Manager, Public Programs

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, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 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.

About the role

The Manager, Public Programs leads public-facing conservation, education, stewardship, and volunteer programs at the Seward Park Audubon Center. As a key member of Audubon Washington’s conservation and education team, this role develops and delivers programs that connect people with birds, habitat, and community-based conservation. Reporting to the Center Director, the Manager works collaboratively with Center staff, Audubon Washington colleagues, volunteers, educators, community partners, and other stakeholders to create high-quality programs and hands-on experiences. Program areas may include stewardship projects, conservation lectures and workshops, restoration and reforestation events, community science projects, guided nature experiences, and other opportunities that help participants understand conservation issues and take practical action.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Center Director, develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate a portfolio of public programs and experiences that engage diverse audiences in bird conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, community science, stewardship, civic engagement, and related topics.
• Coordinate and facilitate educational programs, workshops, lectures, guided experiences, volunteer events, and public presentations on birds, wildlife, habitat conservation, climate resilience, environmental justice, and related topics.
• Lead restoration, reforestation, and urban forestry initiatives, including project planning, volunteer engagement, implementation, and measurement of conservation outcomes.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteers participating in conservation activities, restoration projects, educational programs, and other Center initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, educators, researchers, community leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to expand program reach, capacity, and impact.
• Represent the Center and Audubon Washington through community engagement, partnership development, outreach activities, and public events.
• Design and facilitate programs and volunteer experiences that incorporate principles of equity, accessibility, inclusion, cultural competency, youth protection, and Safe Space practices.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Manage program administration and logistics, including event scheduling, volunteer coordination, speaker recruitment, materials procurement, site reservations, and online event management systems.
• Develop communications and outreach materials, including event promotions, newsletters, web content, social media content, and other public-facing communications.
• Establish and maintain program evaluation, data management, recordkeeping, and reporting processes, including participant feedback, outcome tracking, volunteer records, grant deliverables, contract requirements, and organizational reporting.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the organization across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Provide support for additional Center programs and operations, including school field trips, youth engagement programs, retail operations, and other conservation and education activities, as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, environmental science, education, nonprofit management, or a related field, and at least five years of experience developing, managing, and delivering public programs, volunteer programs, environmental education initiatives, or community engagement efforts. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of and commitment to conservation, habitat restoration, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs that engage diverse audiences in conservation, environmental education, stewardship, or volunteerism.
• Experience recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting volunteers, including coordinating volunteer-led activities.
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of audiences and collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, participants, and community partners.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, environmental justice, and community-centered engagement. Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse communities and creating inclusive, welcoming program environments, preferred.
• Experience developing communications, outreach campaigns, social media content, newsletters, or other public-facing materials, preferred.
• Strong organizational, project management, problem-solving, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using web-based platforms, databases, volunteer management systems, registration systems, and social media tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, lift and carry materials and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends and special events as job demands. Ability to travel locally and occasionally throughout Washington State as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Commitment to Audubon's values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation; experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Competencies

• Fostering Relationships: Build trust,