Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Program Coordinator: Detroit Audubon Society

This position is a half-time (20-hours per week) professional position with the Detroit Audubon. The intention is for this position to become a permanent staff position of the organization, and it is further hoped that within a year or two, as success grows, that this position will be converted to full-time.

Skills and Qualifications:

· Two years of coursework in Environmental Education, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Science or equivalent (Bachelor's or even Master's Degree preferred).

· Experience designing and conducting education programs for K-12 groups and adults.

· Knowledge of Michigan natural history (birding experience strongly preferred).

· Excellent computer skills, including thorough familiarity with MS Office Suite, ,Internet,

and Facebook. Experience in website development and maintenance preferred.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Experience in publicity and press relations a plus

· Must be a self-starter, organized, and a networker.

· Professional and service oriented

Supervisory Controls:

· Hired by the board and directly responsible to the board of directors. Duties and Expected Outcomes:

1. Conduct an average of at least two environmental education programs every month for school groups, after school groups, or for youth organizations and/or adults. These can be school classes, informal groups (e.g. scouts, enrichment afterschool programs), and may be done in partnership with other organizations. (24 per year for a full year).

These will include:
8 Intro to birding education programs (one per week for 8 weeks) for summer day camp at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Possible partnerships with EMEAC Green Schools program and

Young Environmental Leaders Program, and EcoWorks.
4 birding programs per year at the Riverwalk Birding Spot
2-4 field trips per year to Elmwood Cemetery (weekend or weekday for seniors).

2. The program coordinator will design the programs or adapt a program previously designed for use with youth groups by Detroit Audubon or use/adapt other existing environmental education curricula (e.g. FLYING WILD, V.I.NE., O.B.I.S).

3. Recruit and, where appropriate, train and organize volunteers to conduct or assist with education programs and field trips and to staff committees (using returned member surveys as a key resource).

4. Serve as liaison on Huron-Clinton Metroparks Stewardship Partnership. Recruit volunteers for stewardship events and facilitate exchange of promotional materials between the two organizations.

5. Coordinate and arrange speakers and logistics for quarterly membership programs. 6. Recruit and organize volunteers for exhibits/shows and wildlife festivals.
7. Attend all board and education committee meetings.

8. Coordinate publicity using conventional media (newspapers, TV, radio) as well as social and computer media outlets. Write and distribute press releases and other publicity for major programs and to call attention to significant accomplishments of the organization. Maintain media contact database.

9. Write and disseminate all program information to all those internally responsible for publicizing the programs and events. The coordinator will write at least four articles per year for the Flyway and/or the website. Publicize events on Detroit Audubon Facebook page, website, and area birders listserv.

10. The coordinator will keep records, including statistics, of how many attended each program and where appropriate their evaluations of the programs offered, volunteer hours, etc.

11. Answer phone calls when in the office, and especially regarding natural history questions. Project a positive image of Detroit Audubon Society in all interactions with the public, members, board members, associates, and vendors.

12. Coordinate Annual Conservation Conference/Symposium (currently in September).

13. Provide staff support for Memorial Day Weekend Nature Get-away including taking registrations, maintaining registrant list, sending out confirmation packets.

14. Attend meetings and webinars on behalf of Detroit Audubon (e.g., MEC's Annual Legislative Breakfast in Lansing, NAS webinars, etc.) as appropriate.

15. Suggest books and other items to be sold in our bookstore.

16. General Office Support: Process and sort mail, answer letters requiring professional expertise, and assist in preparing annual reports and other reports regarding programs as necessary.

Schedule: The program coordinator will generally work three days per week, with a preference for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but can be negotiated. Weekend and evening work required.
PC should work in the office at any time he/she is not conducting a program or working offsite. PC also needs to work out his or her schedule with the bookkeeper volunteer, so PC is in the office at any time the bookkeeper or other volunteers are in.

Compensation: The starting salary for this 20-hour/week position is $17/hour. Start Date: May 1, 2015.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and three letters of professional reference to Dr. James N. Bull, President; Detroit Audubon Society, at daspres@detroitaudubon.org