Executive Director

Bedford Audubon (BAS) seeks a creative leader who is passionate about Audubon’s vision. An Executive Director who is a strategic thinker, persuasive communicator, able to fundraise, and engage diverse communities, an entrepreneurial spirit with strong business and management skills. The ideal candidate will inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, donors, potential partners, and will enthusiastically embrace all the position’s duties.

The Executive Director will lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan while attracting new resources and talent to this well-established organization. The Executive Director will be the Chief Executive Officer for BAS and will exercise broad leadership and management responsibility in developing and supervising all its facilities and programs. The Executive Director reports to the Bedford Audubon Board of Directors.

Core Responsibilities:
This person should be a motivated self-starter and a nature lover who can ensure the following:

Volunteer & Staff Management:

• Be responsible for all hiring and supervision of staff, interns, and/or contractors as needed to achieve Bedford Audubon’s maximum potential.
• Manage and grow an active volunteer program, including recruitment, interviewing, and processing, training, and recognition.
• Effectively manage Bedford Audubon so that all elements of the Audubon network—volunteers, staff, and board—collaborate as a team.

Budget and Fundraising:

• Lead Bedford Audubon’s fundraising creating a strong and well-supported development program, through board, staff and personal engagement. Significantly increase contributions from major donors and bolster grants and earned revenues.
• Assume day-to-day responsibility for financial management of the chapter’s program including executing financial goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective actions set by the Board. Ensure that all Audubon financial standards, operating policies, programmatic commitments, and legal requirements are met.

Land and Facility Management:

• Ensure constant monitoring and maintenance of all facilities, grounds maintenance and trails.
• Work with appropriate committees to ensure best practices are utilized in all of Bedford Audubon’s land and habitat management plans to maximize the benefit to wildlife.

Strategic Planning & Positioning:

• Work closely with the Bedford Audubon Board, staff, and volunteers to implement the chapter’s strategic plan.
• Ensure Committees are appropriately staffed and supported. Work with the Board President to ensure they are meeting regularly and meeting organizational needs.
• Raise the profile and visibility of Bedford Audubon in our community.

Required Skills & Qualities:

• The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in a supportive team atmosphere. The candidate should be in good physical condition and willing to work outside for extended periods. Candidates should hold a valid driver’s license and have personal transportation.
• An individual who is knowledgeable and passionate about the Westchester/Putnam County area, its heritage, natural resources, and its conservation issues.
• An organizational leader with a degree, or significant experience, in biological or environmental sciences, habitat management, non-profit management, and at least five years of progressively responsible experience of management in the non-profit, or public sector organizations.
• A skilled executive in marketing and fund raising.
• Demonstrated outstanding stakeholder relations skills; an ability to work with a wide range of individuals, volunteers, donors, and organizations on the local, regional, and national level.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including substantial public speaking experience. The candidate should be a leader who can develop and maintain effective representation of Audubon in our area and statewide.
• Occasional travel may be required, plus availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Details:

• Starting Date: January 1st, 2026
• Compensation: $60,000 to 80,000 depending on experience.
• Location: Bylane Farm (35 Todd Road, Katonah, New York, 10536)