Program Manager

Jobtailor; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon is seeking a program professional to identify and implement nature-based solutions in the Mississippi River basin. You will partner with regional and local stakeholders to advance project implementation and habitat connectivity.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of project management experience, with strong communication and grant management skills. Some travel and occasional extended hours may be needed as part of project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hydrology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in project management with demonstrated success developing collaborative conservation strategies and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with field research or monitoring projects; work in an agricultural setting a plus.
• Knowledge of Mississippi River watershed issues and water distribution/management.
• Strong project management, communication, and grant/contract management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop implementation of nature-based solutions in the Mississippi River basin.
• Work with partners to implement projects at regional and local levels.
• Coordinate site selection and development for Audubon Flight Plan goals.
• Host meetings with landowners, agencies, and organizations for input.
• Assist with grant applications and management of grant-funded projects.
• Support philanthropy and public funding efforts.
• Collaborate across the Americas on shared priorities.
• Maintain a culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Grant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hydrology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Identify and develop, in consultation with the Program Director, the implementation of nature-based solutions in the Mississippi River basin.
• Work 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.
• Conduct 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.
• Assist with planning and leading high-value site visits around key regions.
• Manage or co-manage projects that help implement the objectives of the Mississippi River Water Program.
• Assist in the development of grant applications and management of grant-funded projects to support implementation of the Mississippi River Water Program.
• 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.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Exceptional organizational ability, attention to detail and a can-do attitude are essential.
• Demonstrated interest in, and a commitment to conservation.
• A working knowledge of the latest ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro technology preferred.
• Willing to conduct some in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand, roughly 15-20% of the time.
• 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.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in project management and collaborative conservation strategies, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and habitat connectivity. Proficient in grant management and the implementation of nature-based solutions within the Mississippi River watershed.