Program Manager, Mississippi River

Audubon; New Orleans (LA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society seeks a program professional to identify and implement nature-based solutions along the Mississippi River mainstem, particularly in the Alluvial Valley and Quad Cities. The role emphasizes project development, management, and collaboration with diverse partners, landowners, and funders.

The position supports a coalition-driven approach to habitat connectivity and community resilience, with hybrid work expectations and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in project management with conservation strategies and diverse stakeholders.
• Field research or monitoring experience; agricultural setting a plus.
• Experience with science-based conservation initiatives and on-the-ground restoration.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop nature-based solutions in the Mississippi River basin.
• Collaborate with regional and local partners to implement projects.
• Cultivate new partnerships to align with program goals.
• Conduct site selection and develop projects meeting habitat connectivity goals.
• Host meetings with landowners, agencies, and organizations for stakeholder input.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Grant management

Education

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

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Position Summary

A centerpiece of Audubon’s work in the Mississippi River basin is the strategic implementation of nature-based solutions to improve habitat connectivity and community resilience. This position will work with partners, landowners, all levels of government, and funders to identify and develop nature-based projects along the Mississippi River mainstem, with a particular focus on the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and the Quad Cities (IA/IL) region. The successful candidate will have deep experience in project development and management, particularly in developing habitat and resilience measures at the local scale. This position will work with a coalition of partners to identify areas that would benefit from these types of projects, and work with innovative funding mechanisms to drive implementation.

Experience with conservation and resilience funding entities’ programming like U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 319 program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state and regional programs will be a plus. The candidate should have experience with grant management and cooperative project development. A history of project design, wetlands delineation, or construction in the nature-based solutions arena is preferred.

This position is classified as hybrid preferred. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Remote work within the United States may be considered only for candidates not within commuting distance of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Audubon offices include locations in: Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Columbia, SC; Fargo, ND; Fort Collins, CO; Lincoln, NE; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Palm Desert, CA; Roseville, MN; Sacramento, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Tallahassee, FL; and Washington, DC.

A preference will be given to those that would be based out of the New Orleans, LA office or remote within the Mississippi Watershed.

Compensation

Salary range based on geo-differentials:

• $62,026 - $70,000 / year = Albuquerque, NM; Charleston, SC; Columbia, SC; Fargo, ND; Fort Collins, CO; Lincoln, NE; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; Salt Lake City, UT; Tallahassee, FL;

• $66,000 - $74,000 / year = Albany, NY; Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Palm Desert, CA; Roseville, MN; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC

• $73,000 - $82,000 / year = New York, NY; Oakland, CA

Essential Functions

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

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.
• 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.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.