Wednesday, February 22, 2017

American Bird Conservancy: Asst. Director, Migratory Birds and Habitats

Assistant Director, Migratory Birds and Habitats

Position Summary:

Title: Assistant Director, Migratory Birds and Habitats
Supervisor: Migratory Birds and Habitats Vice President
Location: The Plains, VA
Application Deadline: April 1, 2017

Introduction:

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is looking for a highly motivated individual who is able to work effectively to assist with the development and management of migratory bird conservation projects and initiatives in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The Assistant Director, Migratory Birds and Habitats (MBH) is responsible for ensuring effective development, implementation, and management of conservation projects with ABC project partners. This position will work closely with the MBH Vice President to expand existing migratory bird conservation projects and develop new strategies and projects for migratory birds in order to reverse declines for populations of priority migratory birds. This work will include, but is not limited to: developing and managing project agreements with partners, developing conservation strategies and projects for high priority BirdScapes (large landscapes designated as a priority for conservation), assisting with conservation project and work plan design, communicating and working closely with partners, participating in Migratory Bird Joint Venture partnerships, reviewing and writing reports, assisting with fundraising initiatives, and managing information in ABC databases.

The Assistant Director reports to the MBH Vice President. The Assistant Director will interact and coordinate work regularly with ABC's staff in Migratory Bird and International Programs, Joint Ventures, the Chief Conservation Officer, and other ABC staff members. The position will facilitate real world conservation management experience by advancing on-the-ground conservation work for migratory birds throughout the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis on protecting habitat and reducing threats on breeding and wintering grounds and important migration stopover sites.
The position requires the applicant to be well organized and a fast learner that can manage multiple tasks efficiently. Applicant should have a deep understanding and appreciation of ABC's mission, objectives, and programs and be dedicated to conservation with relevant experience and knowledge in wildlife management, ornithology, conservation biology, land management planning, or related fields. Applicant should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, networking skills, and have budget management experience. English and Spanish language skills are required.

Primary Duties:

· Support development of migratory bird conservation plans and projects: Work with ABC staff, international and domestic NGO partners, Migratory Bird Habitat Joint Ventures, government agencies, and other leaders to identify, develop, implement, and manage migratory bird conservation plans and projects. This includes advancing the implementation of Birdscapes; working with Partners in Flight Conservation Business Plans; species conservation plans such as the Golden-winged Warbler Conservation Plan; and assembling needed scientific information on targeted species, habitats, and land uses to support the Migratory Bird Program in developing new conservation projects and partnerships. Participate in species working group and conservation project development meetings with partners.

· Ensure sound project management and timely results: Provide effective conservation project management to ensure that meaningful and lasting results for birds are accomplished on a timely, financially sound basis. Assist in assessing and evaluating ongoing conservation projects and partner effectiveness. Communicate with ABC staff and partners about project advancements. Review and provide comments on partner reports and project budgets. Manage database information.

· Assist with the promotion of the Migratory Bird Program and Joint Ventures through work with ABC Communications Team.

· Assist with the development of fundraising proposals for projects and initiatives in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. Assist ABC Development staff in turning partner reports into donor reports and enter project information into ABC Conservation Data base.

· Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

· Bachelor's degree or higher in conservation biology or environmental sciences, wildlife management, ornithology, or related fields that provide applicant with knowledge and experience in conservation, project or non-profit management, or international development.

· Knowledge of neotropical migrant birds and an understanding of migratory bird conservation issues.

· Proven ability to be detail orientated, meet deadlines, manage multiple projects, and produce effective results. Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take initiative to go above and beyond.

· Creativity, demonstrated leadership skills, and ability to problem solve and find effective solutions to complicated issues.

· Previous experience working in partnership with other organizations and working effectively in cross-cultural situations.

· An outgoing, positive, persuasive manner and predisposition for collaboration and communication, and with ability to work both independently and as part of teams.

· Excellent networking, reading, writing, presentation, organizational and budget management skills.

· Fluency in English and Spanish required. Fluency in Portuguese or French is desirable.

The position will be based in the The Plains, Virginia; approximately 30 miles west of Washington D.C.

Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume as one document to:

Merrie Morrison
Vice President of Operations
P.O. Box 249
The Plains, VA 20198 or by email to hr@abcbirds.org

Submission Deadline: April 1, 2017