National Audubon Society · 4 hours ago
Center Director
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats. The Center Director will be responsible for advancing the mission and operations of the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, overseeing staff management, community engagement, and fundraising efforts.
EducationNon ProfitPublishingWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
Recruit, hire, and manage staff and interns; foster a collaborative, high-performing team with professional development opportunities consistent with program needs and budget
Monitor the performance of all positions directly supervised and conduct annual performance reviews. Cultivate emerging staff leaders
Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Center’s mission, strategy, core program areas, and operating departments consistent with Audubon’s Flight Plan
Preserve and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, individual initiative, collegiality, and diversity; collaborate with staff to identify and implement best practices and evaluate outcomes
Conduct regular Center staff meetings and promote clear, open information exchange to support and advance program goals
Oversee and regularly review all operational aspects of the Center facilities, budgets, programs, and staffing strategy
Work closely with the Texas VP & Executive Director to maintain an excellent working relationship with the MLAC Advisory Board, while also building Board capacity
Lead MLAC Advisory Board meetings, create consistent board materials and reports, and engage board members to utilize their expertise for MLAC mission advancement
Engage with partners, strengthening MLAC’s connections with local, state, and federal agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and community leaders
Establish and regularly review and update Center procedures. Maintain and foster a culture of safety
Work with the Texas VP & Executive Director, Finance Manager, and Development team to develop and deliver required budgeting, financial, and project reporting deliverables. Oversee expenses to stay within the budget
With the guidance of development staff, meet with donors and host donor events at the Center
Build on existing sources of earned income, including program revenue, camp and school program tuition, store sales, rental income, and admissions
Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the case for support of the Center’s program at community and fundraising events
Seek new revenue opportunities, write and manage grants in partnership with the Development team, ensure grant reporting and compliance; assist with and staff special fundraising events at the Center
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts
Align MLAC’s programs with Audubon’s conservation goals and our Centers and Sanctuaries blueprint; ensure local education and community outreach efforts support statewide, national, and hemispheric strategic priorities
Collaborate with partners, including the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to maintain aquatic habitats and co-develop a water resilience plan that supports long-term sustainability at the center
Expand urban conservation initiatives and community engagement beyond the Center by collaborating with local partners and stakeholders to enhance MLAC’s impact
Strengthen the MLAC volunteer program, increasing engagement opportunities, and foster a dedicated community of conservation advocates
Oversee major seasonal programming and events, including tours, educational activities, visitor experiences, and gift shop operations
Expand conservation programming with a focus on underserved communities, increase accessibility and engagement in environmental education
Regularly evaluate and enhance programs in collaboration with staff and MLAC Advisory Board; ensure offerings remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with conservation priorities
Ensure all programs and content are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible, reflecting the diverse audiences MLAC serves
Collaborate with Audubon colleagues across the Americas, including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities
Work with Audubon staff, MLAC Advisory Board, and constituents to develop and implement a marketing and promotions plan for MLAC and its programs
Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations and, working with the Texas VP & Executive Director and Communications team, be available to serve as MLAC’s media spokesperson
Oversee major projects and community collaborations
Oversee habitat management projects that enhance habitat for birds and other wildlife on Audubon property with state and center conservation staff
Oversee monitoring and maintenance of trails and facilities, anticipating and remedying deterioration, and safety issues to provide for visitor needs
Provide onsite management and collaborate with cross-functional teams to oversee the planning and execution of new buildings, as well as improvements to roads and onsite infrastructure, as part of a city bond-funded project
Qualification
Required
10 plus years' relevant experience in non-profit management and/or conservation experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Bachelor's degree in biology, education, non-profit management, environmental studies, or related field
Successful track record of hiring, managing, and mentoring staff
Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work in a dynamic environment, and effectively manage change
Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Project management experience, including managing budgets, grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects, required
Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences and age groups
Prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents
Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders, such as the Board of Directors, management, and other National Audubon Society staff
Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible environment, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
Commitment to Audubon's 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 have a valid driver's license
Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well as donor enterprise systems
Demonstrated fundraising success in the areas of individual giving, corporate giving, foundation, and other support will be highly weighted
A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and the protection of Texas's natural resources
A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a sense of humor are essential
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Familiarity with the communities, flora, and fauna and environmental partners of San Antonio and neighboring counties is strongly preferred
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
Company
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.23MKey Investors
Bezos Earth FundNFWF
2025-10-23Grant
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
2022-04-12Grant· $0.18M
Recent News
2025-09-23
Maryland Daily Record
2025-04-28
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