Job Description
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary:
Located in South Central Phoenix, the Audubon Center (the Center) makes conservation action accessible to everyone by reaching out to audiences that are new to environmental stewardship and by providing useful information about sustainable living through a full spectrum of hands-on experiences for every age including fun-filled family programming, weekend activities & festivals, STEM-supporting school field trips and on-the-ground conservation work focused on local species at risk.
The Center Manager will be responsible for the planning, operating, and managing of the day-to-day operations of the Center, as well as the implementation of long-term resource and habitat goals of the Center. S/he will be responsible for oversight of the land, facilities, trails, and grounds including management of volunteers and contractors; management of capital projects, and visitor engagement. The Center Manager will oversee the Center’s budget, including expenses and revenue generated by rentals, Center-based fee programs, relevant grants, and the retail store.
A key outcome for this work will be engaging and building a more diverse constituency to advance Audubon’s local, regional, and national goals. The Center Manager will build and manage culturally resonant programs and messages collaboratively with communities that address community needs and assets and that connect to actions that positively contribute to the conservation of our region’s birds and the spaces they need to thrive.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with area community groups to ensure the Center is a place where the full diversity of Phoenix communities are welcome and engaged.
- Responsible for all aspects of maintenance of buildings, facilities, and exhibits, including but not limited to: building repairs, water systems, plumbing, electrical systems, security and phone systems.
- Responsible for all aspects of maintenance of grounds including; lawns, gardens, walkways, parking lots, and trail system.
- Determine maintenance and upkeep needs of Center facilities and grounds; regularly monitor all areas of the center for cleanliness and safety.
- Oversee all operational aspects of the Center’s facility rentals program and special events including but not limited to the promoting and growing of the rental program, scheduling, staffing, planning, preparation and clean-up of events.
- Assist with tracking and reporting of the Center’s budget in coordination with Audubon staff.
- Process all incoming center revenue, including donations, rentals retail sales and fee programs.
- Work with Audubon staff and volunteers to track and manage retail store inventory.
- Manage the Center’s accounts payables.
- Assist with the pursuit, applications, implementation, accurate tracking and reporting of relevant grants in coordination with Audubon staff.
- Work with Audubon staff and volunteers to track and manage visitor numbers and statistics.
- Interact with Center visitors as appropriate, including but not limited to serving as Audubon’s spokesperson when on property, sharing knowledge of the Center’s history, natural resource diversity, and community values.
- Manage all capital improvements and related projects, in coordination with other Audubon staff
- Lead and direct volunteers, outside contractors, and Audubon staff in areas including but not limited to: cleaning, plumbing, electrical, builders and security.
- Purchase maintenance supplies and equipment as delineated in the annual and/or capital budgets.
- Solicit bids from contractors and prepare and manage Independent Contractor Agreements.
- Maintain records for the Center regarding equipment manuals, warranties, etc.
- Direct use of appropriate safety equipment at all times through staff and volunteer trainings.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 5+ years’ experience in land or facility management is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as environmental science, sociology, anthropology, biology preferred.
- Spanish language fluency is required.
- 3+ years experience with community organizing, engagement, or advocacy preferred.
- Well-developed problem-solving, time management, organizational and prioritizing skills.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively, while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and relationship building skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Knowledge of basic maintenance, repair, and safety issues required.
- Passion for cross-cultural understanding and exploration.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities throughout the Southwest.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon to the public. Experience working with volunteers and community members a must.
- Independent decision-making and judgement in troubleshooting any issues that may arise in the operations of the Center.
- Ability to work independently, as well as, part of a team.
- Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office web-based products. High level of skill using existing office software, along with finding and adapting to new software.
- Willing to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and transport up to 75 lbs. with or without accommodation.
- Willing to work occasional weekend and/or evening events
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Interest in and commitment to the mission and vision of the National Audubon Society
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