Center Director
Location: Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center
Immediate Supervisor:
Division/Department: New York

Purpose of the position

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center is one of Audubon New York’s nature centers and is operated through the auspices of Audubon New York, the state program of the National Audubon Society. The Center provides environmental education for school, scout, camp, and family groups.  The goals of the programs are to provide direct experiences in nature while involving students and the public in interactive, inquiry-based, hands-on activities. Through participation in Center programs it is hoped that participants will take conservation action to help preserve wildlife and their habitats. The Sanctuary also conducts scientific research, monitoring avian populations and restoration of native ecosystems.

Audubon New York is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable individual with a strong background in non-profit management, fundraising, and education to serve as the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center Director. S/he will oversee all aspects of the Center including staff supervision and management, fiscal management, center planning, fundraising, educational programs, wildlife care, community relationships and maintenance of the buildings and 15 acre property. The Center Director creates and directs the vision of the Center in collaboration with Audubon New York and the Center’s Advisory Board and in accordance with the Audubon mission.

The Center Director is required to live on site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment to properly perform the functions of providing additional security and emergency animal care after hours, and on occasional weekends.  The Center’s reach extends beyond Oyster Bay but its reputation within Oyster Bay is essential to effective operations.  Residing on site will also allow him/her the opportunity to build and maintain effective relationships within the community and promote the Center as a member of that community.

The 1,620 square foot, 3 bedroom, 1 and ½ bath, house was built in 1928 and was purchased by Audubon in 2001. It features newly refinished wood flooring throughout the house and upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom. The basement is partially refinished. There is a 2 bay detached garage. The address is 139 Cove Road, Oyster Bay, NY.  Utilities will be paid by the employee and s/he is responsible on his/her time for general maintenance of the house and surrounding landscaping and yard. The house is provided for use by the employee and his/her immediate family members and is not shared by other Audubon employees.

Position Priorities / Essential Functions:

• Effectively manage all staff both directly and indirectly. This includes creating and maintaining a strong working team among existing staff as well as recruiting, training, and hiring additional staff.
• Maintain sound fiscal management through the creation of the annual budget with assistance from the Director of Centers and Education and Director of Operations. Manage income and expenditures throughout the year to reach goals and maintain a balanced budget.
• Raise funds in support of the Center’s activities through grants, corporate gifts, individual solicitations, and special events. Cultivate and steward donors.
• Work with the Center’s Advisory Board on Center functions including budget management and fundraising. Act as staff liaison between the Advisory Board and Audubon New York.
• Promote the Center and its mission through maintaining strong, positive relationships within Oyster Bay, community organizations, Audubon members, and local Audubon Chapters.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with Audubon New York and National Audubon staff to ensure adherence to policies, procedures and to represent Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Center at meetings and conferences as needed and appropriate.
• Reside onsite to perform after hours security and to respond to emergency situations; emergency care for wildlife; and to establish his/herself as a community member to help enhance Audubon’s reputation locally.

Additional Functions

• Update and implement the Center’s strategic plan, remaining aligned with the strategic plan of Audubon New York.
• Ensure continual development and implementation of high quality education, conservation science and advocacy programs.
• Oversee physical upkeep of the Center, including captive, live animals, buildings and grounds
• Develop and coordinate marketing plan for programs and activities.
• Ensure full participation in Audubon Centers and Education Network meetings and activities, as appropriate
• Provide onsite security and animal care after hours, on some weekends and holidays by living in onsite housing.

Relationships

Internal:

• Reports to the Director of Centers and Education.
• Maintains effective working relationships with the Center’s Advisory Board members and works collaboratively with them to accomplish goals set out in Audubon New York’s and the Center’s  Strategic Plans.
• Leads Center staff in achieving goals and objectives of the Center and in maintaining an effective and smoothly running Center.
• Works cooperatively with National Audubon and Audubon New York to follow policies and procedures set out by both and to achieve the Audubon mission.

External:Internal:

• Develops and maintains effective relationships with community organizations, local corporations, donors, program participants and partners.

Equipment (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

• Knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft operating platforms and programs such as Microsoft Office, Excel.

Qualifications (e.g., education, training, experience, licenses and skills)

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) from an accredited university with a concentration in non-profit management, natural resource management, environmental education, environmental science or related field and 5 years leadership and management experience in a nature center, museum, or other informal science or education institution.
• Demonstrated success in setting and achieving fundraising goals including experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Leadership qualities and experience that lead to creating an effective team able to achieve goals and maintain effective operations.
• Ability to motivate staff and volunteers
• Experience in budget development and tracking.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Experience working with boards including board development and management.
• Ability to travel, including service both on Long Island and within New York state
• Possess a valid New York State driver's license, or the ability to obtain one in a timely manner;
• Must be knowledgeable about, and committed to, the Audubon mission and the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk uneven trails and lift up to 50 lbs.

Mission Statement

The National Audubon Society’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity.

Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employee the man or woman best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status.