide new methods, techniques, practices, tools, resources, and initiatives that are action-oriented and evidenced based to ensure Audubon’s conservation work meaningfully reflects EDIB Conservation Principles in all conservation planning, partnership, policy, and decision-making activities. 

• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing team to develop and disseminate equitable conservation program content that elevates Audubon’s visibility and influences and demonstrates impact in alignment with Audubon’s Flight Plan and Conservation Blueprint. 

• Partner with the Development team to develop fundraising strategies and engage potential donors to secure resources for equitable conservation program-related initiatives and ensure long-term program sustainability.  

Continuous Improvement & Learning  

• Facilitate change management initiatives to help the organization adapt to new equitable conservation strategies and processes, while simultaneously supporting conservation teams, programs and initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. 

• Build staff competency through the development of tools, resources, and compelling learning opportunities that allow for the exchange and application of equitable practices to help team members to incorporate EDIB Conservation Principles and decision-making in their daily work.  

• Serve as a thought partner to programmatic leaders to help them navigate specific opportunities and challenges.  

• Partner closely with the EDIB and People & Culture teams to facilitate organizational learning and knowledge sharing on EDIB best practices, research, and trends in the conservation sector.  

Evaluation, Measurement & Reporting 

• Partner with the Senior Director, Planning & Evaluation, on the development and implementation of key metrics and comprehensive frameworks for measuring and evaluating the progress and impact of the EDIB Conservation Principles in all aspects of conservation goals.  

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of equitable conservation initiatives and ensure continuous improvement. 

• Work with the People & Culture team to create annual performance objectives based on the EDIB Conservation Principles.  

• Prepare written and oral reports, memos, visualizations, and presentations that communicate equitable conservation strategies, processes, effectiveness, and impact.  

Leadership  

• Spearhead and grow a dynamic community of practice across the Audubon network that motivates collaboration and ideation on opportunities for meaningful connectivity to scale equitable conservation across Audubon. 

• Lead with diplomacy, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages open communication, respects diverse perspectives, and builds strong, trusting relationships within the organization. 

• Serve as the conservation equity lead on various internal taskforces, councils, and teams as needed. 

• Provide thought leadership on equitable conservation issues within the conservation community, contributing to the broader dialogue on equity in conservation work. 

• Exercise strong financial oversight and stewardship over the Equitable Conservation program budget.  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

The Senior Director, Equitable Conservation role requires an effective leader with a proven track record in change management and continuous improvement in a matrixed work environment.  

The ideal candidate exhibits many of the following attributes and experiences described below, but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• 3+ years of leadership experience and 10+ years of relevant work experience in organizational development, change management, or related fields with a proven track record of leading successful EDIB initiatives in conservation or other environmental or social issue spaces. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 

• Minimum of 5-7 years of conservation experience in EDIB work, with a strong focus on strategy and learning. 

• Deep understanding of EDIB principles and best practices, particularly as they relate to conservation and environmental work. 

• Keen ability to evaluate complex situations, identify key issues, and develop effective solutions. 

• Experience in facilitating training and organizational learning programs. 

• Exceptional leadership qualities and ability to successfully influence teams and stakeholders while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.  

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and align diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, staff, and external partners. 

• Comfort with ambiguity and the capacity to navigate complex, changing environments.  

• Genuine passion for conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society and its EDIB Conservation principles. 

TRAVEL 

Approximately 25% of your time will be spent traveling. 

LOCATION  

This position is a hybrid or remote U.S.-based position depending on the location of the candidate with a preference for candidates in close proximity to one of Audubon’s national, state, or center locations. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The salary range for this position is $132,000 - $175,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the location, qualifications, and experience of the hired candidate. In addition, National Audubon Society offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:   

• Medical and dental insurance through Cigna 

• Vision insurance through VSP  

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with a matching contribution up to 4% of an employee’s base salary + 4% non-elective contribution 

• Paid Time Off: 20 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, two personal days, two floating holidays, and summer Fridays for eligible staff 

• Sabbatical leave after 10 years of continuous service for eligible staff  

HOW TO APPLY  

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this national search. For consideration, submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by clicking the apply link below.   Applications will be reviewed and evaluated as received.  

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. 

All applications, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

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.