Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support National Audubon Society in its search for a Vice President, Conservation Action, Western Flyways.  

ABOUT NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY 

For more than a century, the National Audubon Society 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, the National Audubon Society is one of the oldest and most effective bird conservation organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Audubon has more than 650 staff and a score of partner organizations 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 their bold strategic plan, Flight Plan, Audubon will achieve new levels of impact for birds, people, and the planet. To achieve their ambitious goals, they depend on a community of talented and motivated individuals who are 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

National Audubon Society seeks a confident and results-oriented leader to serve as the Vice President, Conservation Action for the Western Flyways.  

The Vice President, Conservation Action plays a pivotal role in driving the implementation of Audubon's Conservation Milestones & Workplace Excellence and organizational goals across state and regional offices in the United States. This position requires strategic leadership, operational excellence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to Audubon's mission of conservation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The Vice President, Conservation Action will achieve measurable accomplishments through the successful implementation of Audubon’s Flight Plan. 

The Vice President, Conservation Action, will serve as a member of the Conservation Leadership Team and provide leadership to eight direct reports who oversee large state or regional offices across 17 states, which include Audubon sanctuaries and nature centers. 

Reporting to the North America Managing Director, the Vice President, Conservation Action will have the following primary responsibilities:  

Strategy 

• Drive comprehensive implementation plans to scale and coordinate with the Conservation Leadership Team to advance Conservation Milestones across respective geographies in partnership with state and regional office leaders and internal and external stakeholders. 

• Provide leadership to ensure resources are focused on critical, high-impact conservation strategies and projects, while also making ongoing recommendations to executive leadership regarding future conservation investments. 

• Oversee the timely monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of conservation efforts within the flyways to uphold organizational objectives.  

• Partner with the Senior Director, Planning & Evaluation to identify areas for improvement within organizational structures and processes in order to effectively plan, monitor, and evaluate strategic goals. 

• Drive adoption and integration of Audubon's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conservation Principles throughout flyway teams and initiatives.

Resource Development & Financial Management  

• Exercise strong oversight and stewardship of a combined $30M+ flyways budget.  

• Establish annual financial goals for state and regional offices, ensuring prudent budget management and resource allocation. 

• Collaborate with Development on fundraising efforts aligned with Flight Plan goals, fostering a culture of philanthropy across the team and organization. 

• Cultivate connections and facilitate collaboration across states and with the Finance Department on projects and proposals to secure public funding for Audubon's initiatives.  

• Uphold compliance with Audubon financial protocols, operating policies, and legal/statutory requirements.  

Team Management and Development 

• Manage a high-performing team and provide results driven leadership by establishing annual work objectives and priorities and reviewing these objectives on an ongoing basis to ensure they are measurable and aligned with Audubon's conservation priorities in states and regions across the U.S.  

• Mentor, support, and empower state and regional leaders to deliver strategic and operational excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, workplace excellence, and the ability to thrive amidst organizational change. 

• Foster an environment of clear and effective communication to ensure clarity regarding expectations, feedback mechanisms, and performance benchmarks.  

• Collaborate closely with the People and Culture department to address and resolve union-related staffing issues, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and fostering positive labor relations.  

External Engagement 

• May act as an external ambassador and spokesperson, representing Audubon at key events, gatherings, and engagements across the flyways. 

• Support state and regional leaders’ efforts to elevate Audubon's conservation leadership and visibility among external audiences, including policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The Vice President, Conservation Action role requires a seasoned and effective leader with a proven track record in strategic management and organizational stewardship in a matrixed work environment.  

While candidates can come from a range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will exhibit many of the following attributes and experiences described below, but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in organizational management, preferably in conservation or civic engagement, with 5+ years in a senior leadership position. 

• Exceptional leadership qualities, with experience managing teams (direct and indirect) and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. 

• Demonstrated success in leading complex projects, achieving financial targets, and coordinating staff and partners effectively. 

• High adaptability and resilience in navigating complex, evolving landscapes.  

• Proficiency in operating within matrixed organizations, overseeing multiple projects, and leading through influence. 

• Strong advocacy acumen, adept at engaging stakeholders across political spectrums, and adept at forging cross-sector collaborations. 

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, coupled with a compelling public presence and enthusiasm for fundraising. 

• Exemplary integrity, transparency, and interpersonal skills that enable genuine connections with diverse communities. 

• Passion for conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society and its equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) aims. 

TRAVEL 

Approximately 30-40% 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. The Vice President, Conservation Action can be located close to a major airport within one of the following states:  AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, KS, LA, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000 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 to include:   

• 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 and two floating holidays; Audubon also offers 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.  

Download a copy of the full position profile for this position here.

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.