Center Manager, Strawberry Plains

Position Summary

Reporting to Audubon Delta’s Senior Director, Conservation, the Center Manager oversees all aspects of the Center operations. The position will work with the Audubon Delta team and partners to protect, enhance, and restore habitat for birds and other wildlife and utilize the experience to inform and educate local and regional communities to help conserve working landscape in the region, as well as manage fishery and wildlife resources as part of the Coldwater River Watershed.  This position will work closely with our science and conservation teams to identify and implement research and conservation projects at the site. They will also work in the local community to establish relationships with stakeholders such as state and regional government, businesses, and community groups that are partners and/or supporters of Strawberry Plains Audubon Center (SPAC). They will coordinate and collaborate with other staff to organize annual events like the Hummingbird festival at the Center and respond to conservation issues of local and regional concern. They are responsible for the care and maintenance of our physical facilities and equipment located at the Center.  

Compensation:

$56,949 – $64,067 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Working with the Senior Director, Conservation and the Vice President, Delta Region, guide the Center’s mission, programs, and operations in alignment with Audubon’s strategic plan.
• Direct conservation, restoration, research, and habitat projects at SPAC in collaboration with the SPAC Restoration Ecologist and Facilities Technician.
• Working with regional leadership, design and implement education and outreach programs for diverse audiences, including signature events like the annual Hummingbird Festival.
• In collaboration with Audubon colleagues, foster relationships with local communities, officials, landowners, and environmental partners to promote conservation and education.
• Secure funding through grants, donor cultivation, and development strategies in coordination with Audubon Delta and development staff.
• Working with the Director of Strategic Operations, Delta, and field staff at the Center, create and manage annual budgets, ensuring sound financial practices and alignment with Center goals.
• Work with the Audubon Delta leadership and partners team to provide support in building a narrative to create and implement a plan for managing Strawberry Plains’ history and contributions with an emphasis on from former indigenous and enslaved residents.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff; foster a positive, growth-oriented work environment.
• Oversee upkeep of buildings, grounds, and equipment; enforce policies on land use and wildlife control.
• Serve as an Audubon ambassador, maintain compliance with policies, and represent the Center to the public and partners.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain working knowledge of Audubon’s strategic plan, priorities, and programs nationwide.
• Answer general inquiries from the public about Strawberry Plains and Audubon.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or related field required.  A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Five years’ experience in land/facility management, wildlife conservation, and/or ecological restoration, or similar equivalent experience.
• Three years’ experience managing staff required.
• Must have in depth knowledge of the geography and landscape of Northern Mississippi including plant ecology, soil science, hydrology, restoration ecology, land management/conservation, and fire ecology and management.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders such as community and agency personnel.
• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, preparing reports, etc.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations, and the ability to build consensus among a wide array of individuals.
• Able to use and maintain a variety of field and laboratory equipment such as audio and video recording devices, still photography equipment, land survey equipment, GPS devices, water metering devices, sampling equipment, etc.
• Ability to manage and operate a wide variety of equipment necessary to conduct work on Center grounds. This includes but is not limited tractors, turf equipment, ATV’s and more.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with ArcView/GIS software a plus.
• Self‐motivated and willing to work in a flexible non‐structured environment.
• Comfort and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrains. Able to physically lift up to 75 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Flexible availability with a willingness to work evenings and weekends if needed.
• Must have valid Driver’s License in good standing.
• Interest in and commitment to the mission of the organization.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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.