Program Manager, Mississippi River

About the role

Audubon's Mississippi River Water Program is a watershed-wide initiative, aligning the work of three regional offices, several centers and sanctuaries, and our national strategy teams. We partner with stakeholders, advocates, and decision-makers on efforts to improve and preserve critical habitat and community resilience in the Mississippi River Basin. Our blueprint for a Resilient Lower Mississippi River states, "We envision a healthy and connected network of habitats throughout the Mississippi River region that support sustainable bird populations and strengthen the resilience of human communities against both human-made and natural threats."

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop, in consultation with the Program Director, the implementation of nature-based solutions in the Mississippi River basin.
• Works with a coalition of partners at the regional and local level to achieve implementation of projects.
• Build upon existing partnerships and seek out new opportunities for new partners based on current program goals.
• Conducts site selection and development for projects that meet Audubon Flight Plan goals related to habitat connectivity and community resilience.
• Host meetings with landowners, agencies, and other organizations to gather and incorporate stakeholder input.
• Afford meetings with landowners, agencies, and other organizations to gather and incorporate stakeholder input.
• Manage or co-manage projects that help implement the objectives of the Mississippi River Water Program.
• Afford projects that help implement the objectives of the Mississippi River Water Program.
• Afford support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hydrology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field, advanced degree a plus.
• 5 years of experience, preferably in project management with demonstrated success developing collaborative conservation strategies and working with diverse stakeholders.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience working on field research or monitoring projects; work in an agricultural setting a plus.
• Experience with science-based conservation initiatives and/or on-the-ground restoration efforts, desired.
• Knowledge of the current issues facing the Mississippi River watershed.
• Knowledge of water distribution and management practices desired.
• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, contract and grant management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, preparing reports, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels across the organization.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging as a core component of our work.
• A self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.
• A flexible approach to work and willingness to take on new job related projects or tasks as needed.
• Ability to engage in outdoor activity and endure outdoor field conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat, with or without accommodation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as travel by personal vehicle to attend meetings and events is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.