Senior Coordinator, Volunteers and Education

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of the Center’s volunteer program; ensure volunteers are appropriately trained, and volunteer opportunities reach non-traditional audiences, aligning with Audubon’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) values.
• Lead volunteer retention and appreciation; develop and implement year-round training and enrichment activities; provide regular and consistent communication to volunteers throughout the year.
• Work closely with program area leads to identify and schedule volunteer workdays and enrichment programs; ensure all workdays and programs are appropriately staffed and incorporate Audubon Field Safety guidelines.
• Oversee the volunteer application process, including applications and background checks, and ensure all sensitive information of volunteers is secure.
• Manage volunteer scheduling using the Volgistics program and train others needing to utilize Volgistics.
• Oversee and manage volunteer housing at Rowe Sanctuary, ensuring volunteers have safe, equitable, and appropriate facilities. Effectively address any disputes or conflicts amongst volunteers with grace, empathy, and professionalism. Coordinate with the Operations Manager to address and correct maintenance issues.
• In coordination with other education team members, conduct education and outreach programming and cultivate partnerships with local community groups, businesses, institutions of higher learning, conservation partners, cultural organizations, and others to promote facility rentals, the volunteer program, online gift shop, and the Sanctuary in general.
• Manage on-site logistics of significant events such as fundraising events, board meetings, and special events.
• Work closely with other education team members to expand and implement community outreach and community science programs and projects, especially when volunteers are needed.
• Assist with Center and Sanctuary operations ranging from welcoming visitors to general maintenance to development of signage or outreach materials; provide high-quality customer service to visitors; greet guests, answer questions, monitor crowds, and ensure the safety of visitors and program attendees.
• Partner with Audubon Staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated into the Center programming, volunteer training and engagement, promotion, educational displays, materials, and interpretative signage throughout the Sanctuary.
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the online gift shop, including but not limited to monitoring inventory of products, ensuring timely deliveries and accurate sales records are maintained.
• Assist with public and private funding opportunities, including writing grant proposals and corporate sponsorships; manage relevant awarded grants and projects and ensure necessary reporting.
• Work closely with other team members to coordinate on-site research projects and maintain necessary records and information.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, business administration, facility operations, outdoor recreation, or related field
• A minimum of three years experience in coordination of volunteers, outreach and engagement, and event planning. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including managing numerous projects simultaneously and prioritizing critical focus areas.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, organizational skills, and sound judgment under pressure.
• Capacity to work quickly and effectively with a wide range of people and diverse communities.
• Ability to build relationships, be diplomatic, and exhibit sensitivity and empathy in working with volunteers, the public, community organizations, and others in dynamic organizations and events.
• Proven ability to prepare and deliver presentations to audiences and age groups of different backgrounds in informal and formal settings.
• Experience conducting education programming, including youth and adult education programming.
• Proven ability to prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents.
• Experience in building, implementing, and retaining a thriving and diverse volunteer program.
• Experience with gift shops, online retail systems, or similar online programs preferred.
• Experience with measurement and evaluation best practices is strongly preferred.
• Self-motivated and willing to work in a dynamic environment, willing to work evenings and weekends as needed in outdoor settings, including in adverse weather conditions.
• Familiarity with the communities, flora and fauna, communities and conservation partners of south-Central Nebraska, and the Platte River basin is strongly preferred.
• A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and the natural resources of Nebraska and the Great Plains is strongly preferred.
• Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively and build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking public speaking events.
• Ability to transport up to 25 lbs. and lead program and visitor tours for a minimum of 1.5 miles per day on uneven terrain, with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and computer and web-based tools.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

This position is represented by theCommunications Workers of America (CWA).