Center Director

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Position Summary:

Opened in 2004, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (MLAC) encompasses 1,200 acres of diverse habitats on San Antonio's southside, including Mitchell Lake, wetlands, ponds, grasslands, and woodlands. As an internationally recognized birding site and nature preserve, MLAC attracts thousands of visitors annually and promotes conservation through K–12 and public education, habitat restoration, and community partnerships. Its programs align with Audubon's Flight Plan, integrating science, education, policy, and habitat management to advance urban conservation and connect people with nature.

The Center Director will be a strategic and visionary leader responsible for advancing MLAC's mission, operations, and impact. Reporting to the VP & Executive Director of Audubon Texas, they will oversee habitat, trails, and facilities management; lead education, outreach, and public engagement programs; and manage staff, volunteers, and contractors. The Director will cultivate diverse partnerships, represent MLAC in the

Greater San Antonio area, and drive fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, collaborative leader passionate about conservation, habitat restoration, education, and community engagement.

This position is on-site at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.

Compensation:

$92,000 - $103,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

Leadership and Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, and manage staff and interns; foster a collaborative, high-performing team with professional development opportunities consistent with program needs and budget.

• Monitor the performance of all positions directly supervised and conduct annual performance reviews. Cultivate emerging staff leaders.

• Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Center's mission, strategy, core program areas, and operating departments consistent with Audubon's Flight Plan.

• Preserve and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, individual initiative, collegiality, and diversity; collaborate with staff to identify and implement best practices and evaluate outcomes.

• Conduct regular Center staff meetings and promote clear, open information exchange to support and advance program goals.

• Oversee and regularly review all operational aspects of the Center facilities, budgets, programs, and staffing strategy.

• Work closely with the Texas VP & Executive Director to maintain an excellent working relationship with the MLAC Advisory Board, while also building Board capacity.

• Lead MLAC Advisory Board meetings, create consistent board materials and reports, and engage board members to utilize their expertise for MLAC mission advancement.

• Engage with partners, strengthening MLAC's connections with local, state, and federal agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and community leaders.

• Establish and regularly review and update Center procedures. Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Budget and Fundraising

• Work with the Texas VP & Executive Director, Finance Manager, and Development team to develop and deliver required budgeting, financial, and project reporting deliverables. Oversee expenses to stay within the budget.

• With the guidance of development staff, meet with donors and host donor events at the Center.

• Build on existing sources of earned income, including program revenue, camp and school program tuition, store sales, rental income, and admissions.

• Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the case for support of the Center's program at

• community and fundraising events.

• Seek new revenue opportunities, write and manage grants in partnership with the Development team, ensure grant reporting and compliance; assist with and staff special fundraising events at the Center.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

Program Development, Coordination and Delivery

• Align MLAC's programs with Audubon's conservation goals and our Centers and Sanctuaries blueprint; ensure local education and community outreach efforts support statewide, national, and hemispheric strategic priorities.

• Collaborate with partners, including the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to maintain aquatic habitats and co-develop a water resilience plan that supports long-term sustainability at the center.

• Expand urban conservation initiatives and community engagement beyond the Center by collaborating with local partners and stakeholders to enhance MLAC's impact.

• Strengthen the MLAC volunteer program, increasing engagement opportunities, and foster a dedicated community of conservation advocates.

• Oversee major seasonal programming and events, including tours, educational activities, visitor experiences, and gift shop operations.

• Expand conservation programming with a focus on underserved communities, increase accessibility and engagement in environmental education.

• Regularly evaluate and enhance programs in collaboration with staff and MLAC Advisory Board; ensure offerings remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with conservation priorities.

• Ensure all programs and content are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible, reflecting the diverse audiences MLAC serves.

• Collaborate with Audubon colleagues across the Americas, including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

Marketing and Community Outreach

• Work with Audubon staff, MLAC Advisory Board, and constituents to develop and implement a marketing and promotions plan for MLAC and its programs.

• Develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations and, working with the Texas VP &  Executive Director and Communications team, be available to serve as MLAC's media spokesperson.

• Oversee major projects and community collaborations.

Land and Facilities Management

• Oversee habitat management projects that enhance habitat for birds and other wildlife on Audubon property with state and center conservation staff.

• Oversee monitoring and maintenance of trails and facilities, anticipating and remedying deterioration, and safety issues to provide for visitor needs.

• Provide onsite management and collaborate with cross-functional teams to oversee the planning and execution of new buildings, as well as improvements to roads and onsite infrastructure, as part of a city bond-funded project.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 10 plus years' relevant experience in non-profit management and/or conservation experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, education, non-profit management, environmental studies, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

• Successful track record of hiring, managing, and mentoring staff.

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work in a dynamic environment, and effectively manage change.

• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Project management experience, including managing budgets, grants, completing reports, contracts, and other projects, required.

• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences and age groups.

• Prepare proposals, reports, program summaries, newsletter articles, and other documents.

• Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders, such as the Board of Directors, management, and other National Audubon Society staff.

• Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible environment, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Commitment to Audubon's values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

• Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications as well as donor enterprise systems. Experience with Salesforce is a strong plus.

• Demonstrated fundraising success in the areas of individual giving, corporate giving, foundation, and other support will be highly weighted.

• Familiarity with the communities, flora, and fauna and environmental partners of San Antonio and neighboring counties is strongly preferred.

• A passion for conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and the protection of Texas's natural resources.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.

• A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a sense of humor are essential.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.

Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future. 

Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding. 

Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives.

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

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