The Audubon Naturalist Society, the oldest and largest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC area, is seeking a new Executive Director when the current ED retires in September. Headquartered on a 40-acre nature sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Md., ANS is listed by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one of the finest smaller charities Greater Washington has to offer,” with a talented staff, an engaged board, and committed volunteers.

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, energetic leader to make his or her mark on an organization that provides opportunities for children and adults to connect to the natural world through environmental education classes, field trips, summer camps, school and nature travel programs, lectures, and volunteer opportunities. ANS environmental advocacy focuses on protecting local watersheds and water supplies, monitoring stream health in the DC metro region; and serving as a watchdog for local wildlife habitat, farm land and open spaces.

Our ideal ED candidate will offer leadership, passion, experience and entrepreneurial spirit to grow ANS membership and funding, enhance ANS visibility through strategic communications, and increase ANS’ effectiveness as a regional conservation advocate.

For a complete job description and application guidelines, send an e-mail to: ed@anssearch.org

Job Responsibilities

Branding

• Develop a branding vision and implementation strategy that supports the communications goals established in the ANS Strategic Plan.
   
• Establish brand positioning, message development and messaging strategies that deliver relevant and compelling messages to ANS target audiences.
   
• Create and implement marketing initiatives in both traditional and non-traditional arenas that increase ANS brand awareness among key audiences in the DC metro region.

Cross-Platform Communications

• In accordance with the ANS Strategic Plan, develop, prioritize and execute a forward-looking, measurable plan for all current and future ANS communications (including e-newsletters, social media messaging, video, online campaigns, search engine optimization, web-based strategies, media relations, donor communications, advertising and print publications).
   
• Plan and implement cross-platform roll out of ANS identity messages for mobile, web, social media and other platforms with special attention paid to return on investment.
   
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of eNews and other direct email marketing messages for ANS members and new audience targets.
   
• Create social media concepts and generate social media content to connect with existing ANS communities and engage new audiences.
   
• Evaluate, oversee and define content development and distribution of regular ANS communications including Naturalist Quarterly and Annual Report.
   
• Develop the tools, analytics and reports that will help ANS optimize its communications strategies, and evaluate return on investment for communications projects and programs.

Management

• Generate communications best practices standards for the organization and train ANS staff on implementation of those standards.
   
• Stay abreast of trends in technology and social media and use tools to measure communications success.
   
• Develop proposals, project ideas and communication strategies to help raise funds from private sources, foundations and other partners. Identify and secure pro-bono services for marketing and communications outreach.
   
• Collaborate with Development Director and Program Managers to create messages, outreach tools and campaigns that support revenue building and fundraising from public and private sources.
   
• Manage all media relations and serve as chief media liaison for the organization.
   
• Serve as staff liaison for ANS Board and Communication Committee on all matters related to marketing and communications.
   
• Establish, oversee and provide cost control management for all communications project budgets.
   
• Manage work of volunteers, outside consultants and contractors in support of ANS communications projects and goals.

Professional Qualifications

• Mid to senior level communication/marketing experience.
   
• Proven track record planning, prioritizing and implementing comprehensive multi-platform communications programs to align with strategic goals.
   
• Ability to create innovative strategies, partnerships and programs without existing models.
   
• Organized, detail oriented, deadline driven and strong at overcoming challenges.
   
• Able to establish, manage and drive multiple projects to completion on time and on budget.
   
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence others without formal authority, and the ability to effectively build strong relationships both internally and externally.
   
• Experience in developing media campaigns and working effectively with both traditional and emerging media.
   
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson, including effective presentation and negotiation skills.
   
• Non-profit and environmental organization experience preferred.
   
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in marketing, communications or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
   
• Proven experience with social media marketing Capability to interact effectively with senior executives, corporate leaders, media and other non-governmental organizations.
   
• Proven ability to lead, engage, and collaborate with individuals across various disciplines, cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
   
• InDesign and Joomla or equivalent experience preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Energetic, collaborative and proactive.
  
  
• Dynamic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit.
  
  
• Creative, adaptable problem solver.
  
  
• Awareness of development and environmental issues.
  
  
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including a deep commitment to nature, intellectual curiosity, good judgment, honesty, and integrity.
  
  
• Good sense of humor, candor and flexibility.

Compensation

• Salary is commensurate with experience.
   
• Health, dental, disability, retirement and life insurance benefits provided.
   

Submit Resume and Work Samples to:

Lisa K. Alexander
Deputy Director
Audubon Naturalist Society
8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
lkalexander@audubonnaturalist.org
 

This is a contract position. Contract Naturalists are contacted on an as needed basis for programs during the week and over the weekend. Flexible and seasonal scheduling averages 2-15 hours/week in the Spring, Summer, and Fall; 2-15 hours/month in the Winter.  Programs may take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Casual, friendly work environment.

Pay
$30 for a 1 hr program or $35 for a 1.5 hour program (pay is per program and includes prep time and clean up time after the program). This position does not offer additional benefits.

 

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by email to Susanne Ortmann at sortmann@audubonnaturalist.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.