National Audubon Society

Lead and develop conservation communication strategies, manage media relations for conservation initiatives, and mentor communication staff across the organization. | Requires 10+ years in strategic communications, with significant experience in conservation or environmental sectors, and leadership experience managing teams and media relations. | About Audubon: The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Senior Director of Conservation Communications will provide strategic communications leadership across the breadth of Audubon's conservation work. The Senior Director will develop and execute integrated conservation communications strategies, lead media relations for major conservation initiatives, manage and develop one or more direct reports, and provide mentorship and coordination for communications staff working on conservation priorities throughout the organization. This position will work across conservation, science, field, policy, marketing, development, and other teams to integrate messaging, amplify conservation priorities, and engage diverse audiences - including policymakers, donors, the general public, the scientific community, Audubon chapters, and international partners. Ultimately, this is a strategic, organization-wide role with hemispheric impact, designed to ensure that Audubon's conservation priorities are positioned within the broader organizational brand and Flight Plan 2023-2028. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon's "Where We Work" Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee's choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's offices in New York, NY, Washington, DC or Oakland, CA. Compensation: Salary range based on geo-differentials: • $162,000 - $182,000 = Washington, DC • $180,000 - $202,000 = New York, NY; Oakland, CA Additional Job Description Essential Functions: • Lead the development and execution of comprehensive conservation communications strategies that advance Audubon's conservation priorities across climate, habitat, and science, partnering with teams across the organization to ensure consistency with messaging and Flight Plan 2023-2028. • Support the Vice President of Communications, ensuring that conservation communications aligns with and advances broader organizational messaging and brand positioning. • Serve as a key communications partner and strategic advisor to Audubon's conservation leaders, providing communications strategy, counsel, and support for executive visibility, major initiatives, and organizational priorities. • Translate complex conservation issues into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including creating message frameworks, talking points, and strategic content. • Lead conservation content creation, including digital content for the web and other platforms, ensuring alignment with broader organizational messaging. • Lead media relations for major conservation initiatives, cultivating strategic relationships with key media influencers, reporters, journalists, producers, and editors to ensure Audubon has a prominent voice in the conservation landscape. • Manage and develop a team of conservation communications professionals, maintaining and fostering a culture of inclusion and safety. • Provide mentorship, coordination, and strategic guidance to communications staff working on conservation priorities throughout the organization and across geographic regions, fostering collaboration and alignment across teams. • Support the expansion of Audubon's conservation presence in Spanish-language media outlets. • Identify and secure high-level opportunities for conservation leadership to participate in events, conferences, speaking engagements, and media appearances, working collaboratively with the communications team. • Provide crisis communications support and develop rapid-response messaging related to conservation issues as needed. • Monitor conservation trends, stay attuned to Audubon's conservation successes, and track communications best practices and emerging trends to ensure messaging is timely, compelling, and impactful. • Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Qualifications and Experience: • Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields, including significant experience in conservation, environmental, or science communications, with at least 3 years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans for senior leaders and complex organizations, with measurable results demonstrating impact. • Demonstrated experience leading conservation communications across multiple issue areas (climate, habitat, science, policy) and engaging diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, media, the scientific community, and the public. • Leadership experience, including managing and mentoring communications professionals, fostering collaboration across teams, and providing strategic guidance to senior executives. • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex conservation and scientific concepts into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences. • Extensive experience managing media relations, including cultivating relationships with journalists, securing high-impact coverage, and serving as a spokesperson. • Demonstrated experience creating digital content for web and other platforms. • Strategic mindset with excellent judgment, ability to maintain confidentiality in high-stakes environments, and capacity to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting. • Experience with crisis communications and rapid-response messaging. • Understanding of the social media and digital landscape and how to leverage platforms to enhance organizational visibility and engagement. • Experience working with distributed teams and multiple stakeholders is preferred. • Commitment to Audubon's core values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation. • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued. • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, both domestically and internationally (up to 15%). National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies. Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments. Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future. Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding. Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives. Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals. 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.

Lead and develop conservation-focused communication strategies, manage media relations for major initiatives, and mentor staff to promote conservation messaging across diverse audiences. | Requires 10+ years in strategic communications, conservation or environmental focus preferred, leadership experience, excellent writing and media relations skills, and ability to manage digital content and crisis communications. | About Audubon: The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Senior Director of Conservation Communications will provide strategic communications leadership across the breadth of Audubon's conservation work. The Senior Director will develop and execute integrated conservation communications strategies, lead media relations for major conservation initiatives, manage and develop one or more direct reports, and provide mentorship and coordination for communications staff working on conservation priorities throughout the organization. This position will work across conservation, science, field, policy, marketing, development, and other teams to integrate messaging, amplify conservation priorities, and engage diverse audiences — including policymakers, donors, the general public, the scientific community, Audubon chapters, and international partners. Ultimately, this is a strategic, organization-wide role with hemispheric impact, designed to ensure that Audubon's conservation priorities are positioned within the broader organizational brand and Flight Plan 2023–2028. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's offices in New York, NY, Washington, DC or Oakland, CA. Compensation: Salary range based on geo-differentials: $162,000 - $182,000 = Washington, DC $180,000 - $202,000 = New York, NY; Oakland, CA Additional Job Description Essential Functions: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive conservation communications strategies that advance Audubon's conservation priorities across climate, habitat, and science, partnering with teams across the organization to ensure consistency with messaging and Flight Plan 2023–2028. Support the Vice President of Communications, ensuring that conservation communications aligns with and advances broader organizational messaging and brand positioning. Serve as a key communications partner and strategic advisor to Audubon’s conservation leaders, providing communications strategy, counsel, and support for executive visibility, major initiatives, and organizational priorities. Translate complex conservation issues into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including creating message frameworks, talking points, and strategic content. Lead conservation content creation, including digital content for the web and other platforms, ensuring alignment with broader organizational messaging. Lead media relations for major conservation initiatives, cultivating strategic relationships with key media influencers, reporters, journalists, producers, and editors to ensure Audubon has a prominent voice in the conservation landscape. Manage and develop one or more direct reports, maintaining and fostering a culture of inclusion and safety. Provide mentorship, coordination, and strategic guidance to communications staff working on conservation priorities throughout the organization and across geographic regions, fostering collaboration and alignment across teams. Support the expansion of Audubon's conservation presence in Spanish-language media outlets. Identify and secure high-level opportunities for conservation leadership to participate in events, conferences, speaking engagements, and media appearances, working collaboratively with the communications team. Provide crisis communications support and develop rapid-response messaging related to conservation issues as needed. Monitor conservation trends, stay attuned to Audubon's conservation successes, and track communications best practices and emerging trends to ensure messaging is timely, compelling, and impactful. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Qualifications and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields, including significant experience in conservation, environmental, or science communications, with at least 3 years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans for senior leaders and complex organizations, with measurable results demonstrating impact. Demonstrated experience leading conservation communications across multiple issue areas (climate, habitat, science, policy) and engaging diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, media, the scientific community, and the public. Leadership experience, including managing and mentoring communications professionals, fostering collaboration across teams, and providing strategic guidance to senior executives. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex conservation and scientific concepts into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences. Extensive experience managing media relations, including cultivating relationships with journalists, securing high-impact coverage, and serving as a spokesperson. Demonstrated experience creating digital content for web and other platforms. Strategic mindset with excellent judgment, ability to maintain confidentiality in high-stakes environments, and capacity to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting. Experience with crisis communications and rapid-response messaging. Understanding of the social media and digital landscape and how to leverage platforms to enhance organizational visibility and engagement. Experience working with distributed teams and multiple stakeholders is preferred. Commitment to Audubon's core values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation. Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued. Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, both domestically and internationally (up to 15%). National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies. Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments. Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future. Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding. Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives. Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals. 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. The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Manage and oversee coastal habitat restoration projects, including design, permitting, construction, and stakeholder engagement. | Experience in habitat restoration project management, coastal resilience, permit processes, and strong communication skills. | About Audubon: The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary: Reporting to Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s (AMA) Director of Bird Conservation, the Senior Manager, Coastal Restoration Project, is a new position on Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s growing coastal conservation team and plays a core role in implementing Audubon’s coastal conservation goals across Maryland’s eastern shore, with a focus on the lower shore. The Senior Manager’s main responsibility will be to manage habitat restoration projects in coastal environments, mostly in tidal salt marshes. Salt marsh restoration projects are being planned and implemented according to a strategic restoration and resiliency plan called Marshes for Tomorrow, which was completed in 2025. The Senior Manager will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the design, permitting and construction of restoration projects, including contractual management, which involves working closely in a team setting with Audubon’s partners and contractors, and requires being present at the project site for essential meetings and to oversee the construction process. Some projects may be constructed by work teams hired by Audubon or partner organizations, using low-tech methods, such as hand tools, and it will be the Senior Manager’s responsibility to hire, train, coordinate and oversee such work teams. Field visits to project sites could be necessary at any time of year and could be required at short notice, particularly during the construction process. The Senior Manager will work closely and build partnerships with internal conservation staff and with external partners including federal, state, local and private landowners, land managers, engineering consultants and contractors, scientists and others. The Senior Manager is a full-time, remote position, working 35 hours/week, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and will work closely with the coastal conservation team which is based in the Baltimore office. While classified as remote, this position will require up to 50% of work hours spent on-site over the course of a typical year but may require more than 50% of time on-site during weeks that project construction occurs. Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required. Compensation: $84,000 - $94,000 / year Additional Job Description Essential Functions Manage, coordinate and oversee the implementation of coastal habitat restoration projects, mostly in tidal salt marsh environments. This will include the following duties: Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid packages and contracts required for hiring contractors. Oversee construction contracts and engineering firms completing permitting, design and construction of restoration projects. This includes being regularly present at project sites to oversee construction activities. Manage the administration of grants and contracts, including budgets and invoicing, grant compliance and reports. Manage the timeline of projects and ensure that contractors stay on task and within budget. Hire, train, coordinate and oversee work teams of interns using low-tech construction methods in restoration projects. Coordinate project teams to ensure regular communications, free exchange of ideas and successful problem-solving to implement projects. Engage in effective outreach and communication with private landowners and public land managers. Assist other members of the project team with monitoring activities in the field as necessary. Effectively communicate about coastal resilience issues and habitat restoration to external audiences, including elected officials, agency staff, organizational partners, landowners, and the public. Collaborate with Audubon colleagues to represent Audubon and create and deliver effective presentations at conferences, regional councils and working group meetings. Contribute to press releases, articles, outreach materials, and content for social media. Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work. Collaborate with Audubon colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities. Participate fully and productively in staff meetings, planning efforts and other shared staff duties. Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work. Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts. Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities. Drive to work sites for progress on projects and compliance regulations. Qualifications and Experience: Master’s Degree in environmental management or natural resources field, plus two years of relevant work experience, or Bachelors Degree plus five years of relevant work experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered. Proven experience with habitat restoration project management, including contractual and fiscal management, overseeing contractors, managing project deliverables, and reporting on progress. Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential. Familiarity with coastal resilience and adaptation issues and natural coastal processes is desired. Familiarity with governmental permit processes for habitat restoration or other related projects, is desired, preferably in the state of Maryland. Must be self-motivated, organized and reliable, with the ability to work independently as well as part of team. Must be flexible with respect to work schedule and have a willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands. Willingness to travel to project sites and other locations in Maryland at short notice, as well as occasional planned travel to other states. Strong communication skills, including writing and public speaking, are preferred, including ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences through written reports and presentations. Ability to traverse far distances on uneven terrain while carrying a heavy daypack and equipment; with or without accommodation. Proven experience with motorboat operation and maintenance, or willingness to train in these skills. Proficiency in ArcGIS software is desired, and ability to use handheld GPS devices is essential. Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation. Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as operating Audubon vehicles is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions. This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA). 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. The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.