Program Manager (Conservation, Community, and Education)

Program Manager, Conservation, Community, and Education

Reports to: CEO

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Fairfield, CA preferred (San Pedro negotiable)

About International Bird Rescue — www.birdrescue.org

International Bird Rescue is a global conservation organization for birds in a changing world. Since 1971, Bird Rescue has responded to over 250 oil spills and wildlife emergencies, caring for more than 175,000 birds on six continents. With crisis response centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage, the organization specializes in day-to-day aquatic bird care and scientific research, emergency preparedness and response, and community engagement. Innovations are shared worldwide to inspire the next generation of wildlife specialists. Bird Rescue aims to give a voice to waterbirds through conservation, advocacy, and wildlife literacy that builds empathy and encourages action. For more information, please visit www.birdrescue.org.

About the Position

We are seeking a full-time Program Manager to join our team in a new role which is responsible for overseeing the successful execution of conservation projects, education and outreach, and marketing/communications. 

The incumbent will be both hands-on and strategic with a talent in coordinating between cross-functional teams and monitoring progress to achieve desired outcomes on time and within budget. This position supports the organization’s mission to grow our conservation efforts, continuously develop wildlife literacy content & other messaging, increase engagement opportunities with our community using marketing strategies, and attract support through various channels like social media, campaigns, and outreach initiatives. 

This is a salaried, exempt position which reports to the CEO and supervises a full-time Marketing and Communications Associate and three split roles in education, outreach, and conservation. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic planning:
  Defining the program vision, goals, and roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Project coordination:
  Overseeing multiple projects within the program, managing dependencies between them, and facilitating collaboration across teams.
• Public relations:
  Building and maintaining relations with local, regional and international media outlets. Fostering informed coverage of Bird Rescue’s conservation, education and response activities that connects the public with the organization’s 54+ years of experience.
• Developing and executing marketing campaigns and publications:
  Creating targeted campaigns to educate the public about conservation issues, encourage donations, and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Website content:
  Updating and managing the organization’s website with relevant information, news, and stories about conservation projects.
• Stakeholder management:
  Communicating program progress and updates to key stakeholders, including senior leadership, team members, and clients.
• Team leadership:
  Providing guidance and support to project managers and team members within the program.
• Communication and reporting:
  Creating clear and concise reports to keep stakeholders informed about program status and outcomes.
• Event planning & Community outreach:
  Organize and manage conservation-related events, workshops, and fundraisers.

 

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of professional work experience
• Leadership: Ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve program goals.
• Strategic thinking: Understanding the broader business context and aligning program strategy accordingly.
• Project management expertise: Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Effectively working with diverse teams across different departments and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication to convey complex information clearly. Experience creating publications such as annual reports and newsletters.
• Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving issues that arise during program execution.
• Analytical skills: Ability to gather data, analyze trends, and make informed decisions.
• Strong computer skills and expertise in digital marketing and social media platforms, including WordPress.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Understanding of environmental issues and conservation principles.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone, and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
• This position works in an administrative building next to an animal care facility housing a variety of wild birds. Though all necessary precautionary measures are taken to ensure a safe working environment, while performing job duties the employee may be exposed to odors, noise, hazardous material (such as petroleum products during an oil spill), moving parts, radiography equipment, and there is risk of potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

 

Education

Bachelor’s degree in conservation, education, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

Location

This position requires hands-on work at our San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center located in Fairfield, CA, conveniently located at the junction of routes 80 and 680. Work-from-home privileges may be granted when conducive to job requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Range: $65,000 – $80,000 annually; commensurate with experience

This full-time position offers a variable schedule, a fun and collaborative working environment, and a benefits package that includes generous vacation, health insurance, and other benefits.

Please visit our website for more information: www.birdrescue.org