Year-Round Opportunities

Located in Holden, just 15 minutes from Bangor, the center includes a green-design visitor center surrounded by a 192-acre wildlife sanctuary. More than 180 Fields Pond programs year-round reach 12,000 people of all ages. The center is staffed by a full-time director and four part-time positions, and also relies on trained volunteers.

Maine Audubon seeks a skilled and passionate environmental educator who will be a highly visible, outstanding local leader responsible for all aspects of Fields Pond Audubon Center operations. He or she will be a partner to staff, volunteers, local chapters, and Maine Audubon members, and will expand recognition of the center’s service and Maine Audubon’s mission. The director will report to Maine Audubon’s director of education and centers, a position based at Maine Audubon headquarters in Falmouth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Overview: The director will lead all aspects of Fields Pond Audubon Center operations, including: hiring and management of staff and volunteers; maintenance and management of the property’s facilities and diverse habitats; and development, in coordination with Maine Audubon colleagues, of the center’s education, conservation, advocacy, fundraising, and communications initiatives.

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate center staff in concert with Maine Audubon’s human-resource policies.
• Work with staff and key partners to develop and deliver education programs and additional center-based activities and events designed to reach measurable goals and supported by action plans, including processes for monitoring and assessing progress.
• Plan and coordinate Fields Pond Audubon Center’s fundraising initiatives with Maine Audubon’s director of education and centers, director of advancement, and executive director to meet annual development goals. Play a leadership role in campaign planning, donor cultivation and events, and gift solicitation.
• Develop the center’s annual operating and capital budgets, coordinating review and approval with Maine Audubon’s director of education and centers, director of business and administration, executive director, and board of trustees. Manage and monitor revenues and expenses, and create and distribute monthly financial reports.
• Collaborate with Maine Audubon communications-department and education-department colleagues to coordinate and promote Fields Pond programs and other activities.
• Collaborate with Maine Audubon conservation-department colleagues to support the organization’s conservation and advocacy initiatives.
• Represent Fields Pond Audubon Center and Maine Audubon at local and regional meetings, seminars, and conferences, and serve as the center’s chief media spokesperson.
• Develop and cultivate partnerships and collaboration with colleague organizations, primarily in the fields of education and conservation.
• Maintain communication among the center and Maine Audubon’s Penobscot Valley and Downeast Audubon chapters and local volunteers to create a regional Audubon presence.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor of arts or science in education, environmental studies, wildlife ecology, nonprofit management, or other related area of study. Graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of leadership experience working in a nature center, science museum, or field studies program.
• Demonstrated experience as a successful fundraiser, as well as experience developing and managing budgets. Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated success in the management of staff and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of educational program design, implementation, assessment, and management.
• Demonstrated passion for nature and conservation, as well as the ability and knowledge needed to educate about wildlife conservation issues and inspire participation.
• Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, ornithology, and other science topics.
• Ability to understand and explain findings of technical reports and scientific studies.
• First Aid and CPR certification. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must not have been convicted of a crime involving a minor.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk on wooded trails, climb stairs, carry 50 pounds, and work outside in various weather conditions in all seasons.

Please mail or e-mail cover letter and resume by Monday, November 24, 2008.

Mail:

Fields Pond Director Search

Maine Audubon

20 Gilsland Farm Road

Falmouth, ME 04105

E-mail:

To Kara Wooldrik, interim director of education and centers, at kwooldrik@maineaudubon.org