Senior Program Manager, Salton Sea

National Audubon Society; Salton Sea Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,600 - 96,300; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society seeks a Senior Salton Sea Program Manager to lead science-based strategy and fieldwork in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. You will supervise staff, coordinate community engagement, and align efforts with Audubon’s California Desert program and policy priorities.

You will oversee habitat restoration, advocacy, and education, while guiding grants, reporting, and donor conversations. This hybrid role requires CA travel and strong collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ornithology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field.
• Seven plus years’ working experience in science, advocacy, and/or natural resources management.
• Experience in riparian and wetland habitats, water policy, and Salton Sea region preferred.
• Spanish language fluency highly preferred.
• Experience managing partner relationships and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and managing programs and staff in a conservation context.
• Attention to detail with solid follow-through and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs, travel, and possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage and evaluate program goals and objectives for the Salton Sea program and align with Audubon’s plans.
• Oversee habitat restoration and protection for birds in Coachella and Imperial Valley communities.
• Coordinate advocacy for wetland protection and the Salton Sea Management Plan.
• Lead and supervise staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers in fieldwork and habitat work.
• Contribute to fundraising through grant work, donor presentations, and reporting.
• Represent Audubon with stakeholders, coalitions, and local/state officials.
• Collaborate with cross-organizational teams including Saline Lakes and Western Water policy.
• Support a culture of safety and ensure project compliance.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Grant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ornithology or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

About Audubon

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, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 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. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Senior Salton Sea Program Manager will support the Southern California Program Director in managing and growing the Salton Sea program in alignment with Audubon's strategic plan. The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading science-based inquiry and strategy to engage multiple partners, community members, and other interested parties in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys on advancing habitat protection for birds and communities at the Salton Sea. The Senior Program Manager will lead the programs' operations, including but not limited to advocacy, science, education, community engagement, and volunteer coordination support. This position will supervise staff, fellows, and interns on fieldwork, community bird walks and events, and habitat restoration efforts. The Senior Program Manager will work closely with the Southern California Program Director, the Senior Conservation Director, and other conservation and policy staff to align the Salton Sea program objectives with Audubon’s conservation and policy priorities and participate in the overall California Desert program as time allows. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager will coordinate as needed with Audubon’s Western Water and Saline Lakes teams. The Senior Program Manager will lead science and habitat restoration projects, and guide policy, engagement, and advocacy strategies within the program. They will serve as a spokesperson for the Salton Sea program with members of the press, stakeholders, and local political representatives. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. 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. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's office in Palm Desert, CA.

Compensation

$85,600 - $96,300 / year

Essential Functions

• Responsible for managing and evaluating program goals and objectives related to the Salton Sea program and incorporating quarterly goals and metrics into Audubon’s tracking systems. In collaboration with the Director, provide regular updates towards plans and execution of programmatic goals.
• Oversee implementation and protection of habitat restoration and enhancement for birds in Coachella and Imperial Valley communities.
• Coordinate advocacy for the protection of wetland habitats and the implementation of the Salton Sea Management Plan (SSP)
• Execute and track short-term operational plans and activities that align with the Salton Sea program goals.
• Supervise the completion of the $2.0M Bombay Beach Community Access project design that aims to protect and enhance over 800 acres of habitat at the Salton Sea while providing public access infrastructure,
• Identify and lead new habitat restoration and avian science projects around the Salton Sea region.
• Represent Audubon with stakeholder groups, coalition calls, and to local and state officials.
• Supervise the Education Coordinator, interns, and volunteer collaborators.
• Manage quarterly bird surveys and communicate results to funders and partners.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including those working on issues pertaining to Saline Lakes and Western Water policy.
• Contribute to program fundraising through identifying grant funding opportunities and making donor presentations, as well as grant administration and report writing.
• 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 duties assigned.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in ornithology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Seven plus years’ working experience in science, advocacy and/or natural resources management. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience in and knowledge of riparian and wetland habitats, water policy, and related issues, with specific experience to the Salton Sea region and fieldwork preferred.
• Spanish language fluency highly preferred.
• Experience managing partner relationships and a demonstrated ability to work diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience working with stakeholders local to the Coachella and/or Imperial valleys preferred.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and managing programs and staff in a complex suite of ongoing conservation programs.
• Ability to work across projects to achieve programmatic goals and be attentive to detail with solid follow-through.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Capacity to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Flexible approach to scheduling, ability to anticipate upcoming needs, careful time management, and punctuality. Experience managing grants and grant budgets.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. and perform physical tasks with or with accommodation.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel throughout California.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel.

National Audubon Society Competencies

This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following 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.