Job Description: Program and Communication Manager
Chicago Audubon Society 5801-C N. Pulaski Chicago, IL 60646
Type: Regular, Full-Time or Part-time will be considered
Overview: Founded in 1972, Chicago Audubon Society (CAS) is a chapter affiliated with the National Audubon Society that serves Chicago and most of Cook County, other than the northwest and far south. CAS is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. CAS connects people with birds and nature through field trips, educational programming, advocacy, stewardship and research. CAS collaborates with other local birding and environmental groups to help achieve common goals.
The CAS mantle includes the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, whose 100+ volunteers each year rescue thousands of birds injured in collisions with windows in the city and suburbs.
Chicago Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary: This position is based at the Chicago Audubon Society office in Chicago and will report to the President of the Society and the CAS Board. This is the sole staff position of the Society. An opportunity exists for the right individual to help CAS to grow. The Program and Communications Manager will work with CAS board members and other volunteers to implement a comprehensive grassroots bird conservation and engagement program, while also overseeing implementation of the strategic and communications plans. This includes initiating and administering a program for outreach in diverse Chicago neighborhoods, creating a field trip leader training program, managing CAS’s communications with the public via the CAS website, Facebook, media releases and other outlets, and supporting publication of the Compass newsletter and bird conservation reports. Other duties include supporting fundraising, logistics and publicity for bird walks and birding travel, and managing programs and special events such as Birding America and the biennial environmental awards ceremony. In addition, they will perform general office duties, provide support to the CAS officers and board of directors, maintain current membership records and manage renewals, assist the President with development efforts, support all sales, and manage other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions:
- Work with chapter volunteers, board members and conservation partners in order to implement a comprehensive bird conservation and engagement program, including managing leadership recruitment and training, field trips, community outreach, programs, signature events (Birding America, Conservation Awards banquet), birding travel, communications, and conservation advocacy.
- Oversee an expansion of our field trip program into diverse communities. Design, implement, and oversee outreach projects that increase the public’s awareness of Chicago area birds and engage people in conservation (including habitat restoration) and advocacy to reduce threats to these birds.
- Design and implement a training and support program for field trip leaders.
- Support publication of the Compass newsletter and occasional reports, oversee website and e-news, and work with volunteers to publicize chapter activities via website, newsletter, e-news, social media and press releases. • Recruit, train and supervise volunteers.
- Assist with fundraising and development activities, including identifying funding sources, securing and administering grants, growing our donor base, managing annual appeals, and supporting fundraising events (bird seed sale, native plant sale).
- Maintain accurate membership and donor records and regular communications with members and donors.
- Create and deliver effective presentations and other outreach materials as well as press releases, articles, and social media pieces.
- Work regularly and closely with board members and volunteers; participate fully and productively in board meetings and planning efforts.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with external partners, including governmental, public and non-profit conservation agencies/organizations, and represent Chicago Audubon Society on relevant regional councils, working groups, etc.
- Maintain basic office administration functions. Qualifications and Experience • Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
- Minimum of three years’ experience as a program or communications manager, preferably in a non-profit setting, is preferred.
- Exemplify the CAS ethic: Problem-solving, collaborative, science-based, welcoming, inclusive, and enthusiastic about learning and teaching about birds and nature.
- Must have strong customer service skills to engage, communicate with, and work effectively with members, colleagues and partners.
- Good organization, time management, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills; ability to get along with a variety of people, problem solve, and remain composed under pressure.
- Candidate must be a self-motivated, independent, progress-driven individual who can make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated experience in program or event coordination and/or marketing.
- Experience working with donors, board members, and fundraising processes a plus.
- Commitment to conservation and the mission of the Chicago Audubon Society. Ability to identify Chicago’s birds, familiarity with their conservation issues, and/or experience working on conservation issues is highly preferred.
- The ideal candidate will have project management experience, including fiscal management, managing project deliverables, and reporting on progress. Fundraising experience in proposal development and identifying potential funding sources a plus.
- Occasional work on weekends, holidays, and evenings will be necessary, as will travel throughout the Chicago area.
- Must be able to effectively operate and utilize a computer, printer, telephone, computer projector, and related software and apps (including Microsoft Suite, simple website and social media).
- Willingness to occasionally work in an outdoor setting in variable conditions; must be able to spend several hours in the field walking on uneven terrain, and lift/carry 30 pounds.
To apply, send resume and cover letter to Judy Pollock, CAS president, at ChgoAudPresident@gmail.com before August 26, 2019.
